chapter 4. geoda-saras t/r module implementation five element cell

CHAPTER 4. GEODA-SARAS T/R MODULE IMPLEMENTATIONFIVE ELEMENT CELL AND PANEL CONVERSION MODULE

2-Way 0ºPower Splitter

Linsertion = 0.5 dB

G = 13 dB

SIMPLE RECEIVER CHAIN INTERFERENCE STUDY (Part I)

L = 0.15 dB

Radiating Element 30 dB Coupler Diplexer LNA

G = 13 dB

T Filter LNA

G = 13 dB


Linsertion = 0.5 dBLsplit = 3 dB

PolarizingAttenuator


SPDTSwitcher

L = 0.95 dB

T Filter LNA

Phase Shifter

L = 3.2 dB

LT = 35 dB LR = 1 dBLI = 20 dB

PT_Interference = +17.00 dBmPR_Interference = -87.20 dBmPI_Interference = -62.00 dBm

PT_Interference = +16.85 dBmPR_Interference = -87.35 dBmPI_Interference = -62.15 dBm

PT_Interference = -18.15 dBmPR_Interference = -88.35 dBmPI_Interference = -82.15 dBm


LT = 10 dBLR = 1.5 dBLI = 1.5 dB



PT_Interference = -2.15PR_Interference = -63.85 dBmPI_Interference = -57.65 dBm








Attenuator

Lmin = 2 dB

Lmin = 2 dB


Linsertion = 1 dBGcombination = 7 dB

LT = 10 dBLR = 1.5 dBLI = 1.5 dB






SPDTSwitcher

L = 0.95 dB

SPDTSwitcher

L = 0.95 dB

SPDTSwitcher

L = 0.95 dB

RXBPF






LT = 40 dBLR = 2.2 dBLI = 45 dB

Linsertion = 0.4 dBGcombination = 3 dB

S1 A1

R1

RAC

RA C1-RXA

C1-RXA C1-RX1

AR1

128

4.5. SIGNAL-FLOW STUDY IN RX AND TX CHAINS

SIMPLE RECEIVER CHAIN INTERFERENCE STUDY (Part II)SPDT

Switcher

GT = 15.5 dBGR = 16.5 dB

LNA

G = 13 dB

RXBPF LNA

G = 13 dB

IF Mixer

G= 8.2 dB

IFBPF

GT = 15.5 dBGR = 16.5 dB

IF Amplifier IF Amplifier

LT = 40 dBLR = 2.2 dBLI = 45 dB






LT = 55 dB LR = 55 dBLI = 7.5 dB











LNA

G = 13 dB

Attenuator

Lmin = 2 dB L = 0.95 dB

SPDTSwitcher

L = 0.95 dB

IF

IF

IF

Attenuator

Lmin = 2 dB

C1-RX2 C1-RF

IF1

IF1 IF2

Figure 4.30: Receiver Interferences.

Garray =4π

λ2Ae (4.6)

GHexagonal Array = 30.4 dB (4.7)

On the other hand, the total equivalent noise temperature in the receiver is given

by the sum of three contributions: the added noise due to transmitter amplification

stage, the receiver chain noise, and the antenna noise. The first two contributions have

already been calculated in 4.5.1 and 4.5.2. Considering a clear sky scenario, the antenna

temperature at the working frequency is between 5K and 20K. Thus, total equivalent

noise temperature is presented in Eq. 4.8.

129


S1

A1

AR

1

R1

RA

C

RA

C1-R

XA

C1-R

X1

C1-R

X2

C1-R

F

IF1

IF2

Inte

rfer

ence

Pow

er[d

Bm

]

Figure 4.31: Receiver Interference Graph.

Ttotalmin = Tamin + Treceiver + Ttransmittermin = 192.1 + 0.4 + 5 = 197.5 K

Ttotalmax = Tamax + Treceiver + Ttransmittermin = 192.1 + 28.7 + 20 = 240.8 K(4.8)

Obtaining a G/T factor depicted in Eq. 4.9; which is higher than the required G/T

sensitivity, fulfilling the 4.1 dB/K technical specifications.

