Retrodirective Phased Array Antenna for Nanosatellites

Retrodirective Phased Array Antenna for Nanosatellites PDF Author: Justin W. Long
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Microspacecraft
Languages : en
Pages : 318

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Book Description
This thesis presents a S-band phased array antenna for CubeSat applications. Existing state-of the-art high gain antenna systems are not well suited to the majority of CubeSats, those that fall within the 1U (10 cm x 10 cm x 10 cm) to 3U (10 cm x 10 cm x 30 cm) size ranges and in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The system presented in this thesis is designed specifically to meet the needs of those satellites. This system is designed to fit on the 1U face (10 cm x 10 cm) of a CubeSat and requires no deployables. The use of beamforming and retrodirective algorithms reduces the pointing requirements of the antenna, easing the strict requirements that high gain antennas typically force on a CubeSat mission. Additionally, this design minimizes volume and uses low cost Commercial-off-the-Shelf (COTS) parts. This thesis discusses the theoretical background of phased array theory and retrodirective algorithms. Analysis are presented that show the characteristics and advantages of retrodirective phased antenna systems. Preliminary trade studies and design analyses show the feasibility and expected performance of a system utilizing existing COTS parts. The preliminary analysis shows that an antenna system can be achieved with ≥8.5 dBi of gain, 27dB of transmitted signal gain, 20% Power Added Efficiency (PAE) within a 1 W to 2 W power output, and an 80° effective beamwidth. Simulation results show an example antenna array that achieves 8.14 dBi of gain and an 82° effective beamwidth. Testing results on a prototype of the front-end electronics show that with minimal calibration, the beamforming and scanning error can be reduced to 5°. The power consumption and signal gain of the electronics is also verified through testing. The CubeSat Communications Platform, a CubeSat mission funded through the Air Force Research Laboratory is in Phase A design to demonstrate this antenna system, along with other experimental payloads. This thesis includes a discussion of interface control, mission requirements, operations, and a recommended experiment sequence to test and verify the antenna system on orbit.

Retrodirective Phased Array Antenna for Nanosatellites

Retrodirective Phased Array Antenna for Nanosatellites PDF Author: Justin W. Long
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Microspacecraft
Languages : en
Pages : 318

Get Book Here

Book Description
This thesis presents a S-band phased array antenna for CubeSat applications. Existing state-of the-art high gain antenna systems are not well suited to the majority of CubeSats, those that fall within the 1U (10 cm x 10 cm x 10 cm) to 3U (10 cm x 10 cm x 30 cm) size ranges and in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The system presented in this thesis is designed specifically to meet the needs of those satellites. This system is designed to fit on the 1U face (10 cm x 10 cm) of a CubeSat and requires no deployables. The use of beamforming and retrodirective algorithms reduces the pointing requirements of the antenna, easing the strict requirements that high gain antennas typically force on a CubeSat mission. Additionally, this design minimizes volume and uses low cost Commercial-off-the-Shelf (COTS) parts. This thesis discusses the theoretical background of phased array theory and retrodirective algorithms. Analysis are presented that show the characteristics and advantages of retrodirective phased antenna systems. Preliminary trade studies and design analyses show the feasibility and expected performance of a system utilizing existing COTS parts. The preliminary analysis shows that an antenna system can be achieved with ≥8.5 dBi of gain, 27dB of transmitted signal gain, 20% Power Added Efficiency (PAE) within a 1 W to 2 W power output, and an 80° effective beamwidth. Simulation results show an example antenna array that achieves 8.14 dBi of gain and an 82° effective beamwidth. Testing results on a prototype of the front-end electronics show that with minimal calibration, the beamforming and scanning error can be reduced to 5°. The power consumption and signal gain of the electronics is also verified through testing. The CubeSat Communications Platform, a CubeSat mission funded through the Air Force Research Laboratory is in Phase A design to demonstrate this antenna system, along with other experimental payloads. This thesis includes a discussion of interface control, mission requirements, operations, and a recommended experiment sequence to test and verify the antenna system on orbit.

Retrodirective Phase-lock Loop Controlled Phased Array Antenna for a Solar Power Satellite System

Retrodirective Phase-lock Loop Controlled Phased Array Antenna for a Solar Power Satellite System PDF Author: Samuel John Kokel
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

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Book Description
This thesis proposes a novel technique using a phase-lock loop (PLL) style phase control loop to achieve retrodirective phased array antenna steering. This novel approach introduces the concept of phase scaling and frequency translation. It releases the retrodirective transmit-receive frequency ratio from integer constraints and avoids steering approximation errors. The concept was developed to achieve automatic and precise beam steering for the solar power satellite (SPS). The testing was performed using a transceiver converting a pair of received 2.9 GHz signals down to 10 MHz, and up converting two 10 MHz signals to 5.8 GHz. Phase scaling and conjugation was performed at the 10 MHz IF using linear XOR phase detectors and a PLL loop to synthesize a 10 MHz signal with conjugate phase. A phase control loop design is presented using PLL design theory achieving a full 2 [pi] steering range. The concept of retrodirective beam steering is also presented in detail. Operational theory and techniques of the proposed method are presented. The prototype circuit is built and the fabrication details are presented. Measured performance is presented along with measurement techniques. Pilot phase detectors and PCL achieve good linearity as required. The achieved performance is benchmarked with standards derived from likely performance requirements of the SPS and beam steering of small versus large arrays are considered.

