EMIMEP

Seminar « Microwave Design in Space Application » by Fabrice Delahaye (Thales Alenia Space – EMIMEP Associated partner)

Fabrice Delahaye (Thales Alenia Space) delivered a seminar entitled « Microwave Design in Space Application » at the University of Catania (Italy) during our 2025 Research and Industrial Week.

Abstract.

Introduction to space applications

  • Introduction
  • Satellite mission : why do we need satellite

Microwave design in space applications

  • Technologies used for RF design
  • Technologies and frequency bands over space application
  • Comparison of different technologies : III-V vs SIGe
  • Elements of technology

Foundry

  • RF design library example (Design Kit)
  • MMIC schematic extraction

Methodology

  • Specification example and technology choice
  • Computer added design for MMIC and RFIC design (DRC, LVS, EM…)
  • Design method : electrical schema vs electromagnetic simulation
  • Design constraints (process variation, packaging, …)

Design of passive circuits

  • RF coupler
  • RF combiner
  • RF divider

Design of active circuits

  • Linear and non linear operation
  • Noise study on linear circuit
  • Choice of the quiescent point on amplifier design
  • MMIC / RFIC sizing and gain definition
  • LNA design
  • Linearity study (P1dB, OIP3, NPR, ACPR, memory effects)
  • HPA design
  • Mixer design

Stability analysis

  • Linear circuit stability analysis : Rollett factor, Delta, stability circles
  • Specific circuit stability analysis (cascode amplifier) : Nyquist analysis
  • Specific non linear circuit stability analysis (HPA) : MP analysis

Bio. Fabrice Delahaye is MMIC Designer at Thales Alenia Space. He is graduated from the ENSEEIHT Toulouse (France) with a degree in Microwave Engineering.

  • Professional experience.
    • From 1997 to 2010 at Thales Alenia
      Space
    • In the SSPA Team (Solid State Power
      Amplifier): Test & design
      Since 2010 : MMIC Designer at Thales
      Alenia Space
  • Significant experience in Microwave Circuit
    Design (1 to 40 GHz) :

    • High Power Amplifiers in GaN technology MMIC and Hybrid
    • Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuits in GaAs & GaN technology
    • Proficient in linear, non-linear circuits and electromagnetic simulation tools: ADS, Momentum, HFSS
    • Coordination and management of R&D projects up to 500 K€