RF Switch Matrix/Signal Conditioning Challenge: Surviving And Thriving In A Thermal Vacuum Chamber

This is the second in a series of guest columns by Bob Alman of SenarioTek.

Many applications today require test equipment to be both high performance and high reliability. However, testing inside a thermal vacuum (TVAC) chamber may be one of the most extreme situations. Satellites require high-performance test solutions to ensure they meet their stringent specifications once in orbit. In order to ensure their performance in space, they are tested in TVAC chambers. Once the satellite is in place and vacuum levels are achieved, it is not uncommon for testing to last several months. All equipment placed inside the chamber needs to be of the highest level of reliability.

This column provides an overview of the challenges facing satellite test engineers and how they are optimizing their TVAC tests. SenarioTek is a leader in enabling RF/microwave switch matrix and signal conditioning capabilities to be reliably used inside TVAC chambers.