Repeater design and verification tool

The present invention relates generally to communication systems, and more specifically to systems and methods for designing and verifying repeater configurations.

In a communication system, a repeater such as a satellite can receive a signal from a ground station and transfer the received signal to another ground station. This signal is first transmitted by the ground station with a certain amount of signal power. A portion of the signal power is consumed while the ground station first transmits the signal to the repeater on the uplink, the repeater processes the signal, and transfers it to the receiving ground station on the downlink. In addition, power can be added to the signal by one or more amplifiers that may be included in the repeater.

Ideally, the signal is received at the receiving ground station with sufficient power so that the signal has the desired signal quality. In addition, it is generally desirable to minimize the amount of power consumed by the repeater, such as the power consumed to amplify the power of the signal prior to downlink. Similarly, it is generally desirable to minimize the loss of signal power that can occur while the signal is being processed by the repeater.

In the design and development of repeater systems, developers can incorporate a variety of different repeater components, including, for example, but not limited to, filters, multiplexers, amplifiers, and other components. Each component has its associated loss and amplification, which affects the amplification and loss of signal power as the signal is processed by the repeater. In addition, components that have the same configuration and can be manufactured by the same manufacturer may have different performance characteristics such as different amplification, loss and noise values.

In this regard, repeater systems with the same configuration with the same components may exhibit different performance characteristics due to the cumulative effect of the individual amplifications or losses of the repeater components. Due to the cumulative effects of repeater components, the operating characteristics of a particular repeater may deviate from the set operating characteristics, requiring high cost and significant time to replace the components of the physical model after re-examination of the repeater. This scenario can be repeated in an iterative process until the repeater contains a set of components that allow the repeater to operate within specifications.

<p> As described above, there is a technical need for systems and methods to design and develop repeater systems that can analyze repeater performance with a variety of different components without the need to test the physical model of the repeater. ..</p>

<p> The above needs for the design and development of repeater systems are addressed and mitigated by the present invention. The present invention provides, in one embodiment, a method of assessing a repeater path, which identifies the parameters of a transmitting and receiving ground station and the amplification, loss and amplification of at least one repeater component in the repeater path. Includes steps to identify performance parameters for components that contain at least one of the noise figures. The method further predicts the repeater performance of the repeater path as a function of the parameters of the transmitting and receiving ground stations, and of the performance parameters of at least one of the amplification, loss and noise figures of at least one repeater component. Can include doing. The method can further include communicating component performance parameters, including at least one amplification factor, loss and noise figure of the repeater component, transmit and receive ground station parameters, and repeater predictive performance. The method further adjusts at least one of the component's performance parameters amplification, loss and noise figure so that the repeater's predicted performance falls within a predetermined range of the repeater's desired performance. Can be included.</p><p> In a further embodiment, a method of determining the performance of a curved tube repeater pass is disclosed, which provides a physical model of the repeater pass having an input end and an output end, and the repeater performance of the repeater pass. Includes the step of predicting as a function of the parameters of the transmitting and receiving ground stations, the amplification of the components of multiple repeaters, the loss and the performance parameters of at least one component of the noise figure. The method can include calculating the repeater's input power level and the repeater's output power level at each of the input and output ends and corresponding to the expected repeater performance. Synthesis test RF signals can be applied to the input ends. The magnitude of the test RF signal may be approximately equal to the calculated input power level of the repeater. The method can further include measuring the output power level of the repeater in response to the application of a test RF signal using a downlink wattmeter coupled to the output end. The method can further include determining the actual repeater performance based on the difference between the measured repeater output power level and the calculated repeater output power level.</p><p> In a further embodiment, a method of evaluating the curved tube repeater path of an orbiting spacecraft is disclosed. The method can include identifying the parameters of the transmitting and receiving ground stations, and the performance parameters of the repeater components contained in the repeater path. The method also receives telemetry data from a spacecraft in orbit, which includes the actual performance of the repeater, and the actual equivalent isotropic radiation of the uplink related to the actual performance of the repeater. It can include identifying the actual radiated power (EIRP), and the actual atmospheric loss of the uplink. Uplink's predicted EIRP and uplink's predicted atmospheric loss can be adjusted to be substantially equal to the uplink's actual EIRP and the uplink's actual atmospheric loss. The method can include predicting repeater performance as a function of repeater component performance parameters, transmit and receive ground stations, and regulated uplink estimated EIRP and regulated uplink estimated atmospheric loss. .. The method also calculates the difference between the predicted performance of the repeater and the actual performance of the repeater, and then sets the component performance parameters of the repeater component so that the difference between the predicted performance of the repeater and the actual performance of the repeater is within a predetermined range. It can include adjusting until it becomes.</p><p> A system for evaluating repeater paths has also been disclosed, which can include a system manager, a performance calculator, and a graphical user interface. The system manager may include one or more transmitting and receiving ground stations and at least one of the amplification, loss and noise figures of one or more repeater components in the repeater path of one or more repeater components. It can be configured to acquire multiple individual parameters of performance parameters. The performance calculator may be communicating with the system manager to determine the predictive performance of repeaters in the repeater path, at least among the parameters of the transmitting and receiving ground stations, and the amplification, loss and noise figures of one or more repeater components. It can be configured to be calculated as a single function. The graphical user interface displays real-time predicted individual performance parameters of one or more transmitting and receiving ground stations, and at least one of the amplification, loss and noise figures of one or more repeater components. can do. The graphical user interface allows the reconstruction of at least one of the multiple individual parameters of the transmitting and receiving ground stations and the performance parameters of at least one repeater component of amplification, loss and noise figure. , It is possible to bring the predictive performance of the repeater within a predetermined range of the desired performance of the repeater.</p><p> The features, functions and advantages described can be achieved individually in various embodiments of the invention, or with yet another embodiment which can be further understood by reference to the description and drawings below. Can be combined.</p><p> These and other features of the invention will become more apparent with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same numbers refer to the same parts throughout the drawing.</p>

<figref num="1">It is a schematic diagram which shows the repeater spacecraft, and the radio wave reach range of an uplink and a downlink.</figref><figref num="2">It is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a repeater pass that can be incorporated into a spacecraft.</figref><figref num="3">It is a figure of the embodiment of the system manager for inputting the parameter of the component of a repeater path.</figref><figref num="4">FIG. 5 is a diagram of an embodiment of a graphical user interface for evaluating repeater paths.</figref><figref num="5">FIG. 5 is a diagram of an embodiment of one or more operations that can be included in the procedure for evaluating a repeater pass.</figref><figref num="6">FIG. 5 is a diagram of an embodiment of one or more operations that can be included in the means of determining the performance of a physical model of a repeater path.</figref><figref num="7">FIG. 5 is a diagram of an embodiment of one or more operations that can be included in a procedure for evaluating the performance of an in-orbit repeater.</figref><figref num="8">FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a repeater pass evaluation system for performing one or more operations of a procedure for predicting repeater performance of a repeater pass.</figref>

The drawings provided for the purpose of showing various suitable embodiments of the present invention are referred to herein. Figure 1 shows a spacecraft 34 that transmits uplink signals 20 and downlink signals 24 along uplink paths 18 and 22 and defines downlink radio coverage 16 in a portion of Earth 14. It is a schematic diagram of. Spacecraft 34 can incorporate a repeater 36 that defines a repeater path 38 that can be configured as a curved tube repeater 36. The repeater path 38 can be configured to receive radio frequency (RF) signals from one or more transmitting ground stations 26 and retransmit the RF signals to one or more receiving ground stations 30.

The repeater pass 38 can be designed, developed and evaluated using the evaluation system 100 (FIG. 3) as disclosed herein. The evaluation system 100 can include a system manager 102 similar to that shown in FIG. 3, which system manager 102 can be linked to a graphical user interface 200 (GUI) similar to that shown in FIG. .. The evaluation system 100 adjusts the individual values or performance parameters of the repeater component 46 (Fig. 2) that forms the repeater path 38 (Fig. 1) to predict the repeater predictive performance 208 (Fig. 4) of the repeater path 38 (Fig. 1). It is advantageous because it provides a means for assessing the impact on. In addition, the parameters of the transmitting ground station 26 and the receiving ground station 30 shown in FIG. 1 can be adjusted to evaluate the effect of the repeater path 38 on the predictive performance 208 (FIG. 4) of the repeater. For example, the measured value of the repeater predictive performance 208 can include the output level transmitted by the transmitting antenna of the repeater 36 (FIG. 1) when transmitting the RF signal in the downlink direction to the receiving ground station 30. The output radiated by the repeater's transmit antenna can be defined as equivalent isotropic radiated power (EIRP) and can represent the strength or magnitude of the signal transmitted by the repeater's transmit antenna along the downlink direction.

In certain embodiments, the evaluation system 100 (FIG. 3) and the methods disclosed herein can be used to predict the performance of the repeater pass 38 (FIG. 1) for easy comparison with the desired performance of the repeater pass. it can. As shown in FIG. 2, the repeater path 38 can include a repeater component 46, each with an individual component performance parameter 110 (FIGS. 3-4). The system manager of FIG. 3 can identify or obtain the performance parameters 110 of the repeater component 46 (FIG. 2), such as amplification degree 116, loss 112, noise figure 118, and noise temperature 114 (FIG. 3). You can enter in 102. Identify the component performance parameter 110 of the repeater component 46 in a given repeater path 38 configuration, load it into the system manager 102 (Figure 3), and then predict the performance of the repeater 36 through the graphical user interface 200 (Figure 4). And can communicate or display.