G/Tmin = GTtotalmax

= 7.4 dB/K

G/Tmax = GTtotalmin

= 6.6 dB/K(4.9)

4.6 Array Factor: Gain Loss Due to Phase Quantization

Error

As previously discussed in Chapter 2, the use of digital phase shifters in active antennas

with RF beamforming implies a gain loss. This gain loss is found in every system

involving phase signal errors, which may cause non-coherent RF beamforming. The

maximum gain loss is determined by the minimum digital phase shift step. For the case

understudy, the maximum gain loss due to phase quantization error must be lower than

0.5 dB for any system configuration. After a market research, it is selected the MAPS-

130

4.6. ARRAY FACTOR: GAIN LOSS DUE TO PHASE QUANTIZATION ERROR


l = 1.12T = 35.4 K

g = 20T = 75.0 K

SIMPLE RECEIVER CHAIN EQUIVALENT TEMPERATURE STUDY (Part I)

L = 0.15 dB

Radiating Element 30 dB Coupler Diplexer LNA

g = 20 T = 75.0 K

T Filter LNA2-Way 0º

Power Splitter

l = 1.12T = 35.4 K

PolarizingAttenuator


SPDTSwitcher

l = 1.24T = 70.9 K

T Filter LNA

Phase Shifter

l = 2.1T = 315.9 K

l = 1.26T = 75.0 K

l = 1.41T = 119.6 K

Attenuator

lmin=1.58;Tmin=169.6 Klmax=56.2;Tmax=16017.9K

lmin=1.58; Tmin=169.6 Klmax=3.55; Tmax=738.9 K


l = 1.26T = 75.0 K

l = 1.41T = 119.6 K

SPDTSwitcher

l = 1.24T = 70.9 K

SPDTSwitcher

l = 1.24T = 70.9 K

SPDTSwitcher

l = 1.24T = 70.9 K

RXBPF

Te_min

gmax

Te_max

gmin

Te_min = 75.0 Kgmax = 0.8

Te_max = 75.0 Kgmin = 0.8

Te_min = 169.5 Kgmax = 15.9

Te_max = 169.5 Kgmin = 15.9

Te_min = 169.5 Kgmax = 15.9

Te_max = 169.5 Kgmin = 15.9

Te_min = 177.0 Kgmax = 11.3

Te_max = 177.0 Kgmin = 11.3

Te_min = 183.7 Kgmax = 225.2

Te_max = 183.7 Kgmin = 225.1

Te_min = 183.9 Kgmax = 201.0

Te_max = 183.9 Kgmin = 201.0

Te_min = 184.7 Kgmax = 127.2

Te_max = 187.5 Kgmin = 56.6

Te_min = 187.9 Kgmax = 1323.1

Te_max = 194.8 Kgmin = 588.9

Te_min = 188.2 Kgmax = 630.0

Te_max = 195.4 Kgmin = 280.4

Te_min = 188.5 Kgmax = 398.8

Te_max = 252.5 Kgmin = 5.0

Te_min = 188.5 Kgmax = 356.0

Te_max = 259.6 Kgmin = 4.5

Te_min = 188.8 Kgmax = 282.6

Te_max = 276.4 Kgmin = 3.5

Te_min = 184.9 Kgmax = 115.7

Te_max = 188.0 Kgmin = 51.5

Te_min = 185.5 Kgmax = 93.3

Te_max = 189.4 Kgmin = 41.5

Te_min = 186.8 Kgmax = 66.2

Te_max = 192.3 Kgmin = 29.4

Te_min = 187.9 Kgmax = 1323.1

Te_max = 194.8 Kgmin = 588.9

Te_min = 184.7 Kgmax = 127.2

Te_max = 187.5 Kgmin = 56.6

Te_min = 188.8 Kgmax = 282.6

Te_max = 276.4 Kgmin = 3.5

Te_min = 189.0 Kgmax = 227.9

Te_max = 296.5 Kgmin = 2.9

Te_min = 189.3 Kgmax = 183.8

Te_max = 321.3 Kgmin = 2.3

Te_min = 189.7 Kgmax = 148.2

Te_max = 352.2 Kgmin = 1.9

