PLD FM Tests

ArcticSat Antenna FM Test Plan and Report

Test Summary

Physical Characteristics Summary

A-T1: Antenna - Structure Bandwidth Measurement

Test Procedure/Detailed Instructions

Test Results

A-T2: Antenna - Structure Radiation Pattern and Gain

Test Procedure/Detailed Instructions

Test Results

ArcticSat (UMS-0646) Radiometer FM Test Plan and Report

Test Summary

Physical Characteristics Summary

R-T1: VCO Boost Tuning Voltage

Test Procedure/Detailed Instructions:

Test Results

R-T2: Hot / Cold Calibration Test

Test Procedure/Detailed Instructions:

Test Results

R-T3: Noise Diode ENR Test

Test Procedure/Detailed Instructions:

Test Results

R-T4: CDH-PLD CAN Transmit

Test Procedure/Detailed Instructions:

Test Results

R-T5: CDH-PLD CAN Receive

Test Procedure/Detailed Instructions:

Test Results

R-T6: PWR-PLD AUX-CAN Transmit

Test Procedure/Detailed Instructions

Test Results

R-T7: PWR-PLD AUX-CAN Receive

Test Procedure/Detailed Instructions

Test Results

R-T8: PLD Radiometer Outdoor Performance Test

Test Procedure/Detailed Instructions

Test Results

R-T9: Power in and Current Consumption Test

Test Procedure/Detailed Instructions

Test Results

R-T10: PLD Board Thermistor Test

Test Procedure/Detailed Instructions

Test Results

R-T11: PLD Radiometer Software Verification Tests

Test Procedure/Detailed Instructions

Test Results

ArcticSat PLD Physical Characteristics Test Plan

P1: Visual Inspection

Test Procedure/Detailed Instructions

Test Results

P2: Dimension Fit Check

Test Procedure/Detailed Instructions

Test Results

P3: Mass Inspection

Test Procedure/Detailed Instructions

Test Results

Antenna Test Plan and Report

Antenna: Cylindrical reflector using PCB patch array feed

Dimesons: 87 mm x 144 mm

Software: Verification was performed using both ANSYS HFSS and CST

ArcticSat P/N: UMS-0646 (FM)

Manufacturer: In house

A-T1: Antenna - Structure Bandwidth Measurement

Item

A-T1

Test Item

PCB antenna array- reflector feed

Test Specification

Verify that the patch array feed operates correctly at the intended frequency and bandwidth.

Judge Criteria

VNA measurement of the reflection coefficient.
Measured S11 at 18.7 GHz.

Samples

1 PCB board

Test Period: TBD

Test equipment: PCB board, RF cable, VNA

Major Problem: None

Warning: Use the ESD safe mat for all these tests and ensure the input RF power is less than -80dBm

Recommendation: None

Verification Activities: R-ARC-PLD-102

Test Procedure/Detailed Instructions:

1- Power on the VNA: Switch on the Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) and allow it to initialize.

2- Connect the Antenna: Connect the feed antenna under test (FAUT) to the VNA’s port 1 using an SMA coaxial cable. Ensure a secure and proper connection to avoid measurement errors.

3- Calibrate the VNA:

Perform a full 1-port calibration (Open, Short, Load) on the VNA at the end of the cable connected to the antenna.
Ensure calibration is completed before measurements.

3- Set VNA Parameters:

Set the start and stop frequencies to cover the expected operating range of the antenna.
Set the number of points (e.g., 201 or 401) for a smooth frequency sweep.
Select S11 measurement mode.

4- Perform the Measurement:

Sweep the frequency range and record the reflection coefficient (S11).
Identify the resonant frequency where |S11| is minimum.
Determine the bandwidth as the frequency range where |S11| ≤ -10 dB (or the desired threshold).

5- Record and Analyze Data:

Save the S11 plot from the VNA for documentation.
Note the center frequency, -10 dB bandwidth, and any other key observations.

Test Results:

A-T2: Antenna - Structure Radiation Pattern and Gain

Item

A-T2

Test Item

Cylindrical reflector (PCB antenna array feed + reflector)

Test Specification

Verify that the reflector antenna provides the required simulated radiation pattern at both planes, beamwidth, and gain at 18.7 GHz.