The component performance parameter 110 can be adjusted using the graphical user interface 200 of FIG. 4 until the repeater predictive performance 208 of repeater pass 38 (FIG. 4) falls within a predetermined range of desired repeater pass performance. For example, the repeater path 38 is a repeater receiving antenna 44 (FIG. 1) for receiving the uplink signal 20 (FIG. 1) transmitted along the uplink path 18 (FIG. 1) by the transmitting ground station antenna 28 (FIG. 1). Can have Figure 1). The repeater receiving antenna 44 includes a repeater receiving antenna parameter 120 (Figure) that includes an amplification parameter indicating the amplification given to the uplink signal 20 by the repeater receiving antenna 44 when the repeater receiving antenna 44 receives the uplink signal 20 (FIG. 3) can have.

With brief reference to FIG. 4, the graphical user interface 200 adjusts the amplification degree 116 (FIG. 3) and / or other component performance parameter 110 (FIG. 3) of the repeater component 46 to provide a detailed description below. As such, the predicted downlink equivalent isotropic radiated power (EIRP) 304 (Fig. 4) and / or the predicted amplification to noise temperature ratio (G / T) 290 (Fig. 4), and the repeater. It provides a means for assessing the impact of path 38 on other path performance parameters 38. In the ratio of antenna amplification to noise temperature (G / T), G represents the antenna amplification and T represents the antenna system noise temperature.

In addition, the evaluation system 100 (FIG. 3) and method consist of a repeater path 38 consisting of repeater components that may have the same component performance parameters 110 defined during the design and development of the repeater path 38 using the evaluation system 100 (FIG. 3). A means for verifying the operating characteristics of the physical model shown in Fig. 1) is provided. In addition, the evaluation systems 100 and methods disclosed herein provide a means of using the evaluation system 100 to analyze the performance of satellites in orbit with a design, development and ground-tested repeater path 38. be able to. The evaluation systems 100 and methods disclosed herein are not limited to, but are not limited to, the design, development and evaluation (ie, testing) of the repeater path 38 of the satellite repeater communication system 10 (FIG. 1). It should be noted that it can be applied to any RF communication system, including any marine, land, airborne or space based communication system or any combination of the above systems.

With reference to FIG. 2, a non-limiting embodiment of the repeater path 38 is shown in which the evaluation system (FIG. 3) can calculate the predictive performance of the repeater. The repeater path 38 shown in FIG. 2 includes an input end 40 to which the repeater receiving antenna 44 (FIG. 4) can be connected. As shown in FIG. 2, the input test coupler 48 and the output test coupler 68 are located at the input end 40 and the output end 42 of the repeater path 38, respectively, to test and verify the physical model of the repeater path 38. It can be made easier. For example, as described in further detail below, test equipment can be connected to the input end 40 and output end 42 of the repeater path 38, ground testing before repeater 36 (Figure 1) becomes available. Inside, the synthesis test RF signal 260 (FIG. 4) can be applied to the repeater path 38 at the input end 40 (FIG. 4) and the signal strength can be measured at the output end 42 (FIG. 4).

Further referring to FIG. 2, the repeater path 38 may include one or more repeater components 46 for processing the uplink signal 20 (FIG. 1) received by the repeater receiving antenna 44 (FIG. 4). For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the test coupler 48 can be coupled to a transmit blocking filter 54 (TRF) that may be included in the repeater path 38 and transmitted by a repeater transmit antenna (not shown). It is possible to block signals that are capable and can adversely interfere with the operation of repeater 36 (Fig. 1). The TRF54 can be coupled to the input test coupler 48 by a waveguide 50 or other suitable signal line. The repeater path 38 can also include a low noise amplifier 56 (LNA) that amplifies the signal received by the repeater's receiving antenna 44. The LNA56 can also be communicatively coupled to the TRF54 by waveguide 50 or other suitable device. Since the LNA56 is located near the input end 40 of the repeater path 38, it is preferable to amplify the signal while minimizing the noise entering the signal.

As shown in FIG. 2, the repeater path 38 further has an uplink frequency of 136 (eg: 11000 GHz, FIGS. 3-4) to a downlink frequency of 138 (eg: 12000 GHz, figure) before the repeater's transmit antenna transmits the signal. 3-4) can include a downlink converter 58 (DC) that converts the signal frequency. The input multiplexer 60 (IMUX) is included in the repeater path 38, and the signal is signaled before one or more amplifiers, such as the high power amplifier 64 (HPA) (FIGS. 3-4), amplify each communication path. Bandwidth 140 (Figs. 3-4) can be separated into different communication paths.

FIG. 2 shows an additional repeater component 46, including, but not limited to, a dynamic link assignment (DLA) device 62 that may also be included between the IMUX 60 and the traveling wave tube 64 (TWT) amplifier. In one embodiment, the HPA (FIGS. 3-4) can include one or more TWT46 amplifiers, but other HPA configurations are also conceivable. A TWT46 amplifier can be communicably coupled to an output multiplexer 66 (OMUX) to recouple the communication path to downlink frequency 138 (FIGS. 3-4) before sending it to the repeater's transmit antenna. As shown earlier, the repeater path 38 (FIG. 2) may include the output test coupler 68 at the output end 42 to test the repeater path 38 before the repeater 36 (FIG. 1) becomes available. it can. The above-described embodiment of the repeater pass 38 will be an example of one of a relatively wide range of repeater pass 38 configurations that can be designed, developed and evaluated using the evaluation system 100 and methods disclosed herein. It should be noted.

With reference to FIG. 3, an embodiment of the system manager 102 configured to receive the parameters of the repeater component 46 forming the repeater path 38 is shown. The system manager 102 can be configured so that, for example, a user of the evaluation system 100 (FIG. 3) can easily input the performance parameter 110 of the component. Identifying the performance parameter 110 of the component and loading it into the system manager 102 facilitates the design, evaluation, and / or verification of the performance of the repeater path 38, as described below. Further, the system manager 102 of FIG. 3 makes it easy to input the parameter 228 (FIG. 4) of the transmitting ground station 26 (FIG. 1) and the receiving ground station 30 (FIG. 1). As mentioned above, a non-limiting embodiment of the component performance parameter 110 of the repeater component 46 that can be input or received within the system manager 102 includes one or more of the predetermined system configurations 158 of the repeater path 38. The amplification degree 116, the loss 112, the noise figure 118, and the noise temperature 114 of the component 46 are mentioned, and similarly, the parameters 228 and 230 of the transmitting ground station 26 and the receiving ground station 30 are mentioned.

Referring to FIG. 3, the system manager 102 may facilitate the input of individual losses 112 for each component 46 at each stage 108 of the repeater path 38. Step 108 can be defined as the position of the repeater component 46 in the repeater path 38. FIG. 3 shows stage 108 identified as Loss 2, where component 46 is listed and may be associated with a given repeater component 46. For example, in stage 108 identified as "loss 2", the repeater component 46 can include the TRF54 and various connectors, switches, and various other items that may be associated with the TRF54. The individual loss 112 of each repeater component 46 can be obtained, for example, from a manufacturer or the like and can be entered by a user or the like of the evaluation system 100 into the system manager 102. For example, stage 108 can include a stage identified as "loss 2", and the list shows that the transmit blocking filter 54 has a loss 112 of 0.15 dB.

Although not listed in FIG. 3, the loss 112, amplification 116 and noise figure 118 input to the system manager 102 can be expressed in dB or in any other suitable unit. The sum of the losses 112 associated with a given repeater component 46 at stage 108 may also be included in the system manager 102. For example, for stage 108 identified as "loss 2", the total loss 112 is displayed as 0.56, which can be expressed in dB. In addition, the noise temperature 114 may be associated with each repeater component 46, which can also be identified and input to the system manager 102 shown in FIG. The noise temperature 114 represents a temperature associated with a given magnitude of loss. An increase in noise temperature 114 can generally correlate with an increase in loss in the component. For example, FIG. 3 shows a noise temperature of 290.00 (K) associated with a loss of 0.56 in stage 108 labeled "Loss 2". An increase in noise temperature 114 from 290.00K can result in more loss than the 0.56dB loss displayed in the column identified as "Loss 2".

FIG. 3 shows the repeater component 46 identified as the LNA 56 (ie, low noise amplifier) described above with respect to the repeater path 38 of FIG. In the system manager 102 of FIG. 3, the amplification degree 116 and the associated noise figure 118 can be input for the LNA 56 and the additional repeater component 46. For example, an amplification of 39.50 dB and a noise figure of 1.50 dB can be input to the system manager 102 for the LNA56. There may be additional hardware associated with the LNA56, which may have a loss that can contribute to the total loss of stage 108 of the repeater path 38. For example, stage 108 identified as "loss 3" can include a "coaxial pad" with a loss of 0.50 dB and a descriptively named microwave "T switch" with a loss of 0.40 dB. .. A T-switch can have a roughly "T" shape, including two input ports and one output port, with three ports allowing the selection of one of the two input signals passing through the output port. Can include.

The hardware loss 112 associated with the LNA 56 can be entered into the system manager 102 as the noise temperature 114 that may be associated with the loss displayed for each stage 108. The total loss of each stage 108 can be calculated. For example, stage 108 identified as "loss 3" is shown as having a total loss of 7.84 dB. Similarly, all component performance parameters 110, such as loss 112, noise temperature 114, amplification 116, and noise figure 118, are identified for component parameter 47 and the system for a given repeater path 38 configuration. Can be received within manager 102.

Further referring to FIG. 3, the parameters of the repeater receiving antenna 44 (FIG. 4) can also be input to the system manager 102. For example, the noise temperature 122 of the repeater receiving antenna can be input to the system manager 102 in Kelvin units or any other suitable unit. The noise temperature 122 of the antenna can be associated with noise from Earth 14 (FIG. 1) and from space and may be a function of the frequency of the uplink signal 20 (FIG. 1) received by the repeater receiving antenna 44. Further, the noise temperature 122 of the antenna may affect the amplification degree of the repeater receiving antenna 44. The system manager 102 can facilitate the input of parameters such as noise temperature 122, amplification 124, and various losses 126 associated with the repeater receive antenna 44. The various losses 126 described above can also include losses due to manufacturing defects in the repeater receiving antenna 44.

