VDES Diplexer
DIPDAX project
The RF device shown is a passive diplexer developed by DWave under the ESA-funded DIPDAX project, in collaboration with Politecnico di Milano.
Designed for VDE-SAT missions, the diplexer is a key RF (VHF band), subsystem enabling high-performance full-duplex communications for VHF payloads. Leveraging a proprietary architecture and innovative engineering solutions, it overcomes the limitations of currently available commercial technologies, delivering the performance required by next-generation SmallSat and CubeSat constellations.
DWave is advancing this technology towards Technology Readiness Level 6 (TRL-6), with the objective of delivering a qualified solution for operational space applications.
Key Features
- High TX/RX isolation enabling reliable full-duplex communications
- Low insertion loss for maximum RF efficiency
- High power handling capability for demanding space communication payloads
- Compact and optimized design for SmallSat platforms
- CubeSat 1U integration compatibility
- Design compliant with space mission environmental requirements
Mission Objective
The objective is to develop a next-generation full-duplex diplexer enabling simultaneous high-performance VHF communications while minimizing mass and volume, without compromising isolation, reliability, and RF efficiency.
The solution is intended for future VDE-SAT payloads onboard SmallSat and CubeSat platforms, where miniaturization, performance, and system-level optimization are key enablers for next-generation satellite architectures.
Technical Specifications
The RF diplexer has been designed to meet the demanding requirements of VDE-SAT missions and future SmallSat and CubeSat constellations, ensuring high RF performance, reliability, and compatibility with the space environment.
Frequency Configuration
Option 1
- Receive (RX): 157.1875 – 157.3375 MHz
- Transmit (TX): 161.7875 – 161.9375 MHz
Option 2
- Transmit (TX): 157.1875 – 157.3375 MHz
- Receive (RX): 161.7875 – 162.0375 MHz
RF Performance
- Insertion Loss: < 1.5 dB (typ.)
- Insertion Loss Variation: < 0.35 dB pk-pk
- TX/RX Isolation: ≥ 80 dB
- Return Loss: ≥ 14 dB
Out-of-Band Rejection
- RASB1 (150.05 – 153.0 MHz): ≥ 25 dB
- RASB2 (323.575 – 323.875 MHz): ≥ 47 dB
(applicable only to the TX band at 161.7875 – 161.9375 MHz) - RASB2 (322 – 328.6 MHz): ≥ 20 dB
- RASB3 (406.1 – 410 MHz): ≥ 15 dB
Power Handling
- Average Input Power: 4.8 dBW + IL<sub>DPXR,max</sub>
- Peak Input Power: 13.3 dBW + IL<sub>DPXR,max</sub>
Environmental Compatibility
Designed to operate under the demanding conditions of space missions, the diplexer is compatible with the main environmental constraints required for satellite platforms:
- Operating Temperature: –40 °C to +70 °C
- Space Environment Compatibility: qualified for operation under vacuum, radiation exposure, and mechanical loads according to space mission requirements.
Applications
- VDE-SAT
- Full duplex communication
- Maritime
Ordering informations
Contact us: sales @ dwavesrl.it
Ordering informations
Contact us: sales @ dwavesrl.it