Judge Criteria

High directional beam in both horizontal and vertical planes
Beamwidth of approximately 10° in both planes
High gain exceeding 24 dBi with the shell

Samples

1 Cylindrical reflector

Test Period: TBD

Test equipment: Reflector Antenna Under Test (RAUT), Reference Antenna with known gain for comparison, Rotatable Test Stand / Turntable, Coaxial Cables and SMA Connectors, Spectrum Analyzer, Calibration Kit, An indoor far-field anechoic chamber

Major Problem: None

Warning: Follow RF safety guidelines and minimize movement near the antenna to prevent detuning during measurements

Recommendation: None

Verification Activities: R-ARC-PLD-102

Test Procedure/Detailed Instructions:

1- Power on Equipment:

Turn on the signal generator and measurement equipment (e.g., VNA or spectrum analyzer) and allow them to initialize.

2- Connect the Antenna:

Connect the antenna under test (AUT) to the measurement setup using a suitable coaxial cable and SMA connectors.
Ensure secure connections to avoid signal loss or reflections.

3- Set Measurement Frequency:

Configure the signal generator or VNA to the target frequency, 18.7 GHz.
Set the output power to the required level (e.g., -20 dBm) and verify that RF output is initially off.

4- Position the Antenna:

Mount the antenna on a rotatable test stand or turntable to allow horizontal and vertical plane measurements.
Ensure the test environment is free from obstructions or reflective objects.

4- Calibrate the Measurement System:

Perform any required calibration (e.g., free-space path loss calibration) to ensure accurate gain measurement.

5- Measure Radiation Pattern:

Rotate the antenna in the horizontal (azimuth) plane and record the received power at each angle.
Repeat the measurement in the vertical (elevation) plane.
Plot the normalized radiation patterns for both planes.

6- Determine Gain:

Compare the measured received power to a reference antenna or calculated free-space path loss to determine the antenna gain.
Record the peak gain at 18.7 GHz.

7- Document Results:

Save the radiation pattern plots for both planes.
Note the beamwidth, peak gain, and radiation direction.
Repeat measurements if needed to ensure consistency.

Test Results:

ArcticSat (UMS-0646) Radiometer Test Plan and Report

Board type: 6-layer PCB Assembly

Thickness: 1.785mm

CAD software: Altium Designer 24.4

ArcticSat P/N: UMS-0646 (FM)

Manufacturer: MicroArt

Date: TBD

Start Date: End Date: Part Name: Application: Quantity:

TBD TBD UMS-0646 ArcticSat PLD 1

Test Summary

Item Test Item Test Result Details

T1 VCO Tuning Voltage Incomplete TBD

T2 PLD Calibration Incomplete TBD

T3 Diode ENR Incomplete TBD

T4 CAN Tx Incomplete TBD

T5 CAN Rx Incomplete TBD

T6 AUX-CAN Tx Incomplete TBD

T7 AUX-CAN Rx Incomplete TBD

T8 Radiometer Incomplete TBD

T9 Power in Incomplete TBD

T10 Thermistor Incomplete TBD

T11 Radiometer Software Incomplete TBD

Physical Characteristics Summary

Item Property Item Result Details

P1 Visual Inspection Incomplete TBD

P2 Dimension Fit Check Incomplete TBD

P3 Mass Inspection Incomplete TBD

T1: VCO Tuning Voltage

Item

Test Item

Analog Devices voltage-controlled oscillator

Test Specification

Verify that the applied tuning voltage to the VCO is producing the correct downconverted IF with a center frequency of 150 MHz

Judge Criteria

VNA measurement of the IF output responds to changes in the tuning voltage
Measured IF of 150 MHz.

Samples

1 PLD board

Test Period: TBD

Test equipment: PLD board, RF power source, 60dB attenuator, VNA, 6V power supply, coaxial cable

Major Problem: None

Warning: Use the ESD safe mat for all these tests and ensure the input RF power is less than -80dBm

Recommendation: None

Verification Activities: R-ARC-PLD-103

Test Procedure/Detailed Instructions:

Use the Anritsu MG3692A CW generator to provide input RF power and an Agilent VNA to measure the output IF.

