Title :
An X-band spacecraft transponder for deep space applications-design concepts and breadboard performance
Author :
Mysoor, Narayan R. ; Perret, Jonathan D. ; Kermode, Arthur W.
Author_Institution :
Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Technol., Pasadena, CA, USA
fDate :
6/1/1992 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
The design concepts and measured performance characteristics of an X-band breadboard deep-space transponder (DST) for future spacecraft applications are summarized. The DST consists of a double-conversion, superheterodyne, automatic phase tracking receiver, and an X-band exciter to drive redundant downlink power amplifiers. The receiver acquires and coherently phase tracks the modulated or unmodulated X-band uplink carrier signal. The exciter phase modulates the X-band downlink signal with composite telemetry and ranging signals. The measured tracking threshold, automatic gain control (AGC), static phase error, and phase jitter characteristics of the breadboard DST are in good agreement with the expected performance. The measured results show a receiver tracking threshold of -158 dBm and a dynamic signal range of 88 dB
Keywords :
power amplifiers; space communication links; space vehicles; superheterodyne receivers; telemetering systems; transponders; X-band exciter; X-band spacecraft transponder; X-band uplink carrier signal; automatic gain control; automatic phase tracking receiver; breadboard performance; composite telemetry; deep space applications; design concepts; dynamic signal range; phase jitter characteristics; ranging signals; receiver tracking threshold; redundant downlink power amplifiers; static phase error; superheterodyne; tracking threshold; Downlink; Error correction; Gain control; Gain measurement; Phase measurement; Phase modulation; Power amplifiers; Space vehicles; Telemetry; Transponders;
Journal_Title :
Microwave Theory and Techniques, IEEE Transactions on
