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View File - University of Engineering and Technology, Taxila

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controlling antenna pointing. The monopulse method is used in systems thatutilize polarization isolation, when greater satellite tracking precision isnecessary—for example, in INTELSAT antennas.2. Step track method. In the step track method, the radiation pattern <strong>of</strong>the antenna is shifted discretely in small ‘‘steps.’’ The position correspondingto the peak signal is determined by measuring the sign <strong>of</strong> the difference <strong>of</strong> thesignal levels before <strong>and</strong> after a step. The differential yields the step size for thenext change in position alternately in azimuth <strong>and</strong> elevation. The iterationprocess is interrupted when the position is optimum, that is, when thedifferential is negligibly small. The advantages <strong>of</strong> the step track method areits simplicity <strong>and</strong> relative low cost. Its disadvantage is its low speed.3. Programmable steering method. In this technique, antenna pointing isbased upon knowledge <strong>of</strong> the relative motion <strong>of</strong> the satellite with respect to theearth station. A mathematical function, together with the known geographicalcoordinates <strong>of</strong> the earth station, is programmed <strong>and</strong> used to update the antennapointing without reference to a signal received from the satellite. Thistechnique is independent <strong>of</strong> earth station’s performance <strong>and</strong> link parameters,yet it is relatively complex to achieve considerable precision accuracy.In general, whichever scheme is implemented <strong>and</strong> in order to prevent thepointing loss, the main lobe <strong>of</strong> the earth station’s antenna must be pointedautomatically or manually at the satellite with the greatest possible accuracy.This operation is performed by the tracking system that, by means <strong>of</strong> itsvarious control loops, ensures that the position errors <strong>of</strong> the antenna mainbeam (e.g., due to wind or satellite drift) from the ideal satellite position arecompensated. The antenna tracking system together with the tracking servosystem, the drive electronics, the electric drives, <strong>and</strong> the antenna form a closedcontrol loop. The servo system processes the error signals supplied by thetracking receiver <strong>and</strong> prepares them for the drive electronics that control the dcmotors on the antenna axis. The electric drive supplies the drive torquethrough mechanical gears to the antenna axis <strong>and</strong> compensates the gears’backlash by producing bias torque.3.4.3 System Capacity, Cost, <strong>and</strong> AvailabilityLike the satellite system availability analysis performed in Sec. 2.6.5, a similaranalysis must be performed for the earth station’s system availability. Cost isdetermined by what the customers want, what level <strong>of</strong> performance has beenguaranteed, <strong>and</strong> what is technically achievable. Whether an earth station isowned or leased, it is important that selected equipment meet the operationalCopyright © 2002 by Marcel Dekker, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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