US-based advanced electronics supplier SEAKR Engineering has received a patent for an advanced radio frequency (RF) processing application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) technology in Canada.

The CA 2,953,837 patent ’Integrated Mixed-Signal ASIC with Analog Digital Converter (ADC), Digital Analog Converter (DAC) and Digital Signal Processing (DSP)’ is the fourth global patent secured by the company for its AISC, which is designed to offer integrated RF processing for satellite applications.

The technology provides improved design and enhanced radiation tolerance due to the integrated DSP, DAC, ADC and digital I/O functions.

The radiation tolerance was assessed through extensive particle accelerator-based testing.

The reduced size, weight and power (SWaP) of this new technology allows RF processing in satellite applications to support new missions.

This patent covers SEAKR technology for ADCs and DACs in an integrated package solution with DSP functions such as tuning and decimation, high-speed Serializer/DeSerilizer (SerDes) inter-chip communications, along with Single Event Upset (SEU) mitigation techniques.

The ASIC technology is expected to replace the existing up/down RF electronics with the new integrated digital and RF processing solution.

This approach enables integration of a high-sample rate ADC/DAC into a configurable channeliser or beamforming ASIC.

Given that the company’s RF processing products leverage four generations of architectural capability, they can supporta complete spectrum of payload processing requirements. According to the company, this ensures the highest level of on-orbit reconfigurable processing capability in the industry.

Last month, SEAKR Engineering announced that it is using next-generation technologies to develop digital RF processors for Saturn Satellite Networks’ (Saturn) small GEO satellite NationSat. Saturn is currently building its first NationSat satellite using a 2.5kW bus design.

Established in 1982, SEAKR Engineering designs and manufactures processors, command and data handling systems, advanced payloads and manned space hardware.

SEAKR has been delivering its technologies in collaboration with government, civil and commercial bodies.