A 60-channel superconductive input multiplexer integrated with pulse-tube cryocoolers

This paper presents the measured results of a C-band 60-channel superconduc tive input multiplexer integrated with pulse-tube space-qualified cryocoole rs. The multiplexer is developed to duplicate the requirements of the INTEL SAT 8 program. The channel filters are self-equalized ten-pole high-tempera ture superconductor (HTS) planar structures designed with drop-in cryogenic ferrite circulators and isolators. This paper presents details on RF desig n, packaging, and cryocooler integration, as well as an assessment of overa ll reliability of using HTS equipment in a space environment. This paper de monstrates that at least 50% reduction in mass and 65% reduction in size ca n be achieved by replacing the INTELSAT 8 C-band dielectric-resonator input multiplexer with a superconductive multiplexer.