Photonic Frequency Converter Performance Enhancement for Satellite Payloads

Doctoral thesis on the design and optimization of RF frequency conversion modules using semiconductor-based photonic components for satellite telecommunications payloads. The work addresses the increasing demand for higher bandwidth satellite services while reducing payload mass and complexity. The thesis covers satellite communication networks, payload architectures, RF mixer design principles, and photonics integration. Two categories of converters are developed and analyzed: those using electro-absorption modulators (EAM) and semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOA). Comprehensive simulation results using VPIphotonics software are presented, including conversion gain, noise figure, isolation characteristics, and third-order interception point measurements. Experimental validation of three laboratory-tested architectures demonstrates the feasibility of compact, integrated photonic frequency converters for next-generation satellite systems, achieving significant reductions in mass and volume compared to traditional RF components while maintaining required performance specifications.