Callisto | Research & Development

Callisto has proven capability to undertake the design and development of specialist equipment.

These are necessary for space missions where link margins are critical, for example for Deep Space Missions. The use of cryogenically cooled LNAs can provide improved ground station G/T at a fraction of the cost of increasing antenna diameter.

Callisto developed cryogenic low noise amplifiers systems in S-, X- and Ka-bands for ESA ground stations. For more details visit our Product Development page.

Callisto has undertaken a study contract for ESA to develop a ground station noise temperature measurement system. This novel design uses spread spectrum techniques to allow measurement of noise, whilst operational signals are present within the system under test. Noise measurement is made by means of evaluation of bit error rate in a test loop. For more details visit our NTMS page.

We have developed a number of simulators for testing and validation of ground station to satellite interfaces.

Working with a number of industrial partners, Callisto has developed various components for cryogenic applications:

Waveguide Vacuum/Pressure Windows
Waveguides in metalised carbon fibre
RF Filters
HEMT amplifiers

Callisto has an established history of projects involving spread spectrum techniques and CDMA. The spread spectrum page provides a summary of Callisto's experience in this area of technology since 1993.

Callisto's facilities include instrumentation for microwaves characterization including :

Vector network analyzer operating from 10 MHz to 20 GHz
Electronic laboratory
PC based software tools

A cryogenic test chamber is also available for the evaluation and test of components at temperatures as low as 12 Kelvin (-261°C). Software development facilities are available for applications such as test equipment monitor and control using National Instruments LabView.

List of publications and papers