FIG. 3 further shows a system manager 102 configured to receive additional repeater parameters in addition to amplification 116, loss 112 and noise 114, 118. For example, a value of the HPA amplifier rating of 128 can be entered into the system manager 102 to represent the maximum power level of the HPA 64 before it becomes saturated. The amplification factor 130 of the downlink repeater transmitting antenna can also be input like any other parameter. The system manager 102 may include a location list of transmitting ground station 26 and / or receiving ground station 30 (FIG. 1) that can be selected using the location selector 132 (FIG. 4). The choice of the location of the receiving ground station 30 affects the predictive performance 208 (FIG. 4) of repeaters such as the downlink prediction EIRP304 related to the location of the receiving ground station 30, as described in more detail with respect to FIG. sell.

Additional ground station parameters that can be received by the system manager 102 shown in FIG. 3 include uplink signal frequency 136, downlink signal frequency 138, signal bandwidth 140, and signal data velocity 142. Also, parameters related to the transmitting ground station antenna 28 (Fig. 4), such as the uplink estimation EIRP 146 and range 148, or the distance of the spacecraft 34 (Fig. 4) in orbit from the transmitting ground station 26 (Fig. 4). It can be entered in the system manager 102 in Figure 3. Further, the noise performance of the transmitting ground station 26 can be input in the form of the amplification degree of the transmitting ground station 26 and the noise temperature ratio (G / T) 150.

Uplink estimated atmospheric loss 154 and downlink estimated atmospheric loss 156 can also be identified and received within System Manager 102. Uplink estimated atmospheric loss 154 and downlink estimated atmospheric loss 156 are shown in Figure 3 as having a null value (ie 0.00), which is with clean air and / or zero precipitation. It can indicate that there is no atmospheric loss due to the presence. However, input the non-zero values of the uplink estimated atmospheric loss 154 and the downlink estimated atmospheric loss 156, and the uplink signal 20 and the downlink signal 24 when passing through the earth's atmosphere (Fig. 1). Attenuation can be taken into account.

With reference to FIG. 4, the graphical user interface 200 of the evaluation system 100 (FIG. 3) is shown. The graphical user interface 200 can include repeater component compartments 222, which can include the same repeater component 46 as shown in system manager 102 in FIG. The graphical user interface 200 can include a legend section 206 that can include means of distinguishing the types of data displayed in the graphical user interface 200. For example, legend compartment 206 can include a mark that distinguishes parameter data that is loaded into the graphical user interface 200 and is extracted from system manager 102 (FIG. 3), and also includes computable repeater performance 208 data. Can be done.

For the purposes of the present disclosure, FIG. 4 shows the markings of different cross-hatching patterns corresponding to different types of values displayed in the graphical user interface 200. However, any suitable mechanism, such as color, can be used to distinguish different types of data displayed on the graphical user interface 200. In this regard, legend segment 206 can identify input data 210, calculated data 212, calculated RF level 214, and overdrive / saturation 216, each of which has a different identification mechanism, such as a mark, color, or other identification. It can correspond to the mechanism. An end button 220 for terminating the evaluation system 100 (FIG. 3) can also be included.

FIG. 4 shows that the input data 210 is input to the system manager 102 shown in FIG. 3 and loaded into the graphical user interface 200 of FIG. 4 by selecting the load button 204 in the repeater configuration identified as the load budget. Show that it is interrelated with the parameters that can be. The calculated data 212 can be calculated by the evaluation system 100 (FIG. 3), and the performance parameter 110 of the component input to the system manager 102 of FIG. 3 and the performance parameter 110 of the transmitting ground station 26 and the receiving ground station 30. Based on this, the repeater predictive performance 208 of the repeater pass 38 can be defined. As an example of the calculated data 212, the repeater predictive performance 208 data shown in FIG. 4 is of the repeater path 38 as described above with respect to FIG. 3 and as shown in the repeater component section 222 of the graphical user interface 200 of FIG. Repeater power level 224 and / or noise level 226 at each stage 108 can be included. The repeater predictive performance 208 may also include EIRP and G / T of repeater pass 38, and other repeater performance values.

FIG. 4 also shows selector options for system configuration 158 (FIG. 3), including a repeater configuration file menu 202 for selecting repeater configuration 104 (FIG. 3) and loading it into the graphical user interface 200. Each repeater configuration 104 file can represent a set of component performance parameters 110 defined in system manager 102 of FIG. 3 and preloaded in system manager 102 to define repeater configuration 104. As described above, the repeater configuration 104 file represents a constant repeater component 46 (FIG. 3) of the repeater path 38 configuration, further including 26 parameters for transmitting ground station and 30 parameters for receiving ground station. When the load budget button 204 is selected, the parameters of the repeater component 46 and the parameters of the transmitting ground station 26 and the receiving ground station 30 (FIG. 4) entered in the system manager 102 of FIG. 3 are transferred to the graphical user interface 200 of FIG. Will be added. For example, in the repeater component section 222 of the graphical user interface 200, the parameter value of 166.00 identified as "earth / space brightness T (ant) K" in the graphical user interface 200 was received by the system manager 102 in FIG. Corresponds to the value.

As can be seen in the graphical user interface 200 of FIG. 4, each parameter identified as input data 210 is facilitated by increasing or decreasing the value of the parameter from the value originally added to the graphical user interface 200. The parameter adjuster 221 can be included for this purpose. FIG. 4 shows each parameter adjuster 221 including up / down arrows for adjusting the value of the parameter. However, any suitable mechanism can be used, including drop-down menus, sliders, or any other suitable means for adjusting the parameters.

Reference to EIRP Category 292 shown in FIG. 4 shows the predictive performance 208 parameters of the repeater of Repeater 36 (FIG. 1) identified in FIG. 4 by the cross-hatching pattern shown in Legend Category 206. The repeater predictive performance 208 parameters shown in EIRP category 292 of GUI200 are calculated as a function of the parameters received by the system manager 102 in FIG. For example, the parameters of downlink path loss 294, downlink atmospheric loss 156, signal bandwidth 140 and signal data velocity 142 are loaded into GUI200 from the given repeater path 38 defined in the system manager of FIG. Is.

The evaluation system 100 (Fig. 3) predicts the predictive performance 208 parameters of the repeater, such as the downlink prediction EIRP 304 of the repeater path 38, as shown in the EIRP category 292 of the graphical user interface 200 (Fig. 4), and / or. Can be calculated. Other repeater predictive performance 208 parameters that can be calculated include a conversion factor 302 that represents the HPA output energy 64 (Figure 3) and repeater loss 112 (Figure 3) that are converted to EIRP 304 in repeater path 38. Is done. Also, the EIRP category 292 of the graphical user interface 200 can calculate the carrier-to-noise ratio (C / N) 296 at the receiving terrestrial station, which is indicated by the received carrier or signal power (C). Represents the ratio of the received noise power (indicated by "N") to the received noise power. Further, the EIRP category 292 indicates the ratio of the carrier wave to the noise density (C / N._{o o}) Additional repeater performance parameters, including 298, can be calculated and listed. Here, the carrier wave or signal power is represented by "C", and the noise spectral density is "N"._{o o}Is represented by. The EIRP category 292 also includes the ratio of energy to noise density ("E"._{b b}/ N_{o o}") 300 is listed and one information bit ("E_{b b}The noise spectral density of the energy per ("N")_{o o}), Which can imply the orbital performance of repeater 36 (Fig. 1).

Figure 4 also shows the G / T division 276 of the graphical user interface 200, which represents the ratio of the amplification of the ground station antenna to the system noise temperature. The G / T division 276 in FIG. 4 shows the G / T value of 10.83 dBK calculated based on the parameters input to the system manager 102. G / T division 276 can also include calculated values for repeater noise figure 278, system temperatures 280, 282, repeater temperatures 284, 286, and conversion factor 288. The repeater noise figure 278 (ie, "Rptr NF") represents the noise performance of the repeater, and the repeater temperature 284 (ie, "Trptr") represents the same parameters as the repeater noise figure 278, but in dBK units. To. The system temperature 280 (ie, "Tsys") is a measurement of noise entering repeater 36 (Figure 1), and the system temperature 282 ("Tsys") is the same parameter displayed in dBK. The conversion factor 288 is a merit factor that represents the ratio of antenna loss to other losses that contributes to the overall G / T of repeater 36.

FIG. 4 further shows a ground station segment 232 including parameter 228 of the transmitting ground station received by system manager 102 (FIG. 3) and loaded into the graphical user interface 200 of FIG. 4 and parameter 230 of the receiving ground station. As can be seen from FIG. 4, the ground station division 232 includes the uplink estimated EIRP 146, the range, the uplink signal frequency 136, the downlink signal frequency 138, the ground station G / T ratio 150, and the uplink estimated atmospheric loss 154. , And ground station downlink antenna amplification 152 may be included. As can be seen in the ground station division 232, the above values can be entered by the user in the system manager 102 of FIG. 13, uplink path loss 236, uplink carrier to noise density ratio (C / N)._{o o}) 238, and can be included in the calculation and prediction of performance parameters of downlink received power 240.

Ground station division 232 can facilitate the user's ability to selectively increase or decrease the ground station parameter 144 to assess the impact on repeater performance. For example, the ground station division 232 of the graphical user interface 200 of FIG. 4 can include one or more saturation level selection 234 buttons, and the value of the uplink estimate EIRP146 usually estimated by the operator of the transmitting ground station 26. Can be operated by the user as a means of evaluating the response of repeater 36 (FIG. 1). For example, by selecting one of the saturation level selection 234 buttons, the estimated EIRP of the uplink is increased by 5 dB, and as a result, the repeater path 38 (ie, spacecraft 34 (Fig. 1)) is saturated. , It becomes easier to determine whether or not there is a risk of adversely affecting the physical model of the repeater 36. Similarly, by selecting one of the saturation level selection 234 buttons, the uplink estimated EIRP 146 can be reduced by -10 dB to make it easier to assess the effect on repeater performance.

