Technologically Advanced N-Plexer for GPS III Operation (TANGO)

ABSTRACT:The primary objective of the TANGO Phase II project is to investigate, design, fabricate and qualify an innovative (wide bandwidth, high power handling, low insertion loss) triplexer (L1, L2, and L5 bands) for the GPS III navigation payload.NuWaves Engineering has partnered with GPS III navigation payload provider, Exelis, to provide the Technologically Advanced N-plexer for GPS III Operation (TANGO). The TANGO project leverages NuWaves extensive filter and multiplexer design experience with Exelis space electronics expertise and GPS III experience. TANGO uses an innovative cavity filter topology to:Enable wider bandwidth operation to support flexible signal generation for digital modulation schemesAccommodate high power handling without increasing multipaction or introducing unwanted PIMExhibit low insertion loss to ensure optimum signal combining for downlink applicationsBy combining legacy concepts with contemporary, innovative concepts, TANGO provides the required performance with tremendous potential for insertion into GPS III.BENEFIT:The innovative TANGO technology offers such a size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP-C) advantage over existing n-plexer solutions for high-power signal multiplexing in L-band (and higher bands) that a wide variety of space-based and terrestrial programs related to navigation, communications, telemetry, etc., could derive benefit. In addition to the U.S. Air Forces Global Positioning Systems Directorate, this could include the Military Satellite Communications Systems Directorate (MILSATCOM) and its various secure satellite communications development programs.Potential commercial applications include navigation systems, airborne communications and telemetry for SWaP-constrained platforms, including unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), etc.