Satellite Application Notes and White Papers

  1. Small Form Factor SATCOM Solutions 6/21/2021

    Traditional ground station satellite communication systems in the Ka-band have relied on an indoor to outdoor configuration. The outdoor unit includes the antenna and a block down conversion receiver that outputs an analog signal in the L-band.

  2. VSAT: Connecting Your World 10/16/2020

    Very-small-aperture terminal (VSAT) is one of a multitude of modern options that provide global data link coverage. The benefits and attraction of VSAT are clear, highly mobile, rapidly deployable, large geographical footprint, and no defined infrastructure requirement.

  3. Better Alternative For Measuring Linearity Of GaN Amplifiers 9/23/2020

    GaN devices continue to be a key element in many radar, electronic warfare, satellite, and terrestrial communication systems. This article focuses on the applications in which amplifier linearity is the critical attribute.

  4. Performance Of A High Efficiency, Ka-Band, GaN-on-SiC MMIC With Low Compression 9/9/2020

    The high-power density and high breakdown voltage of GaN-on-SiC make it of particular interest for power amplifiers. This white paper details the design and performance of 28 V, 3-stange, Ka-band, Gan-on-SiC, power amplifier MMIC with high efficiency and low gain.

  5. Implementation Margin Of A Satellite Communication System 2/19/2020

    Learn how to determine a satellite communication system's implementation margin, defined as signal degradation after traveling through the up and downlink equipment, using an EbNo generator.
     

  6. NPR Measurements On Satellite Signals 1/29/2020

    This application note covers information on how to perform Noise-Power-Ratio (NPR) measurements with spectrum analyzers, and how the R&S FSW spectrum and signal analyzer offers an automated function for NPR measurements.

  7. Providing Narrowband IoT Coverage With LEO Satellites 1/21/2020

    Learn about the modeling of a SATCOM link, specifically citing a use case wherein a satellite overlay extends service continuity to IoT devices in a poorly covered rural area.

  8. Demystifying Over-The-Air Testing – Important Antenna Parameters, Test System Setup, And Calibration 6/27/2019

    The step from conducted measurements to OTA testing changes the measurement requirements to a certain degree, so users must have a basic understanding of antennas and antenna measurements.

  9. Satellite Signal Interference And Carrier ID (CID) Solutions 1/19/2017

    The main issue in the quality of service for satellite transmissions, especially in occasional use transmissions and temporary feeder links, is RF interference from sources like “rogue pirate carriers,” and failed or improperly configured equipment. 

  10. On-Orbit Satellite RF Measurements 7/7/2016

    To ensure proper performance in satellite transponders in the payload, on-orbit measurements must be made as part of maintenance. This app note focuses on satellite post-launch or on-orbit measurements, and monitoring strategies used for satellite functionality checks when running maintenance routines.