Power up the Anritsu CW generator; set the output frequency to 18.7 GHz and the output power to -20 dBm and ensure RF output power is turned off
Attach a 60 dB attenuator to the Anritsu's output port
Connect the PLD RF-in SMA to the attenuator using a coaxial cable
Connect the PLD IF test port to the VNA for measurement
Power on the PLD board with a 6V power supply
Push the RF-out button on the Anritsu to turn on the RF output power

Read the S21 on the VNA to determine the IF output, twist the potentiometer on the PLD board until the desired IF is reached.

Test Results:

T2: PLD Calibration

Item

Test Item

On-ground/pre-flight radiometer calibration

Test Specification

Determine and store sets of calibration constants of the radiometer at different physical temperatures

Judge Criteria

Radiometer has different calibration constants when placed at varying temperatures.

Samples

1 PLD board

Test period: TBD
Test equipment: PLD board, 50 ohm load, Liquid Nitrogen in Dewar, 6V power supply, coaxial cable
Major Problem: None
Warning: Use the ESD safe mate for all these tests. Ensure proper handling of liquid Nitrogen. Wear appropriate clothing when working in the cold room.
Recommendation: None
Verification activities: R-ARC-PLD-101

Test Procedure/Detailed Instructions:

Place the radiometer at an ambient temperature of -30 degrees Celsius until the board is at an equilibrium temperature

Power up the PLD board using the 6V power supply.
Ensure the board is properly set up with the correct IF output (need to perform T1 before this)
Attach the 50-ohm load to the RF front end. using the coaxial cable
Record the output voltage as V_hot
Place the 50-ohm load in the dewar filled with liquid Nitrogen
Record the output voltage as V_cold

Repeat step 1 at -20 degrees Celsius
Repeat step 1 at 5 degrees Celsius
Repeat step 1 at 21 degrees Celsius
Repeat step 1 at 50 degrees Celsius

Test Results:

T3: Diode ENR

Item

Test Item

Noise diode

Test Specification

Verify the ENR supplied by the noise diode and the corresponding output voltage

Judge Criteria

Ensure that the ENR can be detected by the log detector when the input port of the coupler is connected to a matched load

Samples

1 PLD board

Test period: TBD
Test equipment: PLD board, power supply, multimeter, computer with STMCube IDE, 50 ohm load
Major Problem: None
Warning: Use the ESD safe mat for all these tests
Recommendation: None
Verification Activities: R-ARC-PLD-106

Test Procedure/Detailed Instructions

Use a multimeter to measure the output voltage when only the noise diode is connected to the RD front end.

Disconnect the payload antenna from the radiometer board and attach a 50-ohm load directly to the SMA connector.
In the _noise() function call, set the 'switch_on' control variable high to turn on the noise diode.
Measure the output voltage from the log detector with the noise diode supplied ENR connected to the coupled port of the coupler, being the only input signal source.

Test Results

T4: CAN Transmit

Item

Test Item

CAN Transceiver

Test Specification

Verify that PLD can send messages over CAN Bus.

Judge Criteria

Ensure that you receive the exact message sent by the PLD over CAN on the receiver end CAN device(could be another PLD or Arduino)

Samples

1 PLD board

Test period: TBD
Test equipment: PLD board, logic analyzer, power supply, multimeter, computer with STMCube IDE, and secondary CAN device.
Major Problem: None
Warning: Use the ESD safe mat for all these tests
Recommendation: None
Verification Activities: R-ARC-PLD-005

Test Procedure/Detailed Instructions:

Use the secondary device with a CAN transceiver and connect it to RAD_PLD CAN H and RAD_CAN L lines on connector J_data.

In the

Use the test code and send sample data via CAN. Read the data on the secondary CAN device (logic analyzer or other subsystem board with CAN read capabilities) and ensure the data received by the secondary CAN device matches the data sent by the PLD CAN transceiver.