Te_min = 191.0 Kgmax = 89.3

Te_max = 455.3 Kgmin = 1.1

l = 1.66T = 191.3 K

l = 1.1T = 28.0

S1 A1

R1

RAC

RA C1-RXA

C1-RXA C1-RX1

AR1

g = 20T = 75.0 K

131


SIMPLE RECEIVER CHAIN EQUIVALENT TEMPERATURE STUDY (Part II)SPDT

Switcher

g = 44.7T = 315.9 K

LNA

g = 20T = 75.0 K

RXBPF LNA

g = 20T = 75.0 K

IF Mixer

g = 6.6T = 3039.6 K

IFBPF

g = 44.7T = 315.9 K

IF Amplifier IF Amplifier

l =1.66T = 191.3 K

l = 5.6T = 1340.8 K

Te_min = 192.1 Kgmax = 1822.8

Te_max = 1651.7 Kgmin = 6.4

Te_min = 192.1 Kgmax = 1098.1

Te_max = 1681.5 Kgmin = 3.9

Te_min = 192.1 Kgmax = 21962

Te_max = 1700.9 Kgmin = 77.3

Te_min = 192.1 Kgmax = 17711.3

Te_max = 1701.8 Kgmin = 62.3

Te_min = 192.1gmax = 116894.5

Te_max = 1750.6 Kgmin = 411.2

Te_min = 192.1 Kgmax = 116894.5

Te_max = 1750.6 Kgmin =411.2

Te_min = 192.1 Kgmax = 20874.0

Te_max = 1753.9 Kgmin = 73.4

Te_min = 192.1 Kgmax = 13211.4

Te_max = 1972.0 Kgmin = 1.3

Te_min = 192.1 Kgmax = 590549.8

Te_max = 2213.8 Kgmin = 58.4

Te_min = 192.1 Kgmax = 26397577.3Te_max = 2219.2 K

gmin = 2610.6

Te_min = 191.8 Kgmax =1785.6

Te_max = 522.5 Kgmin = 22.3

Te_min = 191.9 Kgmax = 1130.1

Te_max = 1239.4 Kgmin = 0.4

Te_min = 192.0 Kgmax = 911.4

Te_max = 1417.7 Kgmin = 0.3

Te_min = 192.1 Kgmax =1822.8

Te_max = 1651.7 Kgmin = 6.4

Te_min = 191.0 Kgmax = 89.3

Te_max = 455.3 Kgmin = 1.1

LNA

g = 20T = 75.0 K

Attenuator


l = 1.24T = 70.9 K

SPDTSwitcher

l = 1.24T = 70.9 K

IF

IF

IF

Attenuator


C1-RX2 C1-RF

IF1

IF1 IF2

Figure 4.32: Receiver Equivalent Noise Temperature.

010143 4-bits digital phase shifter from M/A-COM. Figures 4.34-4.36 show a gain loss

study of the three possible antenna architecture RF beamforming configuration: single

cell, 3 cell combination, and whole panel. None of the configurations exceed 0.1 dB losses,

fulfilling the specification. It is important to note that, a larger number of elements per

array implies a greater uniformity gain.

132

4.6. ARRAY FACTOR: GAIN LOSS DUE TO PHASE QUANTIZATION ERROR

AR

1

R1

RA

C

RA

C1-R

XA

C1-R

X1

C1-R

X2

C1-R

F

IF1

IF2

Equiv

alen

t N

ois

e T

emper

ature

[K

]100

76

52

28

4

-20

Rec

eiver

Gai

n [

dB

]

Figure 4.33: Equivalent Noise Temperature vs Gain.

GEODA-SARAS CELL ARRAY

!"

xz

y

xy

z

!"

xz

y

[dB]

Figure 4.34: Cell Gain Loss Due to Phase Quantization.

133


3 GEODA-SARAS CELL ARRAY

xz

y

!"

xz

y

xy

z

!"

[dB]

Figure 4.35: 3 Cell Combination Gain Loss Due to Phase Quantization.

GEODA-SARAS PANEL ARRAY

!"

xz

y

xy

z

!"

xz

y

[dB]

Figure 4.36: Panel Gain Loss Due to Phase Quantization.

