Abstract :
The emergence of the electronic beam squint (EBS) satellite-tracking technique offers the possibility of low-cost, high-performance systems suitable for earth station, maritime and satellite terminals. Initial work done by the originating researchers laid the foundations for future development and demonstrated the considerable potential of the technique. Work now being undertaken aims to further current knowledge significantly by examining a number of key areas, including feed design, application of control algorithms and receiver technology. As part of this exercise, the development of a software model of a complete EBS system has been undertaken. The simulation package provides a realistic environment in which differing system configurations and operational situations have been investigated. Modelling of perturbing effects, such as polarisation rotation, mechanical misalignment and atmospheric disturbances, has, for the first time, provided concise data on operational performance under these conditions. The paper, following an introduction to the EBS scheme, describes the model and software package developed, presents initial results, and analyses the implications for future implementation strategies.
