ARQUIMEA’s technology in space: the microchips in the active antenna of Hisdesat’s SpainSat NG satellites

The SpainSat NG mission is now a reality. The duo of satellites of the company Hisdesat, SpainSat NGI and NGII, will be in charge of providing secure communications services for Spain, the European Commission and NATO for the next 15 years. Given the extreme conditions in which these satellites operate in space (mainly vacuum, radiation and temperature), the program has the latest technology. The first of these satellites was launched into space on January 30, 2025 and is expected to enter service in the second half of 2025, providing coverage throughout Europe, Africa and America from geostationary orbit.

The technology on board these telecommunication satellites is a Spanish technological and historical milestone, led by Hisdesat. The satellites have very advanced and flexible active X-band transmission and reception antennas, interconnecting the X, military Ka and UHF bands. In addition, these antennas allow to maximize the security of communications and prevent interference and potential spoofing attempts.

Arquimea has participated with the design and testing of integrated circuits resistant to digital and analog radiation on board the active antenna. The technology company brings to the SpainSat program its more than 20 years of experience in the space sector, collaborating in more than 190 missions, as well as its capabilities in design, development and manufacturing of thermal systems and microchips in the two satellites.

SpainSat’s active antenna, a technological milestone

The active antenna of the SpainSat satellite is an advanced telecommunications system designed to provide flexible and secure coverage in the X and Ka bands. Its steerable beam technology allows to dynamically adjust the direction and power of the signal, optimizing communications in real time. This capability is essential to ensure reliable links in military, government and emergency operations.
Thanks to its design based on active element arrays, the antenna improves resistance to interference and allows simultaneous connection to multiple terminals. In addition, its specialized microchips control the phase and amplitude of the signals, maximizing link efficiency and reducing power consumption.
Built with materials resistant to space radiation, SpainSat’s active antenna ensures stable and long-lasting performance in orbit. Its implementation reinforces Spain’s technological sovereignty in the field of secure and strategic satellite telecommunications.

More than 4,000 ARQUIMEA’s microchips bring the active antenna to life

The microchips in the active antenna of the SPAINSAT NG satellite are essential elements for its operation, enabling dynamically steerable electromagnetic beams. These microchips, designed with advanced semiconductor technology, control the phase and amplitude of the transmitted and received signals. Thanks to their integration in the active antenna, the satellite can adjust in real time the coverage and power of its communications, optimizing the efficiency of the link.

ARQUIMEA has designed and tested two types of microchips, digital and analog, for the active antenna that operate without interruption. Both types have been designed and qualified following the most demanding standards to resist radiation, temperature and vacuum of space. ARQUIMEA has carried out this project during the last three years in its state-of-the-art facilities. The qualification of these integrated circuits follows the European Space Agency standard (ESCC9000) and a total of 4,150 units have been integrated in the antenna.

The main difference between the two types of microchips is that the digital ones control the signals of the unitary elements of the active antenna, and the analog ones control the feeding of each radiating element of the antenna. In addition, the latter also perform functions of temperature, voltage and current monitoring inside the antenna to detect possible operating problems.

Manufactured with materials that are highly resistant to space radiation, these microchips guarantee stable and long-lasting performance in the hostile environment of space. Their technology enables secure communications for military, government and emergency applications. In addition, their flexible addressing capability reduces interference and improves signal quality.

Are all microchips valid?: Qualification and testing

One of the most elaborate and demanding processes is the qualification and testing of microchips. This consists of two parts, screening and qualification. The first is applied to all parts of the microchip production batch, carrying out acceleration, baking, temperature and electrical tests. The second phase is performed on a reduced number of parts, being tests that can cause degradation or even be destructive, such as shock, vibration, acceleration and life tests.

“The entire process of design and qualification of all chips has been in-house, demonstrating our high technological and engineering capabilities in the space sector following the highest quality standards to ensure that each chip will function properly throughout its lifetime.” Jesús López, Head of IC Design at ARQUIMEA

What has been ARQUIMEA’s contribution in the SpainSat NG Satellites?

ARQUIMEA has participated in Spainsat NG with the design and test of the active antenna microchips and with the co-engineering, detailed design, manufacturing and support to the integration of the thermal control system of the active antennas of the two satellites of the Hisdesat program.

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