III-V Semiconductors in Commercial Communication Satellite Payloads

There is a need for high performance, high reliability RF electronics (typically referred to as “the payload”) in Commercial Communications Satellites. For these applications, it is required to supply radiation hardened electronics to survive the harsh environment of space while also providing the demanding performance required to meet the payload’s mission. To this end the use of III-V semiconductor technologies has enabled many of these missions. This paper will provide an understanding of what are commercial communications satellites and their payload architectures. This will provide insight into their need for III-V RF active semiconductors. A brief history of communication satellites will be given to allow an understanding of the motivations for using III-V technology, a look at some present requirements will be given to show the state of this technology in this application, and a view of the future usage for this technology will be presented.