Also shown in FIG. 4 is the test equipment setting category 250, where the physical model of the repeater pass 38 can be ground tested and verified before it becomes available. As will be described in more detail below, the test equipment setting category 250 may include one or more calculated parameters representing the predictive performance of the repeater of the repeater pass 38. For example, the calculated input power 258 of the repeater shown in the device setting category 250 of FIG. 4 having a value of -68.76 dBm corresponds to the repeater input power level at the input end 40 of the repeater 36 as shown in the repeater component category 222. .. The repeater input power 258 can accommodate the test RF signal 260, which can be supplied to repeater 36 (Figure 1) by synthesizer 251 during ground testing. The test RF signal 260 can have a size that takes into account the loss of test equipment during verification of the repeater path 38. Similarly, the calculated output power level 270 of the repeater is the spacecraft output (S / C) of the test equipment setting category 250 in FIG. Identified as "output") 245, from the cumulative power level 224 of the repeater path at the output end 42 (eg 50.79 dBm in Figure 4) to the cumulative noise figure 226 at the output end 42 (eg 2.29 dB in Figure 4). It is illustrated as having a value of 48.50 dBm corresponding to the number minus.

The test equipment setting category 250 shown in FIG. 4 can facilitate the verification of the physical model of the repeater path 38 by a test engineer or the like. In this regard, before a user such as a test engineer applies the synthetic RF signal to the repeater path 38 and simulates the signal received by the repeater path 38 through the repeater receive antenna 44, the value of test equipment setting indicator 250. It is possible to adjust. For example, in the test equipment setting category 250 shown in FIG. 4, the user can adjust the loss at the connection portion between the test equipment such as the cable loss 254 shown in FIG. 4 and the repeater 36 (FIG. 1). In this regard, test equipment configuration indicator 250 allows the user to adjust the loss 264 of the connection between the physical model of repeater 36 and the uplink wattmeter and the loss 266 of the coupler to the downlink wattmeter 272. Can be made possible.

The loss of the joint 254 between the synthesizer, another device that may not be connected to the evaluation system 100, and the test equipment can also be adjusted by the user and in the test equipment setting category 250 (STE loss). It is displayed as 254 and can be identified as a special test equipment loss representing the loss of the special test equipment (STE). Further, the maximum output 252 of the synthesizer can be adjusted by the user by operating the parameter adjuster 221 of the maximum output 252 shown in FIG. The synthesizer's maximum output 252 can alert the user by visual (eg, color change) means corresponding to the colors or markings noted in the "Overdrive / Saturation" 218 legend section of the window. However, the synthesizer's maximum output 252 can be warned to the user by any other suitable means, including audible (eg beep) means indicating that the synthesizer's output power 251 is maximum. It can also include an indicator of synthesizer power 251 required to generate the test RF signal 260 at a power level corresponding to the repeater's calculated input power of 258 (ie, -68.76 dBm in FIG. 4). Further, referring to the test equipment setting category 250 in FIG. 4, the uplink calculated cable loss (UL Cal) 268, which displays the calculated loss at the connection from the uplink power meter 264 to the test equipment, can be included. Similarly, the user can enter the downlink loss 274 in the connection between the downlink wattmeter 272 and the test equipment.

With respect to the power level of the test RF signal 260 (Fig. 4) applicable to the repeater path 38 (Fig. 4), the test equipment setting category 250 (Fig. 4) can facilitate user input of the overdrive limit 262 (Fig. 4). it can. The overdrive limit 262 may include a means of warning the user of excessive input power to the repeater 36, which can damage the repeater component 46 (Figure 3). For example, as the user approaches the set value, the color of the overdrive limit 262 may change, or other suitable means may be provided, thereby reducing the level of power delivered to repeater 36 (Figure 1). You can let the user know. For each parameter identified above, entered into the system manager 102 of FIG. 3 by the user and loaded into the GUI 200 of FIG. 4, the parameter adjuster 221 mechanism described above and shown in FIG. 4 is operated for each parameter. Allows you to adjust the values of parameters 110, 228, 230. The parameter adjuster 221 mechanism facilitates parameter adjustment and provides a means of determining the effect of parameter changes on repeater pass 38 repeater predictive performance 208.

Saturation level division 242 (FIG. 4) can be included with the graphical user interface 200 to provide a means of measuring or monitoring the level of power supplied to the repeater path 38. For example, measure the output power of a high power amplifier (HPA output power (watts)) 244 (Figure 4) and the output power of the TWT64 high power amplifier shown in the repeater component 46 section of the graphical user interface 200 in Figure 4. Can be included to provide a means of monitoring or monitoring. The HPA calculated output power 244 (Figure 4) is associated with the repeater calculated input power level 246 (Figure 4) (ie -68.76 dBm) and the repeater component 46 section adjustable HPA amplifier rating 128 (Figure 3). .. Saturation level segment 242 can further include a value of calculated relative saturation 248 (FIG. 4) to display the input power level applied to the repeater path 38 relative to the saturation point of TWT64.

As can be seen from the examples of FIG. 4, the value of the calculated relative saturation 248 shown in FIG. 4 is 0.00, which applies to repeater 36 (FIG. 1) where HPA (ie, TWT64) is saturated. It indicates that the input power needs to be reduced. It is preferable that the value of the calculated relative saturation 248 is about -1.0, that the HPA is saturated when the input power is increased by about 1 dBm, and that the repeater 36 is generally operating near the maximum efficiency. However, as described in more detail below, the component performance parameters 110 (Figure 3) are used with the graphical user interface 200 (Figure 4), and as a result of the repeater's input power level, the relative saturation is less than 0.0 dBW and about. It can be adjusted to be -5.0 dBW or higher, more preferably relative saturation of about 0.0 to -2.0 dBW.

With reference to FIG. 5, the operation of the evaluation system 100 is illustrated here. FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the procedure for evaluating the repeater path 38 (FIG. 4). This procedure can include one or more operations that can facilitate the design and evaluation of a repeater pass 38, such as the curved tube repeater pass 38, as shown in FIG. 5, eg, FIGS. 2-4. .. In one embodiment, step 500 of the procedure can include providing a repeater component 46 that forms a repeater path 38. As shown in FIGS. 2-4, the repeater path 38 can include an input end 40 and an output end 42. The repeater component 46 may include test couplers 48, 68 at the input end 40 and the output end 42 of the repeater path 38 to facilitate evaluation of the physical model of the repeater path 38.

In addition, the repeater pass 38 can be coupled to the input end 40 of the repeater pass 38 to receive the uplink receive signal 20 (FIG. 1) transmitted by the transmitting ground station antenna 28 (FIG. 4). A capable repeater receiving antenna 44 (Fig. 4) can be included. The repeater path 38 further includes a low noise amplifier 56, a frequency converter 58, input and output multiplexers 60 and 66, a communication path controller, and a waveguide 50 associated with the traveling wave tube 64 (TWT), a cable 52. , And repeater components 46 (FIG. 2), including high power amplifiers (HPAs) such as connectors, switches and various other hardware. Each repeater component 46 can have certain operational characteristics that can be issued or advertised by the manufacturer. For example, the repeater component 46 can be identified by a given loss 112 and associated noise temperature 114 (FIG. 3). Similarly, the repeater component 46, such as an amplifier, can be identified by a given amplification degree 116 and an associated noise figure 118 (FIG. 3).

Even if the manufacturer advertises the same specifications and operating parameters for a given component configuration, such as amplification 116, loss 112 (Figure 3) and noise figure 118, due to differences in assembly and materials, the same component There is also a difference in performance. In this regard, an evaluation system as disclosed herein (FIG. 3) provides a means of assessing the performance differences of the repeater component 46 and the effect of the differences on the overall performance of the repeater path 38. .. In addition, the evaluation system 100 provides a means of adjusting the performance parameter 110 of the component during the design and development of the repeater 36 (FIG. 1) to examine the response of the repeater path configuration to different operating conditions and noise environments.

Step 502 of the procedure of FIG. 5 can include identifying and / or receiving parameter 228 (FIG. 4) of transmitting ground station 26 (FIG. 4). For example, the parameters can include an uplink estimation EIRP146 of the transmitting ground station antenna 28 as illustrated in the graphical user interface 200 of ground station division 232. An additional parameter 228 of the transmitting ground station 26 can be included in predicting and / or calculating the uplink path loss 236 and the downlink received power 240 (Fig. 4), a satellite in orbit from the transmitting ground station 26. Range 148 or distance to repeater 36, uplink signal frequency 136, downlink signal frequency 138, ground station G / T ratio 150, uplink estimated atmospheric loss 154, and ground station downlink antenna amplification 152. Can include. Ground station parameters can be user-entered in System Manager 102 as shown above and illustrated in FIG.

Step 504 of the procedure of FIG. 5 can include identifying and / or receiving the component performance parameter 110 (FIG. 3) of the repeater component 46 of the repeater path 38. For example, the performance parameter 110 of the component can include the amplification degree 116, the loss 112, the noise figure 118 and the noise temperature 114 of the component 46. Figure 3 shows the user input of the System Manager 102 component. As described above, a series of repeater components 46 of a given repeater configuration 104 can be identified by the repeater configuration 104 file name. For example, Figure 3 shows "Ku Band". It shows a system configuration 158 with the file name "India", which indicates that the configuration of the repeater component 46 entered in the system manager 102 in Figure 3 can be associated with a communications satellite covering at least part of the Indian continent. ing. In this way, System Manager 102 is recalled and loaded into the graphical user interface 200 of FIG. 4 and then tuned to ensure the effect of changes in the parameter values of the repeater predictive performance 208 of repeater path 38. It provides a means to define and store 104 files with a variety of repeater configurations that can be said to be infinite.

