Planck satellite 70 GHz EBB-version back end module

The first complete 70 GHz back end module (BEM) of the coming Planck satellite is described. It includes an H-plane waveguide band pass filter, an InP HEMT amplifier, a diode detector made on 0.1 mm alumina substrate, and video amplifiers. RF parts are designed, manufactured, and measured individually and then the complete BEM is tested. Stringent requirements are set through the mechanical layout of the entire functional unit. Most specifications have already been met with the exception of conversion loss in band ripple which must be further reduced.     

Planck satellite 70 GHz receiver noise tests

The LFI (Low Frequency Instruments) receivers in the coming Planck satellite are of continuous comparison type and use low noise amplifiers based on high electron mobility transistors manufactured from indium phosphide substrate (INP-HEMT-MMIC-LNAs). This article describes the 1/f-noise tests and the associated test system for the 70 GHz demonstrator receiver, which can either use single or dual channel phase switcher methods. The 1/f knee frequency is shown to depend on the calculation method of the r-value. A minimum 1/f knee frequency around 10 mHz has been achieved with full two channel foxtrot and individually adopted r-values for each phase states while a straightforward single phase technology cannot go below 40 mHz