Satellite Feed Antenna Testing Without External RF Cables
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The manual installation and removal of hundreds of cables during satellite antenna testing is time-consuming and intensive, necessitating a more efficient method for satellite feed antenna testing.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that generates a source signal internally within the satellite, using a reflector to direct the signal to both a probe and a reference horn externally, allowing for amplitude and phase determination of the transmit signal by comparing mixed intermediate signals, eliminating the need for external RF sources and cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If hundreds of cables are routed between the multiport switch and the antennas of the satellite during tests, then the antenna field measurement can be performed, but the installation and removal of the cables becomes manually intensive and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the RF 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 occurs internally at each antenna location. The measurement function is preserved while the time-consuming cable installation/removal process is eliminated.
Solution Approach 2:
The satellite performs its own self-testing by generating RF signals internally through transmitters located within the satellite structure. Each feed antenna receives signals from internal sources and transmits them for measurement, eliminating dependence on external test equipment and cable connections. This self-service approach enables rapid testing without manual cable management.
2Measurement precision
If hundreds of cables are routed between the multiport switch and the antennas of the satellite during tests, then the antenna field measurement can be performed, but the process becomes manually intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex cable routing system and external RF source from the test setup. By extracting these elements and replacing them with internal satellite transmitters, the operation becomes significantly easier - requiring only simple probe positioning rather than manual cable connection and disconnection for each antenna test.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable routing system with an electromagnetic field-based measurement approach. Instead of physically connecting cables to each antenna, the system uses wireless RF signal transmission from internal sources to external probes, eliminating manual mechanical operations while preserving measurement capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an external RF source is used to generate signals for antenna testing, then the signal can be distributed to multiple antennas, but the system complexity and cost increase due to numerous cables and components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the RF signal generation function, placing separate transmitter sources within the satellite structure rather than using one external source. Each transmitter serves specific feed antennas, eliminating the need for complex cable distribution networks. This segmentation reduces system complexity while maintaining the ability to test multiple antennas efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces internal satellite transmitters as intermediaries between the original external RF source concept and the feed antennas. These intermediaries generate signals locally within the satellite, eliminating the need for external cable infrastructure while achieving the same signal distribution function with reduced complexity.
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 reduces the complexity and cost of testing by minimizing the use of external cables and RF components, enabling efficient testing of multiple antennas with a single reflector, thereby streamlining the testing process.
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. The method further includes generating a transmit signal external to the satellite by a broadcast of the source signal with the feed antenna, generating a test signal with a probe in response to a first reception of a test portion of the transmit signal. The probe is external to the satellite. The method includes generating a reference signal with a reference horn in response to a second reception of a reference portion of the transmit signal. The reference horn is external to the satellite. The method includes determining an amplitude and a phase of the transmit signal based on the test signal relative to the reference signal.