Comms Test Plans

Introduction

This document details the test plans for the verification and qualification of the communications subsystem. These tests are designed to provide evidence of requirements compliance for all system designs and performance.

The following sections illustrate the test description, objective, verification activities fulfilled, and equipment required.

It is worth noting that since there is only one transceiver radio procured, testing must be performed on the flight model. Test activities are designed to be non-destructive.

Phase C Tests

ID: COMM-Antenna

Test the deployment mechanism to see whether it deploys successfully. Supply power to the release mechanism, and verify the deployment status.

Objective: Simulate antenna deployment of the flatsat model.

Verification Activities: V-COM-0080

Model: Transceiver flight model

Equipment: power supplies

Status: Completed

Phase D Tests

ID: COMM-CDH-CAN

Test communications between COMMS and CDH over CAN Bus. Supply power to both communications and CDH boards, and attach CAN high and low lines together. Attach the MCX to SMA right angle adapter to the radio and attach the dummy load. Utilize CubeSat Space Protocol (CSP) to program and initialize the transmission parameters of the radio. Verify the success of parameter initialization through the debug interface of the radio.

Objective: Simulate antenna deployment of the flatsat model and test the functionality of the antenna with transmission with the on-board transceivers

Verification Activities: V-COM-0130

Model: Transceiver flight model

Equipment: power supplies, 50-ohm dummy load

Status: Not yet completed [Link toJonathan's & MB's page]

ID: COMM-TxRx-SDR

Simulate the transmission of data packets between the transceiver and a software-defined radio (SDR). This test does not use any antennas or wireless transmissions. It requires working communication between comms and CDH via CAN bus.

The COMM-CDH assembly from earlier is used. The RF ports of the transceiver (J4) and SDR are connected using coaxial cables. Using a computer, a message is sent from the SDR using proper formatting (AX.25, FSK, 9600bps) to the radio. These messages include specific telemetry requests and operational activities, and the CDH will simulate a programmed response for each type. The radio shall send this information provided by the CDH to the SDR, and the computer is used to verify the accuracy of the received response.

Objective: Achieve wired communication between an operator and CDH through the radio.

Verification Activities: V-COM-0140, V-COM-0220, V-COM-0250

Model: Transceiver FM

Equipment: power supply, CDH model or analogue, software-defined radio, CAN wires, SMA-to-MCX coaxial cable, computers for interfacing

Status: Not yet completed [Link toJonathan's & MB's page]

ID: COMM-Antenna-Rad

Measure the frequency response and radiation performance of the monopole antenna design. This requires a constructed engineering model of the measuring tape antenna with a SMA connector. Use a vector network analyzer (VNA) to measure the S11 frequency response and Smith Chart of the antenna prototype. Then, use Stargate to measure the radiation pattern of the antenna to find the peak gain.

Objective: Measure peak gain, operational frequency, bandwidth, and radiation pattern of the antenna.

Verification Activities: V-COM-0160

Model: Antenna engineering model

Equipment: Coax cables, VNA, Stargate (UofM Antenna Lab)

Status: Not yet completed [Seth's & MB's page]

ID: COMM-TxRx-Antenna

Similar to COMM-TxRx-SDR, but replacing the coax cable with antennas and wireless communications.

Using an SDR with its own antennas, send similar check out messages with proper formatting (AX.25, FSK, 9600bps) to the radio. Simulate telemetry requests and operational activities and await a response from the CDH, and transmit using the radio with a (matched) antenna. The results received by the SDR is analyzed on a computer to verify accuracy of the response. This test is performed with both antennas co-polarized with their peak gain directions pointed at each other.

Objective: Achieve wireless line-of-sight communication between an operator and CDH through the radio.

Verification Activities: V-COM-0320, V-COM-0030, V-COM-0230, V-COM-0260, V-COM-0280

Model: Transceiver FM, antenna EM

Equipment: power supply, CDH model or analogue, software-defined radio, SDR antenna, CAN wires, measuring tape antenna, computers for interfacing

Status: Not yet completed [Link toJonathan's & MB's page]

ID: COMM-Antenna-Rad-Deployment

Measure the frequency response and radiation performance of the monopole antenna while it is inside the deployment housing (in the deployed position). This requires a constructed engineering model of the deployment housing with the antenna attached. Use a VNA to measure the S11 frequency response and Smith Chart. Then, use Stargate to measure the radiation pattern to find the peak gain.

Objective: Measure the effect of the deployment housing on the radiation properties of the antenna.

Verification Activities: V-COM-0170

Model: complete antenna deployment EM

Equipment: Coax cables, VNA, Stargate (UofM Antenna Lab)

Status: Not yet completed [Seth's & MB's page]

ID: COMM-Antenna-Rad-Structure

Measure the frequency response and radiation performance of the monopole antenna while it is inside the satellite structure (in the deployed position). This requires the full structural assembly (with empty modules) and an installed engineering model of the deployment system with the antenna. Use a VNA to measure the S11 frequency response and Smith Chart. Then, use Stargate to measure the radiation pattern to find the peak gain.

Objective: Measure the effect of the structure on the radiation properties of the antenna

Verification Activities: V-COM-0180

Model: complete antenna deployment EM

Equipment: Spacecraft structure, coax cables, VNA, Stargate (UofM Antenna Lab)

Status: Not yet completed [Seth's & MB's page]

FlatSat Tests

ID: FlatSat-TxRx-Deployment

Simulate commissioning activities and commence antenna deployment. When successful, perform operational activities and telemetry requests using transmitted ground station commands. Instead of pre-programmed responses and dummy data, use collected telemetry information and confirm the successful completion of activities. Compare received data with the saved data in CDH memory to assess accuracy.

Objective: Simulate an operational activity and downlink with the whole satellite

Verification Activities: V-COM-0080, V-COM-0150

Model: FlatSat

Equipment: Ground station, or similar (SDR)

Status: Not yet completed [Link toJonathan's & MB's page]

ID: FlatSat-CDH-Reboot

Simulate a CDH reboot during various activities such as telemetry request, operation, or idle. Check for any transmission or continuation of operation after the reboot. Also simulate a command for cessation of transmission, perform a reboot, and check for any transmissions.

Objective: Test that the system can resume operation after a reboot. Also ensure reboot will not restart transmissions after a cessation command (ITU regulation)

Verification Activities: V-COM-0520, V-COM-0521

Model: FlatSat

Equipment: Ground station, or similar (SDR)

Status: Not yet completed [Link toJonathan's & MB's page]

ID: FlatSat-PWR-timer

Simulate the post-ejection hold state of the flatsat, and ensure that the communication system is non-operational during this time. Check for current draw, voltage levels or RF communication responses.

Objective: To ensure system remains off during post-ejection hold

Verification Activities: V-COM-0580, V-COM-0590

Model: FlatSat

Equipment: Ground station, or similar (SDR), multimeter

Status: Not yet completed [Link toJonathan's & MB's and involve Aref]