Satellite Feed Antenna Testing Without External RF Cables
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual installation and removal of hundreds of cables during satellite antenna testing is time-consuming and intensive, complicating the measurement process.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for satellite feed antenna testing that generates a source signal internally, using a reflector to direct transmit signals to both a probe and a reference horn externally, allowing for amplitude and phase determination without external radio-frequency sources or cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If hundreds of cables are routed between the multiport switch and the antennas for testing, then measurement coverage is complete, but the installation and removal process becomes manually intensive and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the radio frequency source from the external test bench and places it inside the satellite. This eliminates the need for hundreds of cables connecting external equipment to multiple antennas, as the signal generation happens in-situ. The source signal is generated internally and distributed to antennas through a reduced cable network using a multiport switch located within the satellite.
Solution Approach 2:
The satellite performs self-testing by generating its own source signal internally and measuring its own antenna transmissions. The test system uses the satellite's own transmitted signals as the test stimulus, eliminating the need for external signal generation equipment and extensive cabling. The receive antenna converts the transmitted signal into a test signal for measurement, creating a self-contained testing system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hundreds of cables are used to connect test equipment to multiple antennas, then all antennas can be tested, but the system complexity and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the radio frequency source, multiport switch, and measurement equipment into a single integrated test system located within the satellite. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate external equipment and extensive cabling, reducing system complexity while maintaining the capability to test multiple antennas. The receive antenna serves dual purposes as both a transmission element and a measurement probe.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiport switch enables a single signal source to serve multiple antennas simultaneously or sequentially. The receive antenna functions both as a transmitter and as a measurement probe for all antennas in the array. This multi-functionality reduces the number of dedicated components needed, simplifying the overall system while maintaining comprehensive testing capability.
3Reliability
If external radio frequency sources and cables are used for testing, then signal generation is reliable, but the weight and cost of the testing system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The radio frequency source is extracted from the external test bench and relocated inside the satellite. This eliminates the need for heavy external signal generation equipment and extensive cabling, significantly reducing the weight of the testing system. The source signal is generated in-situ and distributed to antennas through a minimized cable network using an internal multiport switch.
Solution Approach 2:
The satellite generates its own test signals using internal radio frequency sources, eliminating the need for external heavy equipment. The system uses its own transmitted signals as the test stimulus, converting them through a receive antenna into test signals for measurement. This self-service approach reduces weight while maintaining testing reliability through internal signal generation and measurement.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach simplifies the testing process by eliminating the need for external cables and couplers, reducing weight and cost while efficiently measuring multiple antennas with a single reflector or side lobes, and generating near-field patterns.
Implementation Method 1
generating the test portion of the transmit signal by a first reflection of the transmit signal from a reflector in a first direction toward the probe. The method includes generating the reference portion of the transmit signal by a second reflection of the transmit signal from the reflector in a second direction toward the reference horn.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for testing a feed antenna of a satellite includes generating a source signal internal to the satellite. The satellite includes the feed antenna disposed on an exterior of the satellite. A transmit signal external to the satellite is generated by a broadcast of the source signal with the feed antenna. A test signal with a probe is generated in response to a first reception of a test portion of the transmit signal. The probe is external to the satellite. A reference signal with a reference horn is generated in response to a second reception of a reference portion of the transmit signal. The reference horn is external to the satellite. An amplitude and a phase of the transmit signal are determined based on the test signal relative to the reference signal.