Matrix amplifier and routing system (MARS) analysis program

Matrix amplifier and routing system (MARS) is a satellite payload technology that can be applied to both commercial and military communication satellites to increase capacity and flexibility. MARS enables the available RF power of satellite high power amplifiers (HPAs) to be automatically shared among channels (transponders or downlink beams). MARS also allows the routing of signals from each uplink beam or channel to one or more of downlink beams without using any switches or multiplexers placed after the HPA outputs. While the MARS concept is simple and straightforward, the MARS operating performance analysis is complex and tedious (in comparison to that of a conventional payload). This paper describes a general-purpose computer program called MARSAP that can be used to analyze the performance of a MARS. The emphasis is placed on the mathematical modeling of the MARS components and the algorithms used in the program. General nonlinear/intermod MARS performance results simulated from the program are also presented along with recommendations for future enhancement to the program.