Test & Measurement


Handheld analysers for satellite ground station testing

19 November 2014 Test & Measurement

A host of new features and enhancements means that Keysight Technologies’ FieldFox handheld combination analysers provide a precise and comprehensive solution for satellite ground station installation and maintenance in the aerospace/defence and commercial markets.

Because satellite ground stations have long-range communication links, they must provide high uplink transmit power, receive a very low signal level on the downlink, and compensate for link variation due to weather and satellite/ground antenna changes.

The ground stations contain many sensitive components and subsystems (eg, antenna subsystems, waveguides, coaxial cables, filters, LNAs, LNBs, BUCs, HPAs and TWTAs) that must be verified during installation and maintenance. The spectrum performance of the whole system must also be monitored. Such tasks become all the more challenging when the ground stations are located in remote areas.

FieldFox handheld analysers offer the precision, frequency coverage (up to 26,5 GHz) and all-in-one capability (eg, spectrum analyser, full 2-port vector network analyser and power meter) needed to perform a range of benchtop-quality measurements in difficult test environments. Now, with the introduction of measurement Option 208, FieldFox is the perfect tool for satellite communication field test.

Option 208 verifies frequency converters installed in satellite ground stations and performs most required maintenance tasks. Users can even use FieldFox to perform cable and antenna test, vector network analysis like S-parameters, power measurements, spectrum analysis and interference detection – all of which are critical for efficient ground station maintenance and troubleshooting.

Also new, Option 212 expands cable testing beyond just single-ended coax cable to provide insight into differential device performance. It allows FieldFox to measure the reflection performance of 1-port differential devices such as twisted cable pairs or printed circuit boards. Additionally, it enables FieldFox to make time-domain measurements of differential devices under mixed-mode operation.

New Data Link software for the FieldFox family of analysers was also introduced. The software integrates remote viewing, control and SCPI command consoles as well as enables users to more easily control and monitor remote instruments and automate test processes. Satellite operators, for example, can now monitor the spectrum performance of satellite communication links from a control centre.



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Compact high precision magnetometer
Future Electronics Test & Measurement
Bosch Sensortec has introduced the BMM350, a compact 16-bit, 3-axis magnetometer engineered to deliver high accuracy, low noise, and exceptional energy efficiency in space constrained designs.

Read more...
Ultra compact NTC thermistors
RS South Africa Test & Measurement
Murata Manufacturing Co. has expanded its compact NCU03 series of NTC thermistors with two ultra-small 0603M devices tailored for consumer and automotive designs.

Read more...
Omniflex uses LoRaWAN to track water usage
Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists Test & Measurement
Omniflex has helped New South Wales Ports improve its ability to track water usage by installing remote monitoring to 38 water meters at its Port Kembla site, sending the data to the NSWPorts web portal.

Read more...
Surviving the extremes: Understanding shock and vibration in MEMS sensors
Altron Arrow Editor's Choice Test & Measurement
By considering factors such as mechanical headroom, damping, and system-level robustness, designers can ensure that the chosen sensor not only survives, but performs reliably over time.

Read more...
Advanced pressure monitoring sensor
EBV Electrolink Test & Measurement
The Infineon KP497 is an advanced, highly integrated digital pressure sensor designed for demanding automotive and industrial applications, with a particular focus on battery management systems.

Read more...
Slimline 150 W bench PSU
Vepac Electronics Test & Measurement
The PeakTech P 6222 is the company’s new, slim laboratory power supply that offers precisely adjustable output values of 30 V and 5 A with a continuous power output of 150W.

Read more...
Redefining edge intelligence in RF analysis
Vepac Electronics Test & Measurement
The HAROGIC PXR Series bridges the gap between benchtop-grade RF performance and high-performance edge computing.

Read more...
Otto Wireless appointed as sole agent for Dragino Technology
Otto Wireless Solutions Test & Measurement
Dragino is a globally recognised leader in LoRaWAN and Internet of Things products and solutions, and is known for delivering reliable, cost-effective hardware.

Read more...
AI-ready rugged spectrum analysis for the field
Vepac Electronics Test & Measurement
The HAROGIC PXR Series is a rugged, benchtop-grade spectrum analyser and an AI-ready open platform in a single portable instrument.

Read more...
Digid announces its nanoscale temperature and force sensors are ready for mass deployment
Test & Measurement
Digid, a pioneer of nanoscale sensing technology, recently announced that its patented printed electronics fabrication technology has been fully qualified for volume production of temperature and force sensors as small as 1 µm long.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved