Innovation is at the heart of everything we do here at SIG. By finding solutions to the problems we face in the SATCOMS industry we drive it towards prosperity. We offer a platform for sharing innovative ideas and discuss how we solve the challenges the industry is facing. To champion this sentiment, we will be running a series of blogs highlighting occasions where you, our members have exemplified exactly that. Without further ado, let us get our teeth stuck into today’s issue.
The Issue
The SATCOMS industry is growing rapidly and has done for some time. The number of satellites in orbit are growing, and the antennas on the ground are multiplying. This isn’t done without consequence, as Radio Frequency (RF) interference is becoming a central issue for all of us in the industry. RF interference causes loss of bandwidth and connection and as such, supplies lower value to the people who depend on satellite connectivity. If left to go unanswered, this question of interference will put our industry on the back foot when pitted against other communications industries.
Poorly performing antennas are a big contributor to this challenge. Satellite operators are addressing this partially with requirements for documentation of antenna performance before an antenna can go on a network. This ensures they are held to a certain standard.
For antenna performance validation, testing is required. Current methods require the antenna to be brought to a test-range which is both logistically heavy, expensive, and time-consuming. In order to maintain the rapid growth of the industry this is a hurdle that needs to be surpassed sooner rather than later.
The Solution
QuadSAT is tackling this issue with a methodology that is as creative as it is innovative. By offering an antenna testing solution which is both automated and airborne it is possible to test antennas at anytime and anywhere.
This airborne solution focuses on state of the art drone technology coupled with a custom RF pointing payload and software brought directly to the antenna where the drone flies automatedly in front of the antenna, testing it on-site.
This technology is build up by an RF-Payload integrated on a drone, a base station that ensures the accuracy of flights and measurements, and custom software for automation and data management. The whole system fits in a travel case that a single person can travel with making it location independent. With the base station installed at the site of the antenna, the software automates the test and the drone flies an Az-El cut or a raster-scan by itself. This ensures accuracy and repeatability of testing.
The system can test antennas of various sizes since it can be adjusted to the flight to fit the far-field of the antenna. This also means that antennas installed under radomes can be tested to measure how the wear and tear of the radome affect the antenna system’s performance over time. This improved access to test-data will make antenna performance validation much easier for type approvals, R&D, or for ensuring installations, maintenance, or performance of systems in operation.
The Future
The company was on the cusp of providing live demos to partners and customers just as COVID19 struck. However, travel-restrictions has given QuadSAT the opportunity to conduct extensive testing and development to increase the robustness of its systems and software. QuadSAT used this period to define its services clearly, in terms of antenna tracking, pattern cuts and full antenna heat mapping using a raster flight pattern. Where travel guidance permits, QuadSAT hopes to be present at the various international tradeshows in the coming months and new year, including Satellite 2021.