9.1m Product Description

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Product Description
9.1-Meter Remote Sensing
Ground Station
ViaSat
Satellite Ground Systems
8 October 2001

9.1-Meter Remote Sensing Ground Station

Product Description 2

www.viasat.com 4356 Communications Drive, Norcross, GA 30093 USA Tel: +1 678.924.2631 Fax: +1 770.935.3285
History and Experience
Since the inception of the Landsat program in the early 1970s,
ViaSat has been the leader in providing Remote Sensing
Ground Station antenna systems. This success began in 1973
with the first ground station used specifically for Landsat 1,2
and 3, which was supplied to Brazil.
In 1978, NASA awarded ViaSat the first contract to supply
an S- and X-Band Landsat 4 and 5-ground station. At that
time ViaSat developed the high data rate (15/85 Mbps)
demodulators and bit synchronizers used for satellite testing
and data reception.
In 1984, on-going development resulted in the worlds first
Multi-Function Digital Receive System (MFDRS), which was
installed as part of a 10 meter S- and X-Band system atop
an 8-story building in Fairbanks, Alaska. This system
enabled reception of data from multiple satellites with the
maximum use of common hardware and has since been
used in all ViaSat ground stations.
By 1989, ViaSats expertise in servo mechanism and control
systems design heralded the first system in the world to
acquire and track Remote Sensing Satellite signals at X-
Band, in the 10 meter CLIRSEN system in Ecuador.
Further developments in high data rate modem design
resulted in ViaSat being selected, in 1993, by E-Systems &
Space Imaging for the provision of their IKONOS ground
stations. All have the capability to receive data up to 320
Mbps.
Also in 1993, ViaSat delivered the first ever Landsat 7
AQPSK demodulator and bit synchronizer to the EROS Data
Center.
As a result of ViaSats success in the delivery of all of
Motorolas 57 IRIDIUM
Ka-Band Gateway and TT&C

terminals, a derivative of that systems X/Y pedestal design
was fielded in 1996 for the first time in a mobile remote
sensing ground station to support the IKONOS program.
In 1999, a new generation of MFDRS was delivered that was
able to provide data reception from multiple remote sensing
satellites in the 20-320 Mbps range.
In 2000, ViaSat was awarded a contract to provide the first
5.4m Ka-Band Remote Sensing Ground Station in support of
NASAs Ka-Band RSGS experiments.
ViaSats Experience
ViaSat has over 30 years
experience in designing,
building and installing
full motion, high
performance Remote
Sensing Antenna
Systems, and continues
to lead the way in
innovation and product
development

3 Product Description

ViaSat Remote Sensing Ground Stations
World Wide Deployment

Test and Integration

140 Acre Antenna Test and Integration Range
High Volume Antenna & Pedestal Production Facility
Antenna Testing on Pattern Range
System Testing on Boresite Range

Complete Stations
Major Subsystems
World Wide
Experience
ViaSat has provided
more than 60 Remote
Sensing Ground Stations
throughout the world, in
all locations ranging from
the tropics to the Arctic
and Antarctic
ViaSat has provided
more Remote Sensing
Ground Stations than all
other suppliers
Design, Manufacture
and Test
ViaSat designs,
manufactures and tests
all of the major
components and
subsystems within
ViaSat. Other companies
sub-contract large
portions of the system to
outside vendors
ViaSat has a world-class
140-acre test and
integration facility where
the systems are fully
tested prior to shipment.
No other supplier has
this capability
Company Reputation
ViaSat has built its
reputation by supplying
quality products and
services at competitive
prices, and by providing
superior customer
service before, during
and after contract award


System Overview
The ViaSat 9.1-meter system
employs many elements of
technology fielded and proven in
remote sensing ground terminal
environments to provide an
approach that is easy to install
and provides state-of-the-art
performance.
The ViaSat 9.1 meter Remote
Sensing Ground Station (RSGS),
consists of several subsystems.
The following paragraphs
provide a brief overview of the
system.
Antenna Subsystem
The antenna consists of a ViaSat 9.1-meter dual shaped
reflector and Cassegrain feed. The antenna subsystem has been
designed to easily accept an upgrade of an S-band prime focus
feed and dichroic subreflector in the future. The Cassegrain
feed produces both tracking and data outputs.
The high efficiency dual shaped reflector coupled with state-of-
the-art GaAs FET low-noise amplifiers provide a G/T of better
than 35 dB/K at 5 degrees elevation. This performance will
permit operation with any of the current and planned remote
sensing satellites.
Pedestal Subsystem
The antenna is installed on a Model 3316A Pedestal featuring
dual, torque-biased, servo drives as well as an east-west tilt
axis. This configuration provides full hemispherical coverage for
remote sensing satellite tracking. The pedestal system is
mounted on a 4.6-meter base extension that provides adequate
ground clearance for safety of personnel and equipment.
X-Band Receive Subsystem
The heart of the X-Band receive system is the ViaSat
Multifunction Digital Receive System (MFDRS). This system of
down converters, receivers, bit synchronizers and optional test
equipment are designed to provide optimum system bit error
rate (BER) performance under all conditions. The MFDRS
product has been field proven with more than 25 remote
sensing satellites.
Key System Features
ViaSats advanced
9.1-meter stretch
formed aluminum
reflector.
Sufficient link margin
to support all current
and planned remote
sensing satellites.
ViaSats Model 3316A
has a long history of
providing reliable
performance over
many years of
operation.
Tilt Axis permits
direct overhead
tracking of polar
satellites without loss
of data.
ViaSats Multifunction
Digital Receive
System (MFDRS)
equipment. This
system uses
hardware field proven
with more than 25
satellites.
ViaSats 9.1-meter
system provides a
technically superior
approach for remote
sensing missions