Connect the CAN H and CAN L outputs from the PLD (located on connector J_data or through harnessing connectors) to a logic analyzer
The code first initializes the CAN at a rate of 2500000
Then, it sends a CAN message with the following parameters:
- - ID: 321 (hex)
  - Data length: 8
  - Data: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 (hex)
On the logic analyzer, collect data and run the CAN decode option to decode the received CAN message

Test Results:

T5: CAN Receive

Item

Test Item

CAN Transceiver

Test Specification

Verify the PLD can receive messages over CAN Bus

Judge Criteria

Ensure that you receive the exact message sent by a CAN transmitter (could be another PLD or Arduino) over CAN on the PLD as the receiver end

Samples

1 PLD board

Test period: TBD
Test equipment: PLD board, logic analyzer, power supply, multimeter, computer with STMCube IDE, and secondary CAN device.
Major problem: None
Warning: Use the ESD safe mate for all these tests
Recommendation: None
Verification Activities: R-ARC-PLD-005

Test Procedure/Detailed Instructions:

Use the secondary device with a CAN transceiver and connect it to PLD RAD_CAN H and RAD_CAN L lines on connector J_data.

In the

Use the test code and receive sample data via CAN. Read the data sent by the secondary CAN device (logic analyzer or other subsystem board with CAN send capabilities) and ensure the data received by the PLD CAN device matches the data sent by the secondary CAN transceiver.

Connect the CAN H and CAN L outputs from the PLD (located on connector J_data or through harnessing connectors) to a logic analyzer
The code first initializes the CAN at a rate of 2500000
Then, it sends a CAN message with the following parameters:
- - ID: 321 (hex)
  - Data length: 8
  - Data: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 (hex)
On the logic analyzer, collect data and run the CAN decode option to decode the received CAN message

Test Results:

T6: AUX_CAN Tx

Item

Test Item

AUX-CAN Tx

Test Specification

Verify that the PLD can send sample data to PWR over the AUX-CAN lines

Judge Criteria

Ensure that you receive the exact message sent by the PLD over AUX-CAN on the PWR end AUX-CAN

Samples

1 PLD board

Test period: TBD
Test equipment: PLD board logic analyzer, power supply, multimeter, computer with STMCube IDE, and PWR board.
Major problem: None
Warning: Use the ESD safe mat for all these tests
Recommendation: None
Verification Activities: R-ARC-PLD-104

Test Procedure/Detailed Instructions

Use the PWR board with an AUX_CAN connector

Test Results

T7: AUX_CAN Rx

Item

Test Item

AUX_CAN Rx

Test Specification

Verify that the PLD can receive sample data from PWR over the AUX-CAN lines

Judge Criteria

Ensure that you receive the exact message sent by the PLD over AUX-CAN on the PWR end AUX-CAN

Samples

1 PLD board

Test period: TBD
Test equipment: PLD board logic analyzer, power supply, multimeter, computer with STMCube IDE, and PWR board.
Major problem: None
Warning: Use the ESD safe mat for all these tests
Recommendation: None
Verification Activities: R-ARC-PLD-104

Test Procedure/Detailed Instruction

Test Results:

T8: Radiometer

Item

Test Item

Overall radiometer system (including antenna)

Test Specification

Verify the performance of the radiometer and the ability to detect temperatures with a sensitivity of 0.5 K

Judge Criteria

The radiometer output brightness temperature and emissivity should be within range for known targets (salt water, ice)
The radiometer should be able to differentiate targets with a temperature difference of 0.5K apart

Samples

1 PLD board

Test period: TBD

Test equipment: PLD board, antenna, and power supply.

Major problem: None

Warning: Use an ESD safe mat for all these tests, and ensure correct antenna polarization before the test.

Recommendation: None

Verification Activities: R-ARC-PLD-095, R-ARC-PLD-096, R-ARC-PLD-097

Test Procedure/Detailed Instructions

Test Results

T9: Power

Item

Test Item

PLD radiometer

Test Specification

Measure the inrush current and power consumption of PLD over a 10-minute measurement period

Judge Criteria

The power consumption at any point during the operation of PLD is less than or equal to the allocated PWR budget

Samples

1 PLD board

Test period: TBD
Test equipment: PLD board, power supply, oscilloscope, and multimeter.
Major problem: None
Warning: Use the ESD safe mat for all these tests
Recommendation: None
Verification Activities:R-ARC-PLD-093

Test Procedure/Detailed Instructions

Test Results

T10: Thermistor

Item

T10

Test Item

3 thermistors placed at different positions on the PLD board

Test Specification

Verify that the temperature can be read from the thermistors on the PLD board

Judge Criteria

Compare the temperature output from the thermistor to the temperature measured using an external probe thermometer