134

4.7. CONCLUSIONS

4.7 Conclusions

The presented Chapter comes to the following main conclusions:

An exhaustive study of the state of the art of the GEODA antenna has been presented

in Section 1.4.2, laying the groundwork for its current concept. Firstly, as depicted in

Section 1.4.2, a successful single circular polarization active receiver phased array for

satellite communications working at 1.7 GHz was implemented. Its basic array was a

triangular panel composed of 45 radiating elements divided into subarray cells of threes.

By using 60 triangular panels, a geodesic structure could be built; covering a +5o to +90o

elevation in the whole 360o azimuth field of regard. Each radiating element has a control

phase block with which is possible to implement an RF beamforming. Thus, the antenna

is an RF/digital beamforming hybrid solution, in which the hardware beamforming adds

the contributions of all of the cells compounding a panel. After validation, the antenna

evolved to a new concept, in which it was provided with the transmission capability

by introducing a T/R module per radiating element (GEODA-GRUA). GRUA project

was born with the aim of creating a novel GEODA with double circular polarization in

both, transmission and reception, modes. The mechanical structure and the radiating

elements were reused in order to reduce costs. Hence, a T/R module was designed,

constructed and optimized, improving size and behavior.

Subsequently, in order to improve the antenna competence; an adaptive flat antenna

for ground stations able to solve the communication problems not only in the orbital

process but in the launch process has been presented, GEODA-SARAS. As many sate-

llite constellations allow to establish S-band links, increasing data link bit rate; 2.025

GHz to 2.120 GHz is the current transmission band, and 2.2 GHz to 2.3 GHz is the

current reception band. The antenna is able to work simultaneously in transmission

and reception modes with dual circular polarization. The antenna structure becomes

a flat architecture based on a regular hexagon composed of 6 planar triangular arrays

(panels). Each panel is integrated by 45 radiating elements, grouped in subarray cells

of fives. Every hexagonal array of 6 panels provides one full transmitter and two full

independent receiver systems. These 6 panel array antenna can implement any greater

structure composed of regular hexagons. Hence a huge phased array dome antenna

similar to the original GEODA can be built. In this case, the active antenna is also

considered as a hybrid architecture where the signal is RF beamfomed and then pro-

cessed to be combined and treated as required. The difference respect GEODA original

solution lies in the way the RF beamforming is performed. Now, each panel is provided

with an RF receiver beam switching network, which allows to receive and digitalize the

135


signal of: a single cell, or a triplet of cells, or a whole panel. Thus, in this new antenna

approach, sub-array cells are not only a physical division that simplifies the antenna de-

sign and enhances its replaceability, but also individual full receiver chains which could

be RF/digital beam-formed.

The implementation of this novel hexagonal flat array has been presented exhaus-

tively. The architecture technical skills and the main blocks compounding it has been

described.

Each cell has associated a cell module, which allows to control not only the amplitude

and phase of the transmitted/received signal but also the polarization of the signal. Each

of the five radiating elements is provided with: a T/R module, which filters and isolates

the transmitted/received signal and amplifies it; a polarization network, which selects

the polarization signal underwork; and a phase and amplitude control block, which allows

to govern the phase and amplitude of the signals to transmit/receive. Additionally, a

combiner/divider module per cell sums/divides the received/transmitted signal within

a cell.

Each panel is related to a conversion module, which performs the tasks of: am-

plifying, filtering and splitting the transmission signal to the nine cell per panel; and

combining, filtering, amplifying, and IF converting the received signal.

The calibration system is embedded in both, cell module and panel module. It allows

to verify the proper behavior of each of the blocks compounding the cell module and

panel module.

Every commercial component has been presented, verifying its performance. More-

over the implementation of the cell module and panel module has been depicted.

An analysis of the transmitting and receiving chain behaviors in many interesting

situations has been presented. In the transmitter chain, the study resolves: the mini-

mum transmitter input signal for the maximum transmitter output, the minimum and

maximum transmitter chain gain, and the noise added in the receiver due to transmit-

ting amplification process. Regarding receiver chain, the study deals with: the receiver

dynamic range, the receiver chain interference, the maximum and minimum receiver

chain gain, the receiver equivalent noise temperature, and the G/T receiver chain fac-

tor. The study shows a proper performance of the proposed architecture, which fulfills

the technical specifications.

