Very low noise millimeter-wave down converters for the Microwave Humidity Sounder

Marc Trier; Pierre Turc

doi:10.1117/12.373212

28 December 1999 Very low noise millimeter-wave down converters for the Microwave Humidity Sounder

Marc Trier, Pierre Turc

Proceedings Volume 3870, Sensors, Systems, and Next-Generation Satellites III; (1999) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.373212
Event: Remote Sensing, 1999, Florence, Italy

Abstract

In the framework of the spaceborne Microwave Humidity Sounder (MHS) project contracted to Matra Marconi Space (MMS) by the Eumetsat organization, very low noise Down Converters were developed in the millimeter wavelengths at 89 GHz, 157 GHz (atmospheric windows) and around 183 GHz (water vapor absorption bands). The achieved noise performance is excellent leading to a significant improvement on the Instrument radiometric sensitivity when compared to the first generation instrument AMSU-B: the noise figures measured over the 0 - 40 degree Celsius temperature range are better than 7 dB for the 157, 183 GHz channels and better than 4.5 dB for the 89 GHz channel. Schottky diode mixers have been retained, as providing nowadays the most proven and efficient solution. At 89 GHz a single balanced configuration with the so-called crossbar solution was selected, whereas in V-band the Sub Harmonically Pumped mixer type was used. In both cases Local Oscillators in W-band were necessary. The sources were constructed around Ka band Dielectric Resonator Oscillators using Whispering Gallery Modes. The four sets of Flight Models have presently been delivered, and represent the state-of-the- art in the field of spaceborne Microwave Remote Sensing built at a Space qualified standard for a continuous meteorological service.

Citation Download Citation

Marc Trier and Pierre Turc "Very low noise millimeter-wave down converters for the Microwave Humidity Sounder", Proc. SPIE 3870, Sensors, Systems, and Next-Generation Satellites III, (28 December 1999); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.373212

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