Dry Air
Data
8.0 - 8.5 GHz
Test
8.0 - 8.5 GHz
Track
8.0 - 8.5 GHz
CONV ASSY
924-4
SERVO CONTROL
EQUIPMENT
DC POWER
SUPPLIES
PWM SERVO
AMPS
AC POWER
CONTROL
CONTROL ROOM BASE EXTENSION
EQUIPMENT
AUTOTRACK
SIGNAL
DISTRIBUTION
DEHYDRATOR
CASSEGRAIN
X-BAND
RECEIVE
ONLY FEED
(RHCP)
REFLECTOR
SPARS AND
SOLID
SUBREFLECTOR
3 AXIS
PEDESTAL
(EL/AZ/TILT)
3316
BASE
EXTENSION
PWR
&
CTRL
PWR/
CTRL
PWR
IF DIST UNIT
924-7B
EQ
EQ
EQ
EQ
EQ
720 MHz
TEST U/C
TRACK D/C
DATA D/C
DATA D/C
720 MHz
720 MHz
720 MHz
POWER
DISTRIBUTION
FREQUENCY
SYNTHESIZER
FREQUENCY
SYNTHESIZER
FREQUENCY
SYNTHESIZER
CABLE
RUN
(50m)
WB AM DEMOD
924-9B
ANTENNA
CONTROL UNIT
OUTDOOR
AC POWER
COLOR
MONITOR
KEYBOARD
& MOUSE
STATION CONTROLLER
DISK DRIVE
CDROM
COMPUTER
OPERATING
SYSTEM
APPLICATION
SOFTWARE
TEST
MODULATOR
924-6B
DATA
CLOCK
1
WIDEBAND
BERT
1
GPS
Ext
Computer
PROTOCOL
ADAPTER
ETHERNET
HUB
NETWORK
TIMESERVER
PROTOCOL
ADAPTER
POWER
METER
2
PART OF
POWER METER
OPTION 2
PART OF
BER TEST
OPTION 1
PART OF 2nd
RECEIVE CHAIN
OPTION 3
3
1
I
M&C
I CH DATA & CK
COMB DATA & CK
Q CH DATA & CK
Q
DEMOD
924-1B
BSSC CHASSIS 924-2
S
P
O
T

1
,
2
,
4
S
P
A
R
E
S
P
A
R
E
S
P
A
R
E
S
P
A
R
E
S
P
A
R
E
3
3
I
M&C
I CH DATA & CK
COMB DATA & CK
Q CH DATA & CK
Q
DEMOD
924-1B
BSSC CHASSIS 924-2
S
P
O
T

1
,
2
,
4
S
P
A
R
E
S
P
A
R
E
S
P
A
R
E
S
P
A
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S
P
A
R
E
ANTENNA
CONTROL UNIT
INDOOR
3

Control Subsystem
ViaSats Series 3860 Antenna Control Unit (ACU) is a state-of-
the-art system that implements digital control servo algorithms
with advanced state model dynamic equalization algorithms to
provide unparalleled system pointing and tracking accuracy.
The drive systems employ high efficiency brushless DC servo
drive motors, solid-state drive amplifiers, and high efficiency
gearing in an antibacklash torque-biased configuration to
provide reliable performance for years of trouble free operation.
Station Control Software
ViaSats ground stations offer the most advanced and most
widely tested computer control and monitoring system available
for automated remote sensing applications.
This multi-platform capable package has been continually
improved since its inception nearly a decade ago. The software
provides extensive system automation including hands off
satellite pass operation, fully automated system testing, and
remote control from other computer systems. ViaSat will gladly
customize the software to meet specific customer needs.
Key System Features
Full digital control
over a dual drive
torque-biased servo
system
Highly reliable DC
servo drive system
into a high efficiency
gearing system
Fully automated
software control
system that
minimizes human
error during mission
critical operations
ViaSats 9.1-meter
system is fully
automated and
designed for
unattended operation


Antenna Subsystem
ViaSat's High Efficiency Dual Reflector X-band Remote Sensing
Antenna offers a field-proven system that provides excellent
G/T across the 8000 to 8500 MHz band. The geometry allows
for the independent optimization of the X-band Cassegrain
antenna performance and the expansion and independent
optimization of the prime focus S-band antenna.