Finally, a study of the gain loss due to the phase quantization error related to the

4 bit digital phase shifter is depicted. The analysis shows that the system meets the

predefined performance specifications.

The future task will be to verify the expected performance by measuring both, cell

136

4.7. CONCLUSIONS

module and panel conversion module. Furthermore, a triangular panel and a whole 6

panel hexagon will be measured.

137


138

Chapter 5

Conclusions

5.1 Framework

This thesis has been carried out in the Grupo de Radiacion of the Departamento de

Senales, Sistemas y Radiocomunicaciones in the ETSI de Telecomunicacion of the Uni-

versidad Politecnica de Madrid from October 2009 to May 2014 under the supervision

of Dr. Manuel Sierra Perez and Dr. Jose Manuel Fernandez Gonzalez.

As it is well known, international research stages promote the exchange of knowledge

and strengthen ties between the different research centers. Hence, part of the reported

work in this manuscript has been carried out during a three-month research stay (April

- June 2012) in the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) supported by COST-

VISTA action IC1102. The centre serves as the main mission control centre for the

European Space Agency (ESA), and it is located in Darmstadt (Germany).

The contributions presented in this manuscript have been reflected in public research

projects:

• Project title: Communication systems for emergency environments

(SICOMORO) TEC2011-28789-C02-01.

Financial institution: Ministerio de Educacion y Ciencia.

Research institution: Universidad Politecnica de Madrid.

Research in chief: Belen Galocha Iraguen.

139

CHAPTER 5. CONCLUSIONS

• Project title: Caracterizacion de Canales Radio, Optimizacion y Ca-

librado de la Antena GEODA para Comunicaciones Es-

paciales (CROCANTE) TEC2008-06736-C03-01.

Financial institution: Ministerio de Educacion y Ciencia.

Research institution: Universidad Politecnica de Madrid.

Research in chief: Leandro de Haro y Ariet.

5.2 Novel Contributions

The recent emergence of new practical, low-cost, and highly reliable solid state de-

vices has broken the barrier of cost/complexity of phased array antennas, making active

phased arrays a viable future option not only for military but for civilian applications.

Therefore, the study and implementation of novel low-cost and highly efficient solid

state phased arrays capable of controlling signal phase/amplitude accurately is one of

the great challenges of our time. This thesis faces this challenge, proposing innova-

tive electronic beam steering networks and transmitter/receiver (T/R) modules using

affordable solid state components, which could integrate fair reconfigurable phased array

antennas working in L and S bands.

Original contributions of this thesis are highlighted below:

• A simple method for the design and optimization of phased array antenna cost/

performance for radar applications: The study applied to the space surveillance

awareness (SSA) radar shows that the use of an ingenious deployment strategy

when huge phased array antennas are implemented is vital to reduce costs. A

huge phased array radar for space applications has been study by using newly ESA

Matlab simulator tool. Key points of the study are: the minimum antenna area

and maximum distance between elements without grating lobes in the scanned

area, and maximum pulse width to detect minimum range per elevation angle.

The study reveals that European power amplifier technology should provide wider

waveform pulse width to reduce the number of elements compounding the array.

• A novel phase shifter power splitter/combiner network: Previous events involving

commercial phase shifter cost fluctuations highlight the need for an exhaustive

study of different hardware techniques to govern the phase signal per radiating

element in active reconfigurable antennas. After comparing three different RF

steering techniques alternatives, the study shows that the newly low-cost phase

shifter power splitter/combiner network fulfills the technical requirements of the

140

5.3. FUTURE WORK

systems with a good cost/performance rate. In order to verify the proposed design

the two main parts compounding any phase shifter power splitter/combiner net-

work have been built, obtaining a proper behavior. These measurements validate

the feasibility of these kind of novel networks.