Step 506 of FIG. 5 may include identifying and / or receiving the parameters of receiving ground station 30 (FIG. 4) in a manner similar to that described above for transmitting ground station 26. After acquiring the above parameters, for example, the user can input them to the system manager 102 shown in FIG. An example of the parameters of the receiving ground station 30 is shown in System Manager 102 in FIG. 3 and as shown in the section entitled Ground Station 232 in FIG. 4, with a user-enterable downlink frequency 138 and a downlink antenna. Amplification degree 152 can be mentioned.

Step 508 of the procedure in Figure 5 is the repeater path 38 (Figure 3) by selecting the repeater configuration 104 file (Figure 3) that is initially stored in System Manager 102 (Figure 3) and can be saved for later recalls. It can include predicting and / or calculating the predictive performance 208 (Figure 4) of the repeater in Figure 4). In the graphical user interface 200 of FIG. 4, selecting the load budget button 204 makes it easier for the user to select one of the 104 saved repeater configuration files. The load budget button 204 can include any suitable means of selecting the repeater configuration 104 (FIG. 3) as defined in the system manager 102 of FIG. For example, FIG. 4 can include a drop-down menu for selecting the repeater configuration 104 file from the load budget button 204. The repeater configuration load button 204 of FIG. 4 can be selected to add the parameters entered in the system manager 102 of FIG. 3 to the graphical user interface 200 of FIG.

Step 510 includes transmit ground station parameter 228 and receive ground station parameter 230 (Fig. 4) and / or, for example, downlink prediction EIRP 304 (Fig. 4) and / or repeater path 38 prediction G / T 290 (Fig. 4), etc. The repeater path 38 (FIG. 4) of the repeater predictive performance 208 parameters can be included in communicating or displaying to the graphical user interface 200. In this regard, when loading user-defined parameters into the graphical user interface 200, the calculated data 212 and the calculated RF level 214 can be determined and displayed on the graphical user interface 200. As mentioned above, the calculated data 212 and the calculated RF level 214 provide an indication of the repeater predictive performance 208 of the repeater path 38 for the selected repeater configuration 104 (FIG. 3).

Step 512 in Figure 5 utilizes the graphical user interface 200 (Figure 4) to determine the output power of a high power amplifier in Repeater Path 38 (eg TWT64) to the maximum power rating to prevent the high power amplifier from saturate. It can include adjusting to be less than or equal to. In this regard, the parameter adjuster 221 (Figure 4) rated 128 (Figure 4) of the HPA amplifier can be manipulated to change the power level at which the HPA may saturate. The maximum output power can be increased or decreased. By increasing the maximum power applicable to the HPA, the repeater predictive performance 208 (Figure 4) of the repeater pass 38 can be modified. For example, it may be desired to supply 50 dBW downlink EIRP to the receiving ground station 30. Component performance parameter 110 (Figure 3) added to the graphical user interface 200 (Figure 4) can limit downlink EIRP to less than 45 dBW despite adjusting component performance parameter 110. .. However, the maximum output power of the HPA can be increased by adjusting the rating 128 (FIG. 3) of the HPA amplifier in repeater component category 222 (FIG. 4). When increasing the HPA amplifier rating of 128, the repeater's predictive performance of 208 parameters can be recalculated, resulting in an increase in downlink EIRP up to 50 dBW.

Step 514 of FIG. 5 can further include adjusting the value of at least one component performance parameter 110 (FIG. 3) using the graphical user interface 200. For example, by manipulating the parameter adjuster 221 (FIG. 4), one or more of the amplification degree 116, loss 112, noise figure 118, and / or noise temperature 114 (FIG. 3) of one or more component performance parameters 46. It can be increased to determine the effect on repeater performance. In embodiments, the component performance parameter 110 can be manipulated to ensure that the repeater's predicted performance 208 (FIG. 4) falls within a predetermined range of repeater's desired performance. For example, Figure 3 shows the component parameter value of the repeater receiving antenna noise temperature 122, identified as "Earth / Space Luminance T (ant) K" in the graphical user interface 200 and input to System Manager 102 in Figure 3, at 166.00K. Is shown. Manipulate the parameter adjuster 221 of the noise temperature 122 (Fig. 4) of the receiving antenna to select the value 166.00K by selecting the up / down arrows located on the side of the window, or by other suitable parameter adjuster 221 means. It can be increased or decreased.

When adjusting the parameters, the evaluation system 100 (Figure 3) predicts the repeater predictive performance 208 (Figure 3) of the repeater path 38 observed or otherwise communicated through the graphical user interface 200 (Figure 4). 4) can be recalculated in real time. For example, changes in the receiving antenna noise temperature 122 (Fig. 3) result in a decrease in the downlink prediction EIRP 304 (Fig. 4), which can be reflected in the EIRP division 292 (Fig. 4) of the graphical user interface 200. Similarly, the downlink prediction G / T 290 of the repeater path 38 can be updated in G / T segment 276 in response to the adjustment of the receive antenna noise temperature 122.

In another embodiment, the output power level of the TWT64 amplifier can be adjusted with respect to the HPA amplifier rating of 128 (Figure 4) using the parameter adjuster 221. By adjusting the amplification of the LNA56 and manipulating the parameter adjuster 221 it is possible to obtain the desired performance of the repeater while keeping the TWT64 (ie HPA) below the maximum power rating. In addition, the parameter adjuster 221 is manipulated to minimize the noise figure 118 of the LNA 56 so as to maximize the predicted EIRP 304 (Figure 4) and / or the predicted G / T 290 (Figure 4) of the repeater 36 downlink. can do. In this regard, the evaluation system 100 optionally adjusts any component performance parameter 110 and / or transmission ground station parameter 228 and reception ground station parameter 230 added to the graphical user interface 200, resulting in a repeater. Predictive performance 208 (eg downlink EIRP304, G / T290) can be configured to change. The parameters can be managed and adjusted until the downlink prediction EIRP 304 and / or the downlink prediction G / T 290 is within the respective predetermined ranges of the desired EIRP and desired G / T. Each time a parameter is displayed and / or recalculated in the graphical user interface 200, the parameter can be saved as a file for recall or later use.

With reference to FIG. 6, an embodiment of a procedure involving one or more operations is shown to perform a ground test of a physical model of a repeater path, for example, a curved tube repeater of spacecraft 34 (FIG. 1). The repeater path 38 (FIG. 4) can include a repeater component 46 (FIG. 3) whose repeater performance is similar to that predicted by the procedure of FIG. 5 using the evaluation system shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The procedure of FIG. 6 can include step 600 to provide a physical model of the repeater path 38 (FIG. 4) having an input end 40 and an output end 42. As shown in FIG. 4, the repeater path 38 (FIG. 4) contains test couplers at the input end 40 and the output end 42, which can facilitate verification of the physical model of the repeater path 38 during ground testing. it can.

Step 602 of the procedure of FIG. 6 uses GUI200 to predict the predictive performance of repeaters such as downlink predictive EIRP and predictive G / T in a manner similar to that described above in the procedure described in FIG. And / or can include calculating. As described above, the predictive performance of the repeater is based on the component performance parameter 46 shown in FIG. 4 and the parameters of the transmitting ground station 26 and the receiving ground station 30.

Step 604 of the procedure of FIG. 6 predicts the repeater input power level 246 (FIG. 4) and the repeater output power level 245 (FIG. 4) at the input end 40 and the output end 42 (FIG. 4) of the repeater path 38, respectively. And / or can include calculating. As mentioned above, FIG. 4 shows the test equipment setting category 250, where the physical model of the repeater pass 38 can be ground tested and verified before it becomes available. As described above, the test device setting category 250 of the GUI 200 corresponds to the predicted performance of the repeater of the repeater path 38, such as the calculated input power 258 of the repeater shown as -68.76 dBm described in the device setting category 250 of FIG. Calculation parameters can be included. The value -68.76 dBm shown in the device setting category 250 corresponds to the input power level 246 of the repeater at the input end 40 of the repeater 36 (FIG. 1) described in the repeater component category 222 of the GUI 200 (FIG. 4).

The procedure in FIG. 6 can include adjusting the variables in the GUI 200 test instrument configuration indicator 250 (FIG. 4) to take into account the loss at the connection between the test instrument and the physical model of the repeater 36. For example, a user such as a test engineer may adjust the test equipment setting category 250 to consider the loss at the connection between the uplink power meter 264 (Fig. 4) and the physical model of the repeater path 38 (Fig. 4). it can. Similarly, a test engineer can adjust the GUI 200 to take into account the coupler loss 266 (Figure 4) between the physical model of the repeater path 38 and the downlink power meter 272 (Figure 4). The test engineer also adjusts the loss at the separately provided synthesizer-test instrument junction 254 (Figure 4), as identified in the test instrument configuration category 250 as the display "STE loss". Is also possible. Further, the maximum output 252 of the test signal synthesizer can be adjusted by operating the parameter adjuster 221 with respect to the maximum output 252 shown in FIG.

Step 606 of the procedure of FIG. 6 can include applying the synthesis test RF signal 260 (FIG. 4) to the input end 40 of the repeater path 38 (FIG. 4). As mentioned above, the test RF signal 260 preferably has a magnitude that is approximately equal to or represents the calculated input power level 246 of the repeater. In this regard, the test engineer can couple the uplink wattmeter to the input end 40 of the physical model of the repeater path 38 to monitor the application of the test RF signal 260 to the input end 40. The test engineer can adjust the test RF signal 260 to keep the magnitude of the test RF signal 260 approximately equal to the repeater's calculated input power level 246.