Design and Prototype of a Phased-Array Antenna for Nanosatellite Radar and Communication Applications

Design and Prototype of a Phased-Array Antenna for Nanosatellite Radar and Communication Applications PDF Author: Siddharth Ghanshyam Dave
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
Reconfigurable software defined radios are capable of altering radio frequency parameters of a transceiver to add functionality and improve performance. Initially static by design, reconfigurable radios have become common on nanosatellites, assisting in reduction of launch costs and addition of functionality. Antenna designs have also become reconfigurable, by being able to change frequency range, polarization and many other characteristics. Some antenna designs also perform lobe (beam) steering; however, they are not commercially available for nanosatellites. Some of the added benefits of beam steering are debris detection and satellite-to-satellite communication. Therefore, this research combines antenna frequency reconfigurability and beam steering using an array to design an antenna that can be mounted on a nanosatellite.

Phased Array Antenna Investigation for CubeSat Size Satellites

Phased Array Antenna Investigation for CubeSat Size Satellites PDF Author: Kien Dang
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Nanosatellites
Languages : en
Pages : 48

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Book Description


Retrodirective Antenna Arrays

Retrodirective Antenna Arrays PDF Author: Yoichiro Miyamoto
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 96

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Book Description


Conformal Retrodirective Antenna Array Characterisation

Conformal Retrodirective Antenna Array Characterisation PDF Author: Shyam Lilachand Karode
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

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Retrodirective Antenna Array Architectures for Wireless Communication Systems

Retrodirective Antenna Array Architectures for Wireless Communication Systems PDF Author: Kevin M. K. H. Leong
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 242

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Book Description


Advanced Retrodirective Array and Phased Array Architectures for Wireless Communication Systems

Advanced Retrodirective Array and Phased Array Architectures for Wireless Communication Systems PDF Author: Darren S. Goshi
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780549234210
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 266

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Book Description
Phased array communication systems are increasing in popularity for many scenarios that require high speed, high resolution, flexible beamforming, system robustness, and compact footprints. It is seen as the promising future of many applications such as active and passive imaging radars, where mechanically steered antennas tend to be too bulky, unreliable, and with slow beam scanning rates.

Space Antenna Handbook

Space Antenna Handbook PDF Author: William A. Imbriale
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1119993199
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 772

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Book Description
This book addresses a broad range of topics on antennas for space applications. First, it introduces the fundamental methodologies of space antenna design, modelling and analysis as well as the state-of-the-art and anticipated future technological developments. Each of the topics discussed are specialized and contextualized to the space sector. Furthermore, case studies are also provided to demonstrate the design and implementation of antennas in actual applications. Second, the authors present a detailed review of antenna designs for some popular applications such as satellite communications, space-borne synthetic aperture radar (SAR), Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) receivers, science instruments, radio astronomy, small satellites, and deep-space applications. Finally it presents the reader with a comprehensive path from space antenna development basics to specific individual applications. Key Features: Presents a detailed review of antenna designs for applications such as satellite communications, space-borne SAR, GNSS receivers, science instruments, small satellites, radio astronomy, deep-space applications Addresses the space antenna development from different angles, including electromagnetic, thermal and mechanical design strategies required for space qualification Includes numerous case studies to demonstrate how to design and implement antennas in practical scenarios Offers both an introduction for students in the field and an in-depth reference for antenna engineers who develop space antennas This book serves as an excellent reference for researchers, professionals and graduate students in the fields of antennas and propagation, electromagnetics, RF/microwave/millimetrewave systems, satellite communications, radars, satellite remote sensing, satellite navigation and spacecraft system engineering, It also aids engineers technical managers and professionals working on antenna and RF designs. Marketing and business people in satellites, wireless, and electronics area who want to acquire a basic understanding of the technology will also find this book of interest.

Laser Space Communications

Laser Space Communications PDF Author: David G. Aviv
Publisher: Artech House Publishers
ISBN:
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 220

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Book Description
This groundbreaking resource is the first book to offer you a thorough, practical treatment of laser space communications. The book focuses on the feasibility of laser space communication links between satellites, satellites and airborne platforms, and satellites and ground based stations to achieve worldwide connectivity. You get expert guidance on weather avoidance approaches and adaptive antenna subsystems that help mitigate the effects of turbulence. The book presents simplified, yet highly accurate, engineering expressions of complex mathematics of turbulence that provide you with numerical values in the links' signal power budget. Moreover, you find an entire chapter devoted to noise photons and their effect on the bit error rate. This comprehensive volume covers a wide range of critical topics you need to understand for your work in the field, from a discussion on laser vs. RF communications in space, basic design features of a laser transceiver, and configuration of inter-satellite communication links, to selection of ground station locations, 5th Generation Internet (5-GENIN), and signal modulation schemes. The book is supported with over 70 illustrations and more than 100 equations.