• A quasi-orthogonal 4x3 switching beam-former for triangular arrays of three radia-

ting elements: Intrinsic features of orthogonal lossless networks limit the number

of provided beams to the number of radiating elements and impose the relation

between those beams. Therefore, the research leads to consider the possibility

of using dissipative networks, which are capable of providing a higher number of

beams than the number of radiating elements compounding the cell. The novel

quasi-orthogonal beam-former supplies three orthogonal beams in a desired θ0 ele-

vation angle and a fourth one in the broadside steering direction. The analysis

provides the relation between θ0 elevation angle and the network component, show-

ing which components must be used in a network to reach a specific θ0 elevation

angle with a defined array. Prototypes of the network verify its behavior.

• A newly T/R module chain for GEODA-SARAS phased array antenna. GEODA

antenna has been evolving through the years: The new approach dates from 2011,

when the European Space Agency signed a collaboration agreement. Nowadays,

it is desired to design an adaptive flat antenna for ground stations able to solve

the communication problems not only in the orbital process but in the launch pro-

cess too. The antenna must be able to work simultaneously in transmission and

reception modes with dual circular polarization. A thorough description of all the

components compounding GEODA-SARAS T/R module RF chains is presented.

Signal flow throw the system analyzing critical situations such as maximum trans-

mitted power (testing the chain unsaturation), minimum and maximum receiving

signal (verifying sensitivity range), maximum receiver interference signals (assur-

ing a proper reception), and G/T factor (fulfilling the technical specification) probe

a proper behavior. The system is built and under test.

5.3 Future Work

• To apply genetic algorithms to randomize the location of the radiating element of

the array in order to minimize the number of radiating elements per array aperture.

• To built a whole phase shifter power splitter/combiner network using the validated

141


basic structures in order to verify its proper behavior.

• A recent study shows that it is possible to obtain a similar basic 4x3 quasi-

orthogonal beam-former governed only by a single central phase shifter. The

θ0 elevation angle is directly related to the relative phase shift introduced by the

phase shifter body. A prototype should be built in order to verify mathematical

analysis.

• To verify and calibrate the performance of the GEODA-SARAS basic modules,

cell module and panel conversion module. To measure a triangular panel and a

whole 6 panel hexagon.

5.4 Publications

This PhD thesis has given the following publications.

5.4.1 Book Chapters

• M. A. Salas Natera, A. Garcıa Aguilar, J. Mora Cueva, J. M. Fernandez, P. Padilla

de la Torre, J. Garcıa-Gasco Trujillo, R. Martınez Rodrıguez-Osorio, M. Sierra-

Perez, L. De Haro Ariet, and M. Sierra Castaner. ”New Antenna Array Archi-

tectures for Satellite Communications,” in Advances in Satellite Communications

edited by Masoumeh Karimi and Yuri Labrador, ISBN:978-953-307-562-4, Jul.

2011.

5.4.2 Journal Publications

• J. Garcıa-Gasco Trujillo, A. Noval Sanchez de Toca, I. Montesinos Ortego, J.M.

Fernandez Gonzalez, M. Sierra Perez. ”Design and Implementation of a Quasi-

Orthogonal Switching Beam-Former for Triangular Arrays of Three Radiating

Elements,” in IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation, Vol. 61, pp.

5028-5035, Oct. 2013.

5.4.3 Conference Contributions

International

• J. Garcıa-Gasco Trujillo, A. Noval Sanchez de Toca, I. Montesinos Ortego, A.

Garcıa-Aguilar, M. Sierra Perez. ”Study of a New Beam Forming Network for

142

5.4. PUBLICATIONS

Triangular Arrays of Three Radiating Elements,” in 2012 IEEE International Sym-

posium on Antennas and Propagation - APS, Chicago, EE.UU, Jul. 2012.

• J. Garcıa-Gasco Trujillo, A. Noval Sanchez de Toca, I. Montesinos Ortego, M.

Sierra Perez. ”On the design and measurement of a novel non-orthogonal multi-

beam network for triangular arrays of three radiating elements,” in 6th European

Conference on Antennas and Propagation - EUCAP 2012, Prague, Czech Repub-

lic, Mar. 2012.