Step 608 of this procedure uses the downlink wattmeter 272 to apply the test RF signal 260 to the input end 40 of the repeater at the output end 42 of the repeater path 38 (Figure 3). It can include measuring the level. As mentioned above, the test RF signal 260 is amplified and attenuated by the amplification degree 116 and the loss 112 (FIG. 3) associated with the various components 110 forming the repeater path 38 (FIG. 4).

Step 610 of the procedure in FIG. 6 is based on the difference between the measured output power level 245 of the repeater at the output end 42 (FIG. 3) and the calculated output power level 245 of the repeater, and the repeater path 38 (FIG. 3). 4) Including determining the actual performance of the repeater of the physical model. The measured or actual repeater output power level 245 can be measured by a downlink wattmeter and compared to the repeater's calculated output power level 245. The calculated output power level 245 of the repeater can be identified as the spacecraft output (S / C output) as described above in the test equipment setting category 250 in FIG. 4, and is described as having a value of 48.50 dBm. This corresponds to the repeater pass cumulative power level 224 (eg 50.79 dBm in Figure 4) minus the repeater pass cumulative noise figure 226 (eg 2.29 dB in Figure 4).

This method is optional if the difference between the repeater's measured output power level at the output end 42 (FIG. 3) and the repeater's calculated output power level 245 (FIG. 4) is outside the specified tolerance or range. In addition, the repeater component 46 contributes to the out-tolerance situation by sequentially adjusting the component performance parameter 110 (Fig. 3) until the measured output power level of the repeater falls within the predetermined range of the calculated output power level 245 of the repeater. (Figure 3) can include identifying. For example, a test engineer manipulates the parameter adjusters 221 (Fig. 4) of each of the component performance parameters 110 of the repeater component category 222 of GUI200 (Fig. 4) to achieve amplification 116, loss 112, and noise figure 118 of the component performance parameter 46. And / or the noise figure 114 (Fig. 3) can be adjusted to analyze the effect of the repeater on the measured output power level.

With reference to FIG. 7, in a further embodiment, one or more operations of a procedure for evaluating the performance of the available repeater 36 (FIG. 1) are shown. In a non-limiting embodiment, the procedure can be applied to monitor or troubleshoot the curved tube repeater path 38 of the repeater spacecraft 34 (FIG. 1) in orbit. The method of FIG. 7 identifies the transmitting ground station 26, the receiving ground station 30, the repeater component 46 forming the repeater path 38, and / or loads into the GUI 200 of FIG. 4 in the manner described above in the procedure of FIG. Step 700 can be included. The component performance parameter 110 (FIG. 3) can include the amplification degree 116, the loss 112, the noise figure 118, and / or the noise temperature 114 of the repeater component 46 as shown in the repeater component category 222 of GUI 200 of FIG.

Further referring to FIG. 7, the procedure can include step 702 to receive telemetry data 25 (FIG. 4) from spacecraft 34 (FIG. 1) in orbit carrying repeater 36 (FIG. 1). The telemetry data 25 can include the actual performance data of the repeater of the repeater path 38 (FIG. 4). Step 704 can include identifying and / or receiving the actual or current EIRP of the uplink of the transmitting ground station 26 (FIG. 4) and the actual atmospheric loss of the uplink. The actual or currently measured uplink EIRP and currently measured atmospheric loss in uplink path 18 (FIG. 1) are available from the operator of transmitting ground station 26 at the time of evaluation of repeater 36 in orbit.

Step 706 uses the parameter adjuster 221 of GUI200 (Figure 4) to adjust the uplink estimated EIRP146 and the uplink estimated atmospheric loss 154 (Figure 4) to the uplink estimated EIRP146 and the uplink. Estimated atmospheric loss 154 (Fig. 4) can be provided by the operator of transmitting ground station 26 (Fig. 1) at approximately the time of evaluation of repeater 36 in orbit. Uplink current or actual EIRP and uplink actual. It can include making it approximately equal to atmospheric loss. As can be seen from FIG. 4, the ground station division 232 can include a user-adjustable uplink estimated EIRP 146 so that an uplink estimated atmospheric loss 154 is also possible.

Step 708 can include calculating the predicted performance of repeaters in the orbital repeater path based on the adjusted uplink estimated EIRP and the uplink estimated atmospheric loss. For example, GUI200 (Figure 4) displays the predicted downlink EIRP in EIRP category 292 (Figure 4) of the graphical user interface 200 based on the adjusted uplink estimated EIRP 146 and the uplink estimated atmospheric loss. Can be done. Similarly, the GUI can display the predicted repeater path G / T 290 in the G / T division of the graphical user interface 200 shown in FIG.

Step 710 of the procedure can include calculating the difference between the predicted performance of the repeater included with the telemetry data 25 (FIG. 4) and the actual performance of the repeater. For example, the difference between the estimated downlink EIRP 146 during the development of the repeater path 38 (Figure 4) and the actual EIRP of the downlink of the repeater path 38 in orbit is the performance of the repeater 36 in operation (Figure 1). It can be an indicator.

With reference to FIG. 8, any of the steps described above or any combination of steps of the disclosure procedure may be performed in whole or in part by a computer such as the Repeater Pass Evaluation System 800 or other suitable computer system. It is possible to do it. The repeater pass evaluation system 800 can execute a computer-readable program instruction 824. A computer-readable program instruction 824 can be fed or loaded into the repeater path evaluation system 800 to perform one or more of the operations or steps described above.

In a non-limiting embodiment, the repeater path evaluation system 800 and / or the computer-readable program instruction 824 evaluates the repeater path 38 (FIG. 4), such as the curved tube repeater path of communication system 10 (FIG. 4). Can be promoted. The transmission and reception of RF signals (Fig. 1) between the transmitting ground station 26 and the receiving ground station 30 (Fig. 1) was described in Repeater 36 Spacecraft 34 (Fig. 1), but the evaluation system disclosed herein. 102 (FIGS. 3-4) evaluates repeater 36 (FIG. 1) which can be incorporated, but not limited to, communication systems including all marine, land, flight or space based communication systems or all combinations thereof. It is feasible for.

The block diagram of FIG. 8 shows the evaluation system 102 (FIGS. 3-4) to predict the repeater performance of repeater 36 (FIG. 4) with a constant repeater component 46 (FIG. 3) as described in more detail above. The repeater path evaluation system 800 of an advantageous embodiment that can be used is shown. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the repeater path evaluation system 800 includes a data communication path 802 (eg, a data link) that communicably combines one or more components to facilitate data transfer between the components. Can be done. The communication path 802 can include one or more data buses or any other suitable communication path that facilitates data transfer between the components of the repeater path evaluation system 800 and the device.

In a non-limiting embodiment, the components of the repeater path evaluation system 800 include one or more processors 804, memory device 806, non-volatile storage device 808, communication device 812, input / output device 810, display device 814, It can include a system manager 826, a performance processor 828, and a graphical user interface 830. The system manager 826 uses the parameters of the transmitting ground station 26 (Fig. 4) and the receiving ground station 30 (Fig. 4) and the component performance parameter 110 (Fig. 3) of the repeater component 46 (Fig. 3) of the repeater path 38 (Fig. 4). Can be received. The performance calculator 828 can calculate the predicted performance of the repeater of the repeater path based on the performance parameter 110 of the component and the parameters of the transmitting ground station 26 and the receiving ground station 30 (FIG. 4).

The system manager 826 is responsible for at least one of the multiple individual parameters of one or more transmitting ground stations 26 and the receiving ground station 30, and the amplification, loss, noise figure and noise temperature of one or more repeater components in the repeater path. It can be configured to acquire the component performance parameter 110, including one. In this regard, the system manager 826 may use the input / output device 810 to receive component performance parameters 110 (Figures 3-4) that can be user-entered by the system manager 826, as shown in Figure 3. it can. The input / output device 810 is also transmitted by peripheral devices such as a keyboard, mouse, joystick, touch screen, and any other suitable device that inputs data to the system manager 826 (Fig. 4) and receives. User input of the parameters of the ground station 30 (FIG. 4) and the component performance parameters 110 of the repeater component 46 (FIG. 3) can be facilitated. Component performance parameters 110 (FIGS. 3-4), including non-limiting amplification 116, loss 112, noise figure 118, and / or noise temperature 114, can be entered into the system manager 826. In addition, various hardware-related parameters such as, for example, waveguide 50, cable 52 (FIG. 2), connectors, switches and various other hardware associated with each repeater component 46 at each stage of the repeater path 38 are also included. It can be entered into the system manager 826 and the total loss at each stage 108 of the repeater path 38 can be calculated by the system manager 826 as shown in FIG. 3 above (FIG. 3).

As shown above, the parameters of the transmitting ground station 26 and the receiving ground station 30 (FIG. 4) can be entered into the system manager 826 as shown in FIG. For example, uplink signal frequency 136, downlink signal frequency 138, signal bandwidth 140, signal data velocity 142, uplink prediction EIRP 146, and range 148 of repeater spacecraft 34 in orbit can be entered into system manager 826. .. The system manager 826 should also receive noise performance, expressed as a G / T ratio, as described above, in addition to uplink atmospheric loss 154 and downlink atmospheric loss 156, as shown in FIG. 3 and described above. Is also possible. For ground-based repeater systems evaluated using the evaluation system described herein, the range parameter entered to System Manager 826 includes the distance from the transmitting ground station 26 to the ground-based relay station. Can include.

The graphical user interface 830 has component performance parameters 110 (FIGS. 3-4) and transmitting ground station 26 and receiving ground station 30 (FIG. 3-4) by selecting the repeater configuration load button 204 identified by the load budget in FIG. It can be loaded with the parameters of 4). The graphical user interface 830 can include a system configuration 158 (FIG. 4) selector option that includes a repeater configuration file menu 202 (FIG. 4) to select from a plurality of repeater configuration 104 files (FIG. 3). Each file represents a set of component performance parameters 110 preloaded into System Manager 826 and defines a given repeater configuration 104. Graphical user interface 830 communicates and / or loads component performance parameter 110 which may include repeater component 46 amplification 16, loss 12, noise figure 118, and / or noise temperature 114 (FIGS. 3-4). Can be displayed. The ground station parameters mentioned above can also be displayed in the graphical user interface 830 as described above.

The performance calculator 828 calculates the repeater predictive performance 208 (Fig. 4) of the repeater path 38 as a function of the parameters initially loaded into the graphical user interface 830 when selecting the repeater configuration 104 file (Fig. 3). Can be done. In this regard, the graphical user interface 830 can display calculated data 212 (FIG. 4) and calculated RF level 214 representing the predictive performance 208 (FIG. 4) of the repeater on the repeater path 38. For example, the graphical user interface 830 may have a predictive downlink EIRP 304 (Figure 4) and / or a predictive G / T 290 of repeater path 38 based on the parameters initially loaded into the graphical user interface 830 when selecting the repeater configuration 104 file. (Fig. 4) can be displayed.

The graphical user interface 830 allows the parameters of the transmitting and receiving ground stations and / or the repeater component performance parameter 110 of at least one of the amplification 116, loss 112, noise figure 118, and noise temperature 114 of the repeater component 46. Reconfiguration can be allowed to ensure that the predictor performance of the repeater falls within a predetermined range of the desired performance of the repeater. In this regard, the graphical user interface 830 allows user adjustment of at least one of the component performance parameters 110 (Figs. 3-4) and / or the transmitting ground station 26 and the receiving ground station 30 (Fig. 4), and repeater performance. You can judge the effect on. The graphical user interface 830 may include a parameter adjuster 221 (FIG. 4) for each of the component performance parameters 110 displayed in the graphical user interface 830. The parameter adjuster 221 can facilitate the user to adjust the parameters until the predictor performance of the repeater falls within a predetermined range of the desired performance of the repeater by the method described above with respect to the procedure shown in FIG. For example, the user may have amplification 116 and / or loss of one or more component performance parameters 110 until the downlink prediction EIRP 304 and prediction G / T 290 of the repeater path 38 (FIG. 4) are within a predetermined range as described above. 112 (Fig. 3) can be adjusted.

The graphical user interface 830 can further include a parameter adjuster 221 (FIG. 4) for adjusting other parameters of the repeater component 46. For example, the parameter adjuster 221 uses one of the parameter adjusters 221 to maximize (ie, increase) the amplification of the low noise amplifier (LNA) 56 (FIG. 4) while traveling wave tube 64 (ie, increasing). The desired performance of the repeater by adjusting the HPA amplifier rating 128 (Figure 4) to keep the power output of the "TWT") amplifier (ie HPA) below the maximum power rating and avoid saturation of the TWT64 amplifier. May be included to obtain. In addition, the parameter adjuster 221 is manipulated to minimize the noise figure of the LNA56 in such a way as to maximize the downlink prediction EIRP304 (Fig. 4) and / or the prediction G / T290 (Fig. 4) of the repeater 36. It can be suppressed. In another embodiment, the graphical user interface 830 has a noise temperature 122, an amplification degree 124 and various losses 126 (FIG. 4) with respect to the repeater receive antenna 44 (FIG. 4) until the predictor performance of the repeater falls within a predetermined range of desired performance. A parameter adjuster 221 for adjusting 3) can be included.

In certain embodiments, the repeater path evaluation system 800 may include one or more processors 204 for executing instructions of program instructions 824 that can be installed in memory apparatus 806 and are readable by a computer. Alternatively, processor 804 can include a multiprocessor core having two or more integrated processor cores. Furthermore, processor 804 can include a primary processor and one or more secondary processors integrated on the chip. Processor 804 can also include a number of processor systems with multiple similarly configured processors.

Further referring to FIG. 8, the repeater path evaluation system 800 can further include one or more memory devices 806, which may include one or more volatile or non-volatile storage devices 808. However, the memory device 806 can include any hardware device that stores the data. For example, the memory device 806 can include a random access memory or cache of an interface and / or an integrated memory controller hub that can be included in the communication path 802. The memory device 806 permanently and / or temporarily stores any one of a variety of different types of data, computer-readable code or program instructions 824, or any other type of information. It can be configured as follows. The non-volatile storage device 808 may be provided in various configurations including, but not limited to, flash memory devices, hard drives, optical disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes or any other embodiment suitable for long-term storage. it can. Further, the non-volatile storage device 808 can include a removable device such as a removable hard drive.

The repeater path evaluation system 800 may further include one or more input / output devices 810 that facilitate the transfer of data between components that can be connected to the repeater path evaluation system 800. The input / output device 810 can be directly and / or indirectly coupled to the repeater path evaluation system 800. The input / output device 810 allows the user to enter data or parameters into the system manager 826 by peripheral devices such as keyboards, mice, joysticks, touch screens and other devices suitable for inputting any other data into the repeater path evaluation system 800. Can be made easier to enter. Data such as component performance parameters 110 can also be input to the system manager 826 on an autonomous basis or via user commands from another system manager (not shown) on another computer system (not shown). is there. The input / output device 810 can further include an output device for transferring data representing the output of the repeater path evaluation system 800. For example, the input / output device 810 may include a display device 814 such as a computer monitor or computer screen for displaying the results of data processed by the repeater path evaluation system 800. For example, the graphical user interface 830 can use an input / output device to display the data loaded into the system manager 826. The input / output device 810 can optionally include a printer or fax machine for printing a hard copy of the information processed by the repeater path evaluation system 800.

Further referring to FIG. 8, the repeater path evaluation system 800 may include one or more communication devices 812 that facilitate communication of the repeater path evaluation system 800 with and / or other processor-based systems in the computer network. it can. Communication with the computer network of the repeater path evaluation system 800 or with other processor-based systems can be done by wireless means and / or a wired connection. For example, the communication device 812 can include a network interface controller that enables wireless or cable communication between the repeater path evaluation system 800 and the computer network. The communication device 812 can also include any one of a modem and / or a network adapter, or various alternative devices for transmitting and receiving data.

One or more operations of the above procedure for evaluating the repeater path 38 (FIG. 4) as described above in connection with FIG. 5 are performed by the processor 804 using computer-readable program instructions 824. And / or can be implemented by one or more system managers 826, performance computer 828, and graphical user interface 830. Similarly, during a ground test as described above with respect to FIG. 6, one or more of the above steps to determine the repeater performance of the physical model of repeater 36 (FIG. 4) is a computer-readable program. It can be implemented by instruction 824 by processor 804 and / or by one or more system managers 826, performance computer 828, and graphical user interface 830. In addition, one or more of the above steps to evaluate the performance of the repeater 36 (FIG. 4) available for the repeater spacecraft in orbit as described above with respect to FIG. 7 (FIG. 4) It can be performed by the processor 804 and / or by one or more system managers 826, the performance computer 828, and the graphical user interface 830, using computer-readable program instructions 824.

As shown in FIG. 8, a computer-readable program instruction 824 can include computer-usable program code and program code that may include computer-readable program code. The computer-readable program instruction 824 can be read and executed by the processor 804. A computer-readable program instruction 824 causes the processor 804 to evaluate the repeater path (Figure 5), determine the repeater performance of the physical model of the repeater path during a ground test (Figure 6), or a running repeater (Figure 6). It may be possible to perform one or more of the above-described embodiments related to assessing the performance of FIG. 7).

Further referring to FIG. 8, the computer-readable program instruction 824 can include operational instructions for the repeater path evaluation system 800, further including applications and programs. Computer-readable program instructions 824 are to be executed by processor 804 and / or by one or more system managers 826, performance calculator 828, and graphical user interface 830, by one or more memory devices 806 and / or. It can be included and / or loaded in the non-volatile storage device 808. As shown above, one or more memory devices 806 and / or non-volatile storage devices 808 can be communicably coupled to one or more of the remaining components shown in FIG. 8 through communication path 802. it can.

The computer-readable program instruction 824 can be contained in a concrete or non-specific, temporary or non-temporary computer-readable medium 818 and is a repeater pass for execution by the processor 804. It can be loaded or transferred to the evaluation system 800. Computer-readable program instructions 824 and computer-readable media 818 include computer program product 816. In certain embodiments, the computer-readable medium 818 can include a computer-readable storage medium 820 and / or a computer-readable signal medium 822.

A computer-readable storage medium 820 includes, but is not limited to, optical disks and magnetic disks that can be loaded into drives, flash memory devices or other storage devices or hardware for transferring data to storage devices such as hard drives. It can include a variety of different embodiments, including discs. The computer-readable storage medium 820 can be attached to the repeater path evaluation system 800 in a non-removable manner. The computer-readable storage medium 820 can include any suitable storage medium and can include, but is not limited to, a semiconductor system or a propagation system. In this regard, the computer-readable storage medium 820 can include electronic media, magnetic media, optical media, electromagnetic media, and infrared media. For example, a computer-readable storage medium 820 can include magnetic tape, a computer diskette, random access memory, and read-only memory. Non-limiting examples of optical disc embodiments can include compact discs-read-only memory, compact discs-read / write, and digital video discs.

The computer-readable signal medium 822 can include computer-readable program instructions 824, which can be embodied in a variety of data signal configurations, including, but not limited to, electromagnetic and optical signals. is there. The data signal can be transmitted by any suitable communication link, including by wireless or by wiring connection means. For example, the wiring connection means can include fiber optic cables, coaxial cables, signal lines, and any other suitable means for transmitting data by wireless or physical means.

