Engineering Expertise for Space CommunicationsCallisto has over 18 years’ experience producing ultra‐low noise cryogenic amplifiers for satellite ground stations, and has launched its next generation of Compact Cryo‐LNAs with zero maintenance cryo‐coolers Building on a proven Compact Cryo‐LNA design already in service with clients such as CNES (French national space agency) and ESA (European Space Agency), the Compact Cryo‐ LNA delivers a compelling antenna performance improvement in the sectors of:
The benefits of using a cryogenic LNA is that the Noise Temperature (NT) of the LNA can be typically halved, compared to a system with a conventional un‐ cooled LNA. This enables the use of a smaller diameter antenna to achieve the required G/T performance. The Cryo‐LNA benefits include:
The Compact Cryo‐LNA is available in three frequency configurations, with the following noise temperature performance (at the input flange):
| X‐Band (7-9GHz) |
K‐Band (18.2–21.2GHz) |
Ka‐Band (25.5‐27 GHz) |
|
| Noise Temp | <20K | 35K | 50K |
Callisto integrates world leading cryogenic technology for its products, and the Compact Cryo‐LNA uses the advantages of a light‐weight, highly efficient and long‐life cryogenic cooler. Working at 80K, a Stirling‐cycle cryo‐cooler is used, that integrates the cold finger and compressor into one compact unit that can work in any orientation.
The cooler has been developed to serve various applications including mobile telephone base station filter cooling, delivered in very high volumes and for which extremely long MTBF performance has been demonstrated. Contactless bearings and seals are designed for ultra‐long operating life.
| Physical Specifications | |
| Dimension | 475 x 165 x 110mm (single channel version) 475 x 165 x 172mm (dual channel version) |
| Weight | <10Kg |
| Mounting | Can operate in any orientation, on a movable antenna structure. |
Application Note: X-Band Compact Ultra-Low Noise Amplifier for the CNES STEREO Mission Support
Click here to request the datasheet
Antenna G/T improved by 2dB over typical ambient LNAs. 2dB/K of G/T is equivalent to an increase of 60% in the G/T (or the antenna sensitivity), or an effective increase of 20% + of the antenna diameter.
The monitoring and control of the LNAs as an option can be done remotely via the ground station central monitor and control network by using a TCP/IP interface and PC‐based terminal.
The main functions of the software are:
The Compact cryogenic LNA comprises the main RF and cooler unit (as pictured) and a powersupply unit that can be either a compact module, or a 19” rack mount unit.