• A. Noval Sanchez de Toca, J. Garcıa-Gasco Trujillo, M. Sierra Perez. ”Study of

an electronic steering antenna with a staggered phase shifter configuration,” in

6th European Conference on Antennas and Propagation - EUCAP 2012, Prague,

Czech Republic, Mar. 2012.

• J. Garcıa-Gasco Trujillo, M. Salas Natera, I. Montesinos Ortego, M. Arias Campo,

M. Sierra Perez, R. Martınez. ”GEODA-GRUA: Adaptive Multibeam Conformal

Antenna for Satellites Communications,” in 30th URSI General Assembly and

Scientific Simposium of International Union of Radio Science, Istanbul, Turkey,

Aug. 2011.

• J. Garcıa-Gasco Trujillo, M. Sierra Perez, A. Novo Garcıa, M. Vera-Isasa. ”3x3

Multibeam Network for a Triangular Array of Three Radiating Elements: Design

and Measurement,” in EUROCON 2011, Lisbon, Portugal, Apr. 2011.

• J. Garcıa-Gasco Trujillo, M. Sierra Perez. ”GEODA-GRUA: Multibeam Network

Design and Measurement for Triangular Array of Three Radiating Elements,” in

5th European Conference on Antennas and Propagation - EUCAP 2011, Rome,

Italy, Apr. 2011.

• A. Novo Garcıa, M. Vera-Isasa, J. Garcıa-Gasco Trujillo, M. Sierra Perez. ”6x3

Microstrip Beam Forming Network for Multibeam Triangular Array,” in PIERS

2011, Marrakesk, Morocco, Mar. 2011.

National

• J.M. Inclan Alonso, A. Noval Sanchez de Toca, J. Garcıa-Gasco Trujillo, J.M.

Fernandez Gonzalez, M. Sierra Perez. ”Radiating Element of GEODA-SARAS,”

in XXVIII Simmposium Nacional de la Union Cientıfica Internacional de Radio -

URSI 2013, Santiago de Compostela, Spain, Sep. 2013.

143


• J. Garcıa-Gasco Trujillo, A. Noval Sanchez de Toca, I. Montesinos Ortego, J.M.

Fernandez, M. Sierra Perez. ”Diseno y Medida de una Novedosa Red Multihaz

Conmutada de Cuatro Haces para Arrays Triangulares de Tres Elementos Radi-

antes,” in XXVII Simmposium Nacional de la Union Cientıfica Internacional de

Radio - URSI 2012, Elche, Spain, Sep. 2012.

• J. Garcıa-Gasco Trujillo, M. Salas Natera, I. Montesinos Ortego, M. Arias Campo,

R. Martınez, M. Sierra Perez. ”Progresos en Sub-Sistemas RF y Control de la

Antena Adaptativa Multihaz GEODA,” in XXVI Simmposium Nacional de la

Union Cientıfica Internacional de Radio - URSI 2011, Leganes, Spain, Sep. 2011.

• A. Noval Sanchez de Toca, J. Garcıa-Gasco Trujillo, M. Sierra Perez. ”Red Mul-

tihaz de Desfase Escalonado para el Control de un Array de Antenas,” in XXVI

Simmposium Nacional de la Union Cientıfica Internacional de Radio - URSI 2011,

Leganes, Spain, Sep. 2011.

• J. Garcıa-Gasco Trujillo, M. Arias Campo, I. Montesinos Ortego, M. Sierra Perez.

”Diseno del modulo T/R de la antena GEODA-GRUA,” in XXV Simmposium

Nacional de la Union Cientıfica Internacional de Radio - URSI 2010, Bilbao,

Spain, Sep. 2010.

144

Appendix A

Space Situational Awareness

Phased Array Radar Study

Two different deployment strategics of the SSA phased array antenna radar have been

evaluated, considering assumptions listed in Table A.1.