Further referring to FIG. 8, a computer-readable signal medium 822 allows computer-readable program instructions 824 to be used in a non-volatile storage device or repeater path evaluation system 800 in other suitable storage devices or memories. It can be easy to download to the device. For example, a computer-readable program instruction 824 contained within a computer-readable storage medium 820 can be downloaded from a server, or a client computer of another system, to the repeater path evaluation system 800 via the computer network. Is.

Any one of a variety of different embodiments of the repeater pass evaluation system 800 can be performed using any hardware device or system capable of executing computer-readable program instructions 824. For example, processor 804 can include hardware units configured to perform one or more specific functions, and in performing specific functions, computer-readable program instructions 824 to perform the functions are in memory. It can be preloaded in device 806.

In certain embodiments, the processor 804 is an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), programmable logic circuit, or any other hardware device configured to perform one or more specific functions or operations. Can be included. For example, programmatically or permanently program a programmable logic circuit to evaluate the repeater path (Figure 5), determine repeater performance during ground testing of a physical model of the repeater path (Figure 6), Alternatively, one or more operations related to the procedure for evaluating the performance of a running repeater (Fig. 7) can be performed. Programmable logic can include, but is not limited to, programmable logic arrays, programmable array logic, field programmable logic arrays, and field programmable gate arrays, and any other suitable logic circuit. .. In certain embodiments, computer-readable program instructions 824 can be operated by one or more processors 804 and / or by other devices including one or more hardware units communicating with processor 804. .. A particular part of computer-readable program instruction 824 can be executed by processor 804, and other parts of computer-readable program instruction 824 can be executed by a hardware unit.

The various embodiments described above predict the repeater performance of a given repeater component 46 (FIG. 3) with additional technical effects that eliminate the need to build a physical model of the repeater 36 (FIG. 4) and provide operational characteristics. It is advantageous because it provides the ability to measure and predict the performance of the repeater 36 in operation. In this regard, the technical effect of performing one or more operations in the above procedure eliminates the need to design a repeater 36 configuration consisting of certain repeater components 46, a physical model of one or more repeater 36 configurations. Construction, measurement of operating characteristics of repeater component 46 when assembled in repeater path 38 (Fig. 4), and subsequent redesign and reassembly of different repeater components 46 to predict repeater performance in operation. , And repeated retesting until a repeater configuration with the desired performance of the repeater is completed. Moreover, the various advantageous embodiments described above provide the technical effect of increasing the efficiency and accuracy in predicting the repeater performance of a seemingly endless variety of repeater configurations operating in a variety of different situations and noise environments.

Additional changes and improvements of the present invention may be apparent to those skilled in the art. For this reason, the particular combination of parts described and illustrated herein represents only a particular embodiment of the invention and does not limit alternative embodiments or devices within the spirit and scope of the invention. ..

The present invention also includes the following embodiments. 1. How to control the repeater performance of the repeater pass: Identify the parameters of the transmitting and receiving ground stations; Identify component performance parameters that include at least one of the amplification, loss, and noise figures of at least one repeater component in the repeater path; The repeater performance of the repeater path is predicted as a function of the parameters of the transmitting and receiving ground stations and the performance parameters of at least one of the amplification, loss and noise figures of at least one repeater component; Communicate on a graphical user interface (GUI) component performance parameters, including at least one of the repeater component's amplification, loss and noise figures, transmit and receive ground station parameters, and repeater predictive performance; Adjust at least one of the component performance parameters amplification, loss, and noise figure to control the repeater's predicted performance within a given range of repeater's desired performance. How to include steps.

2. The step of identifying component performance parameters further includes identifying the noise temperature associated with the repeater component; The step of adjusting at least one of the amplification, loss and noise figure of the component performance parameters further comprises adjusting the noise temperature. The method of embodiment 1.

3. Repeater component includes repeater receive antenna: Adjust the antenna amplification of the repeater receiving antenna until the predicted repeater performance falls within the desired performance parameter range. The method of Embodiment 1, further comprising steps.

4. The steps to adjust the component performance parameters are: At least one of the downlink's predicted equivalent isotropic radiated power (EIRP) and repeater path amplification and noise temperature prediction ratio (G / T) is within the specified range for each of the desired EIRP and desired G / T. Adjust component performance parameters until The method of Embodiment 1, including the above.

5. Repeater components include low noise amplifier (LNA) and high power amplifier (HPA) with maximum power rating: Maximize LNA amplification to get the desired performance of the repeater while keeping the HPA below the maximum power rating The method of embodiment 4, further comprising steps.

6. Minimize LNA noise figure to maximize downlink prediction EIRP and repeater prediction G / T The method of embodiment 5, further comprising steps.

7. The repeater component includes a high power amplifier with the maximum power rating, the predictive performance of the repeater includes the saturation of the high power amplifier relative to the input power level of the repeater, this method further: Adjust the component performance parameters so that the repeater input power level results in a relative saturation of approximately 0.0 to -2.0 dBW. The method of Embodiment 1, which comprises a step.

8. The method of embodiment 1, wherein the repeater pass comprises a curved tube repeater pass.

9. Build a physical model of the repeater path that includes the repeater component with the adjusted component performance parameters that give the repeater the desired performance. The method of Embodiment 1, further comprising steps.

10. Supply a physical model of the repeater path with input and output ends; Calculate the repeater's input power level and repeater's output power level at each input and output end to correspond to the repeater's predicted performance; A synthetic test RF signal with a magnitude approximately equal to the calculated input power level of the repeater is applied to the input end; A downlink wattmeter coupled to the output end is used to measure the repeater's output power level according to the application of the test RF signal; Determine the actual performance of a repeater in a physical model based on the difference between the measured output power level of the repeater and the calculated output power level of the repeater. The method of Embodiment 1, further comprising steps.

11. A system that controls the performance of curved tube repeater paths: A physical model of a repeater path with input and output ends; The repeater path uses the predictive performance of the repeater as a function of the parameters of the transmitting ground station, the receiving ground station, and the performance parameters of at least one of the amplification, loss, and noise figures of at least one of the multiple repeater components. It is configured to have; The repeater path is further calculated at each of the input and output ends and is configured to have the predictive performance of the repeater and the corresponding input power level of the repeater and the output power level of the repeater; A synthetic test RF signal with a magnitude approximately equal to the calculated input power level of the repeater is applied to the input end; The physical model of the repeater pass and A downlink wattmeter coupled to the output end and configured to measure the repeater's output power level in response to the application of a test RF signal; Determine the actual performance of the repeater based on the difference between the measured output power level of the repeater and the calculated output power level of the repeater; A downlink wattmeter in which the component performance parameters of at least one repeater component are adjusted until the measured output power level of the repeater is within a predetermined range of the calculated output power level of the repeater. System including.

The steps to adjust component performance parameters are: Adjust the noise temperature of the repeater component The method of embodiment 11, including the above.

10 satellite repeater communication system 12 loss 14 Earth 16 Amplification 18 Uplink path 20 uplink signal 22 downlink path 24 downlink signal 25 Repeater calculated input power 26 Transmission ground station 28 Transmitting ground station antenna 30 Receiving ground station 34 Spacecraft in orbit 36 repeaters 38 Repeater Pass 40 Input end 42 Output end 44 Repeater receiving antenna 46 Repeater components 48 Input test coupler 50 waveguide 52 cable 54 Transmission blocking filter 56 Low noise amplifier 58 downlink converter 60 IMUX 62 Dynamic link assigner 64 Traveling Wave Tube Amplifier 66 Output multiplexer 68 Output test coupler 100 Evaluation system 102 System Manager 104 repeater configuration 108 Repeater pass stage 112 loss 114 Noise temperature 116 Amplification 118 Noise figure 120 repeater receive antenna parameters 122 Receiving antenna noise temperature 124 Amplification 126 loss 128 HPA Amplifier Ratings 130 Amplification of repeater transmitting antenna 132 Position selector 136 Uplink signal frequency 138 Downlink signal frequency 140 Signal bandwidth 142 Signal data rate 146 Uplink Estimate EIRP 148 Uplink estimated range 150 Ratio of amplification of transmitting ground station to noise temperature 152 Ground station downlink antenna amplification 154 Uplink Estimated Atmospheric Loss 156 Downlink atmospheric loss 200 Graphical user interface 202 Repeater configuration file menu 204 Road Budget Button 206 Legend Category 208 Repeater Predictive Performance Parameters 210 Input data 212 Calculated data 214 Calculated RF level 216 Overdrive / Saturation 218 Window "Overdrive / Saturation" Legend Category 220 End button 221 Parameter adjuster 222 Repeater component classification 224 Cumulative power level of repeater pass 226 Repeater Pass Cumulative Noise Figure 228 Transmission ground station parameters 230 Receiving ground station parameters 234 Saturation level selection button 236 Uplink path loss 238 Ratio of uplink carrier to noise density 240 Downlink received power 242 Saturation level classification 244 High Power Amplifier Output Power 245 Repeater output power level 246 Repeater calculated input power level 248 Calculated relative saturation 250 Test equipment setting classification 252 Maximum output of test signal synthesizer 254 Cable loss 258 Repeater calculated input power 260 test RF signal 262 Overdrive limit 264 Loss of connection between repeater physical model and uplink wattmeter 266 Coupler loss between the physical model of the repeater pass and the downlink wattmeter 268 Uplink calculation Cable loss 276 G / T division 278 Repeater noise figure 280 system temperature 282 System temperature 284 Repeater temperature 286 Repeater temperature 288 Conversion factor 290 Repeater Pass Prediction G / T 292 EIRP classification 294 Downlink path loss 296 Ratio of carrier wave to noise in the receiving ground station 298 Ratio of carrier wave to noise density 300 Ratio of energy to noise density 302 conversion factor 304 Downlink Prediction EIRP