F. Ishitsuka et al., A compact three-dimensional packaging technique using super-fine-pitch coaxial connector arrays for on-board satellite equipment, IEEE T AD P, 23(3), 2000, pp. 530-537
A compact three-dimensional (3-D) inter-module microwave packaging techniqu
e has been developed that drastically reduces the volume of on-board satell
ite equipment of phased-array beam control (PBC), A super-fine-pitch coaxia
l connector (SCC) array has been successfully implemented with this 3-D str
ucture along with very flat, superior-performance ceramic MMIC packages and
combiner packages. Two types of SCC have been developed-a lead-to-jack arr
ay and a plug-to-plug array-both of which have a 2-mm pin pitch. Through ap
plication of this 3-D packaging technique to S-band 64-beam 32-radiator PBC
equipment, an ultra-small packaging unit was developed that houses a 32 x
64 interconnection in a 2600-cc chassis. This technique promises to make po
ssible compact, light-weight on-board PBC equipment that is especially suit
able for use in satellite transponders.