Payload Tests

This page provides a complete record of all payload test plans and results, to be continuously updated as the project progresses. 

Cylindrical Reflector Antenna Tests

1.  Breadboard Model 

• The antenna consists of two components; Feed and Cylindrical reflector

• Both components were manufactured at the Machine Shop in the Price Faculty of Engineering. 

• Measurement Setup:

-Antenna Lab – Used for verification.

-Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) – To verify the operating frequency.

-Compact Range – To measure the radiation pattern and gain.

• The simulation and measurement data for both the feed and reflector system show good agreement.

Feed measurements

• The feed works at the desired frequency 18.7 GHz with a good agreement between both data.

• The simulated gains are 17.8 dBi in the E-plane and 17.85 dBi in the H-plane, while the measured gains are 17.6 dBi in both planes.

Reflector antenna measurements

• The simulated gains are 24.7 dBi in both the E-plane and H-plane, while the measured gains are 24.52 dBi in the E-plane and 24.49 dBi in the H-plane.

• Measurements summary

Payload Radiometer Frequency Response Tests

The frequency response of the individual components that make up the radiometer BM was tested using a vector network analyzer (VNA). From this, the actual system gain and bandwidth was determined, and the results are presented below. 

Measured radiometer bandwidth

Measured Gain of Radiometer BM Components

Payload Radiometer Power Tests

Payload Radiometer Calibration Tests

Detailed Instructions: 

1. Room Temperature Test

Test to measure the output voltage of the radiometer when the radiometer is placed in

the antenna lab at room temperature.

• Place the radiometer in the antenna lab for up to 5 hours for the component temperature to come to equilibrium with   the room temperature.

• Measure and record the ambient temperature of the room and components through-out the test.

• Place a 50Ω load at the front end of the radiometer.

• Measure and record the output voltage of the radiometer for 10 minutes.

• Turn off the radiometer for the components to cool for 3 hours.

• Attach the antenna to the front end of the radiometer.

• Measure and record the output voltage of the radiometer for 10 minutes.

2. Cold Room Test

Test to measure the output voltage of the radiometer when the radiometer is placed in

the cold room at CEOs at a temperature of -30 degrees Celsius.

• Place the radiometer in the cold room at -30 degrees Celsius for up to 5 hours for the temperature of the components to come to equilibrium with the temperature of the room.

• Measure and record the ambient temperature of the room and components through out the test.

• Place a 50Ω load at the front end of the radiometer.

• Measure and record the output voltage of the radiometer for 10 minutes.

• Turn off the radiometer for the components to cool for 3 hours.

• Attach the antenna to the front end of the radiometer.

• Measure and record the output voltage of the radiometer for 10 minutes.

• Repeat the process for the room at -20, -15, -10, and -5 degrees Celsius

3. Outdoor Test

Test to measure the output voltage of the radiometer when the radiometer is placed

outside, pointing at different targets.

• Place the radiometer outside for up to an hour for the temperature of the components to come to equilibrium with the air temperature.

• Measure and record the temperature of the surroundings and components throughout the test.

• Point the radiometer with the antenna attached to a desired target.

• Measure and record the output voltage of the radiometer for 10 minutes.

• Change the target the radiometer is pointing at and repeat the measurement.

Test Results