Table A.1: SSA Phased Array Radar AssumptionsParameter Value

Frequency Band 1.2 GHzNumber of Transmitter Arrays 6Transmitter Array Shape Rectangular ArrayNumber of Receiver Arrays 3Receiver Array Shape Circular ArrayField of Regard

A Deflection Angle from -60o to +60o

B Deflection Angle from +20o to +40o

Minimum Radar Cross Section dmin = max

(h2ph2refdref , 5 cm

)where href = 2000 Km, dref = 32 cm

Detection Probability 98 %Signal to Noise Ratio 18.45 dBPeak Power per Transmitter 1 kWReceiving Antenna Area Twice the Transmitting Antenna AreaPhased Array Antenna Gain G = 4π

λ2Aeff

System Noise Temperature 152.7 KTotal System Losses 3.13 dB

Case 1 considers the radar as an integration of three identical triplets integrated by

145

APPENDIX A. SPACE SITUATIONAL AWARENESS PHASED ARRAY RADARSTUDY

two transmitter antennas and one receiver antenna. Each triplet should cover the whole

specified FoR. Hence, once one triplet is built and verified, the other two would be a

copy of the tested one. This strategy provides a good behavior since the first triplet is

built, which does not fulfill the entire requirements but give a significantly approach.

Its main drawback is that the system would be oversized when the three triplets were

installed, increasing the cost of the whole architecture.

Case 2 evaluates the implementation of the whole radar by designing each triplet ad-

hoc to its associated FoR, optimizing each triplet individually. This would be cheaper,

because there would be much less radiating elements. Its main drawback is that this

strategy is much more risky because three different triplet should be designed and built.

Table A.2 presents the results in terms of number of elements per transmission and

reception arrays for cases 1 and 2. It is important to remark that the best solution

for both cases requires a maximum pulse width of 2.74 ms with 1kW of peak power.

Nowadays, European technology is able to provide 1 kW of peak power within a 1

ms maximum time pulse width. Hence, European technology limits this phased array

optimization. Considering European technology limitations (maximum pulse width of 1

ms with 1kW of peak power), case 2 has also been studied and shown in Table A.2 as

Case 2’; showing the need of a strong research on transmitters with higher peak power

and wider pulses, in order to reduce system cost.

Table A.2: Number of Elements per Transmission and Reception ArraysCase NElements Tx NElements Rx SNRWorstCase

1 23446 29683 18.45 dB2 34452 44778 18.51 dB2’ 48204 62622 18.52 dB

Worst Case Scenario Phased Array Simulation

After designing the full phased array antenna, its performance must be verified. To that

end, the worst case scenario for case 1 strategy is evaluated by using Matlab tool available

at ESA-ESOC. To simulate the case under study, it is specified: signal characteristics,

transmitter/receiver properties, radiation propagation effects, and target skills.

Firstly an LFM pulse signal is generated, RF beamformed, and emitted by the

transmitter. Part of the transmitted signal is reflected by the target, and detected by the

receiver antenna. Once received signal is RF beamformed, the IQ data is obtained. This

IQ data is introduced into the matched filter, which is a replica of the transmitted pulse

146

waveform. The matched filter output signal would show maximum peaks that could be

related to the possible detected targets. If pulse integration technic is activated; pulses

would be summed coherently, enhancing SNR ratio. Then, the data flow is treated by

the CFAR process that consists of three parts: hits detection with CFAR algorithm to

select possible targets, hits association to different targets to determine real targets, and

target coordinates estimation to locate the target with monopulse processing. Finally,

targets are detected and located.

After simulation, the system under study detects the target with a good location

accuracy; as shown Matlab simulation results presented in Table A.3. Such a great

angular accuracy is obtained thanks to the phased array narrow beam patterns, as

shown in Fig. A.1.

Table A.3: Phased Array Antenna Radar AccuracyReal Target Detected Target Accuracy

Azimuth [deg] 154.1500 154.1158 0.0342Elevation [deg] 43.3400 43.3152 0.0248Range [Km] 1460.0324 1460.000 0.0324

0.8

0.4

-0.4

-0.8

-0.8 -0.4 0.4 0.8U

V

(a) Transmitter Radiation Pattern

0.8

0.4

0

-0.4

-0.8 -0.4 0.4

V

(b) Receiver Radiation Pattern

Figure A.1: Phase Array Radiation Pattern.

147

APPENDIX A. SPACE SITUATIONAL AWARENESS PHASED ARRAY RADARSTUDY

148

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