Samples

1 PLD board

Test Period: TBD
Test equipment: PLD board, PLD JTAG programmer, power supply, external probe thermometer, computer with STMCube IDE.
Major Problem: None
Warning: Use the ESD safe mat for all these tests
Recommendation: None
Verification Activities: R-ARC-PLD-066

Test Procedure/Detailed Instructions:

Use the test code on PLD and read the voltage on the

Test Results:

T11: Radiometer Software

Item

T11

Test Item

PLD radiometer software

Test Specification

Ensure the radiometer software can handle edge cases, such as no cold calibration data available. Also, ensures there is no memory overflow when storing the radiometer data for the entirety of the measurement pass.

Judge Criteria

Checks if the _calibrate() has been called and returned before running the _measure() function.
Uses pre-loaded cold liquid nitrogen calibration data if no _calibrateData() available.
There is enough memory to store _measureData()
Responds to the functions listed in the PLD software ICD

Samples

1 PLD board

Test period: TBD

Test equipment: PLD board, power supply, PLD JTAG programmer, computer with STMCube IDE.

Major problem: None

Warning: Use the ESD safe mat for all these tests

Recommendation: None

Verification Activities: R-ARC-PLD-105

Test Procedure/ Detailed Instructions

Test Results

P1: Visual Inspection

Item

Test Item

PLD PCB visual inspection

Test Specification

Inspect the CDH board for any deformation, discontinuity in visible traces, and cracks on the board.

Judge Criteria

There shall be no such defects or flaws stated in the test specifications in any of the received boards.

Samples

3 PLD boards

Test period: TBD
Test equipment: PLD board
Major Problem: None
Warning: Use the ESD safe mat for all these inspections
Recommendation: None
Verification Activities: R-ARC-PLD-058, R-ARC-PLD-100

Test Procedure/Detailed Instructions:

Visually inspect the PLD PCB assembly for:
- physical damage
- missing parts
- poor soldering
- flatness/no bending/no board flexing
Verify that any fasteners that PLD uses are hex drive

Test Results

P2: Dimension Fit Check

Item

Test Item

PLD PCB dimension fit check

Test Specification

Measure the width, the height, and the thickness of the board. Also, the height of the highest component must be measured.

Judge Criteria

Width: 90±0.25 mm
Length: 90±0.25 mm
Thickness: 1.52±0.25 mm
Highest component: 4±0.1 mm

Samples

3 PLD boards

Test period: 04-Nov-2024 to 04-Nov-2024
Test equipment: PLD board, calipers
Major Problem: None
Warning: Use the ESD safe mat for all these inspections
Recommendation: None
Verification Activities: G-ARC-PLD-009, G-ARC-PLD-002, R-ARC-PLD-003, R-ARC-PLD-007

Test Procedure/Detailed Instructions:

Using calipers, measure the overall length, width, and height of the PLD board. Compare the measured data to the data in the structure module CAD. Dimensions should be as follows:
- Width: 90±0.25 mm
- Length: 90±0.25 mm
- Thickness: 1.52±0.25 mm
- Highest component: 4±0.1 mm excluding the on-board connector
Then, using calipers, measure the center-to-center distance of the PLD board's mounting holes. Also, measure the diameter of the mounting holes. Compare the measured data to the data in the structure module CAD. Dimensions should be as follows:
- Center-to-center distance: 81±0.1 mm
- Mounting hole diameter: 2.5±0.1 mm

Test Results

P3: Mass Inspection

Item

Test Item

PLD PCB mass inspection

Test Specification

Measure the mass of the board without any connectors on it, and with the connectors on it separately

Judge Criteria

Mass: xx grams

Samples

3 PLD boards

Test period: TBD
Test equipment: PLD board, weighing scale
Major problem: None
Warning: Use the ESD safe mat for all these inspections
Recommendation: None
Verification Activities: R-ARC-PLD-042

Test Procedure/Detailed Instructions:

Using a weighing scale accurate to at least ±1 gram, measure the mass of the PLD board with the on-board harnessing connectors. Compare the measured data to the ones in the mass budget and ensure the measured mass is less than the allocated mass budget. Mass should be as follows:
- Mass: less than XX grams

Test Results

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