STDA026 March   2026 AFE7950-SP

 

  1.   1
  2.   Abstract
  3.   Trademarks
  4. 1Introduction
    1. 1.1 Overview of Modern Satellite Communication Systems
    2. 1.2 Presentation of the AFE7950 as an Integrated RF Design
  5. 2Technical Advantages of AFE7950 for SATCOM Applications
    1. 2.1 Spectral Flexibility and Agility
      1. 2.1.1 Wide Frequency Range (600MHz - 12GHz)
      2. 2.1.2 Configurable Bandwidth
      3. 2.1.3 Significance of Frequency Hopping for SATCOM
      4. 2.1.4 JESD204B and JESD204C Flexibility
        1. 2.1.4.1 Subclass 1 Synchronization
        2. 2.1.4.2 Lane Reduction for Power Savings
        3. 2.1.4.3 Recommended JESD Encoding
    2. 2.2 Advantages for SATCOM System Design
    3. 2.3 Radiation Tolerance
      1. 2.3.1 AFE7950-SP: Space-Qualified Version
        1. 2.3.1.1 Total Ionizing Dose (TID)
        2. 2.3.1.2 Single Event Latch-Up (SEL)
        3. 2.3.1.3 Single Event Functional Interrupt (SEFI)
        4. 2.3.1.4 Radiation Lot Acceptance Testing
        5. 2.3.1.5 Outgassing ASTM E595 Compliance
      2. 2.3.2 Benefits for SATCOM
    4. 2.4 Power Consumption Optimization
      1. 2.4.1 Power Mode Configuration
        1. 2.4.1.1 Rx Only Mode
          1. 2.4.1.1.1 Use Case of Rx Mode
          2. 2.4.1.1.2 Benefits of Rx Mode
        2. 2.4.1.2 Typical Operation Mode
        3. 2.4.1.3 4T4R FDD Mode
          1. 2.4.1.3.1 4T4R FDD Mode Use Case
      2. 2.4.2 Power-Saving Strategies
        1. 2.4.2.1 Low Power Operation Mode
          1. 2.4.2.1.1 Standby Mode
          2. 2.4.2.1.2 Sleep Mode
      3. 2.4.3 Benefits of Sleep and Standby Mode for SATCOM
  6. 3Conclusion
  7. 4References

1.2 Presentation of the AFE7950 as an Integrated RF Design

The Texas Instruments' AFE7950 is a four‑transmit, four‑receive, two feedback channels (4T‑4R‑2F) RF transceiver designed specifically for wide‑frequency-range satellite and aerospace applications. The key architectural features of the transceiver that align with the SATCOM requirements listed in Table 1-1 include:

  • A broadband front end that supports continuous frequency coverage, enabling operation across Ku-band, Ka-band, and lower-band satellite windows without redesign
    • Transmitter (TX): 600MHz to 12GHz
    • Receiver (RX): 5MHz to 12GHz
  • An on-chip automatic gain control (AGC) block that controls digital step attenuators (DSAs) to maintain input power levels on RX
  • Multiple GPIOs to control digital features such as power amplifier protection (PAP) and numerically-controlled oscillator (NCO) hopping
  • Typical power consumption of approximately 7.5 watts for full duplex operation, with power-down modes that reduce consumption to less than 1 watt
  • Radiation hardness assurance (RHA) verified through testing for single event latch-up (SEL) up to 70MeV·cm2/mg and total ionizing dose (TID) up to 100krad(Si)
  • Implemented in a 0.8mm pitch, 17mm × 17m BGA package

Collectively, these attributes make the AFE7950 a single‑chip, multiband RF front end that can reduce the size of the bill of materials (BOM), board area, and development time while still delivering the performance envelope required for SATCOM payloads.