SAMT - AN/GSC-52 A New Generation Satellite Communications Ground Terminal with Self-Diagnostic Capability and Low Life Cycle Costs

The State-of-the-Art Medium Terminal (SAMT) is a high capacity, SHF satellite communications ground terminal, in fixed and vanized (transportable) configurations, designed to operate in DSCS and NATO satellite networks with the capability of simultaneous transmission and reception of CW, FM, PM, FDMA, or spread spectrum signals. The design of the SAMT, which employs a medium-sized (38-foot) autotracking antenna, is based on the extensive use of field-proven equipment in the realization of a high performance satellite communications terminal that includes three key features not concurrently available in existing systems: a control, monitor and alarm subsystem that provides centralized control and self-diagnostic capability with automatic fault isolation to the module level, as well as capability to operate in an unattended mode; high altitude electromagnetic pulse (HEMP) protection; and low life cycle costs. The SAMT includes other desirable features, namely, enhanced communications performance, improved reliability, simplicity of operation and maintenance, expansion capability, and communications equipment commonality. The advantages of SAMT over existing systems are described in terms of the three key features: automatic fault isolation process, the multizone approach for HEMP protection, and identification of cost categories that provide life cycle benefits. This paper concludes with a discussion on the applicability of SAMT technology to a family of state-of-the-art terminals.