Near-Field Payload Parameter Determination for Satellite Antennas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining payload parameters of telecom satellite antennas under near-field conditions are limited, particularly for frequency bands or noise temperature-dependent parameters, as they often require extensive resources and time, and are not easily adaptable for large satellites.
Innovation Solution
A method that conducts near-field payload measurements, determines a unique near-field correction factor for each parameter, and calculates the payload parameter for the frequency band or noise temperature, allowing for adaptation of far-field measurement systems and sequences without the need for far-field conditions, thereby simplifying the determination of payload parameters like Gain over Noise Temperature, Group Delay, and Gain over Frequency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If near-field measurements are conducted for frequency band or noise temperature dependent parameters using existing methods, then payload parameters can be determined without far-field conditions, but the measurement process requires extensive resources and time
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement process is segmented into two independent parts: (1) a one-time near-field pattern measurement to determine correction factors, and (2) subsequent payload parameter measurements using those correction factors. This segmentation allows the complex correction factor determination to be performed once, rather than for each payload parameter measurement, thereby improving productivity while maintaining the ability to perform near-field measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The near-field pattern measurement and correction factor determination are performed as preliminary actions before the actual payload parameter measurements. By pre-calculating the correction factors from pattern data, the subsequent payload measurements can proceed efficiently without repeating the complex correction calculations for each parameter, thus resolving the productivity issue.
2Adaptability or versatility
If near-field measurements are conducted for frequency band or noise temperature dependent parameters, then far-field measurement systems can be adapted, but the existing methods are not easily adaptable for large satellites
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the approach from measuring payload parameters directly to measuring near-field pattern data first, then deriving correction factors from those pattern measurements. This parameter change in the measurement strategy allows the same measurement system to be used for both pattern measurements and payload parameter measurements, improving adaptability while managing complexity for large satellites through a unified measurement approach.
3Measurement precision
If existing near-field measurement methods are used for frequency band dependent parameters, then some payload parameters can be determined, but the methods fail or require excessive resources for frequency band or noise temperature dependent parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The near-field correction factors derived from pattern measurements serve as universal corrections for all payload parameter measurements, regardless of whether the parameters are frequency band dependent, noise temperature dependent, or other types. This universality allows a single set of correction factors to improve measurement precision across multiple different payload parameters without requiring separate correction procedures for each, thereby reducing the quantity of resources needed.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention refers to a method for determining of a payload parameter of a device under test (110) wherein the payload parameter to be determined is dependent from a frequency band or is dependent from a noise temperature, comprising the steps of conducting a plurality of near field payload measurements of the device under test (110). Further, a respective near-field correction factor (v) is determined for each measurement of the payload parameter. Finally, the payload parameter is determined for the frequency band or the noise temperature by calculation from the respective measured plurality of payload parameters and the respective near-field correction factors (v).