Reflector
The reflector design is a dual shaped surface, derived using
proven aperture distributions and surface shaping techniques
that ViaSat has successfully applied to reflectors ranging from 3
meters to 18 meters in diameter.
The all-aluminum reflector consists of a 1.83-meter-diameter
aluminum hub, 24 aluminum trusses and 48 aluminum
inner/outer panels. The heart of the reflector is the all-
aluminum central hub that provides the necessary interfaces
with the pedestal system and the X-band feed. The interior of
the hub is spacious and provides ample room for system
component mounting. The panels are manufactured at ViaSat
using high-precision stretch-form tooling and assembly
techniques.
The main features of
ViaSats antenna
Highest performing
G/T in its class
Precision, high
quality, shaped main
reflector and
subreflector
High Efficiency
X-Band Feed
Operates across
entire band without
the need for phase
adjustments
Lightning rods and
aircraft warning lights
are provided on the
upper edge of the
reflector and the end
of the spars
The utilization of
existing standard
designs allows ViaSat
to propose a cost-
effective design that
will support all known
and currently planned
Remote Sensing
Satellites


Subreflector and Spar Assembly
The subreflector assembly consists of a shaped solid
subreflector and mount, optimized for high efficiency and
antenna performance. The subreflector is supported by four
sturdy aluminum spars of rectangular cross section, and is
attached to the spars by means of the subreflector mount. The
subreflector focusing and alignment procedure is performed
once at the factory. The subreflector is then secured and dowel
pinned in position to preclude the need for future adjustment.
X-Band Feed
ViaSats X-band Cassegrain feed operates across the 8000 to
8500 MHz frequency band and is designed to maximize G/T
across the band. All feed components are housed in a
pressurized and heated feed enclosure that prevents moisture
ingress and ice adhesion.
The autotracking feed is a 5 horn array with ViaSats
MONOSCAN
1
single channel monopulse tracking technique.
This tracking method achieves performance superior to systems
that employ higher-order mode tracking schemes since the
correct operation of higher order tracking schemes is highly
dependent on the incoming signal polarization.

The 5-horn design provides separate data and tracking output
channels. The data channels are provided free of the AM
tracking error modulation, improving system performance

1
MONOSCAN
is a registered trademark of ViaSat, Inc.

Key Feed Features
Cassegrain feed
configuration
High efficiency, low
loss corrugated horn
RHC polarization
network
Sloped septum
polarizer for superior
axial ratio
polarization
performance
State-of-the-art
uncooled low-noise
amplifiers provide
greater than 55 dB
gain and 50K noise
temperature
Test injection coupler
prior to the LNA


Pedestal Subsystem
The system employs a three-axis
pedestal consisting of Model 3316A
elevation-over-azimuth pedestal on
top of an east-west tilt axis. This
configuration provides full coverage of
remote sensing satellites with no
keyhole. ViaSats Model 3316A
Pedestal is a robust configuration that
is uniquely suitable for a remote
sensing ground station. It features
dual, torque-biased servo-drives in
the azimuth and elevation axes. In
the elevation axis both turntables are
driven, rather than just one, to keep
the reflector hub from having to
distribute the elevation torque
between turntables.
Model 3316A Elevation over
Azimuth Pedestal
The Model 3316A was created for the purpose of handling 10-
and 11-meter parabolic reflector antenna systems under high
wind conditions and other adverse environments without the
need for a radome. The Model 3316A features include high
accuracy, reliability, safety, and convenience, with a complete
line of solid-state control systems and accessories. All portions
of the Model 3316A Servo-driven Pedestal system are of
existing field-proven design and are in continuing production at
ViaSat.
The basic pedestal design provides a completely weatherproof
unit with extremely high rigidity. All rotating components are
sealed to keep out blowing sand, dust and water. Heavy-section
steel weldments serve as basic structural members and also as
the weatherproof exterior. Internal components can be reached
through access doors or easily removable access covers, and
the pedestal is self-draining to prevent accumulation of
condensed moisture. Finishes are carefully applied to prevent
corrosion due to adverse environments such as salt air. All
electronic equipment and/or enclosures are configured to
prevent the entry of water.
Two dc continuous-duty bi-directional servomotors are used in
the azimuth and elevation axes. The drive motors are built to
ViaSats specifications with special consideration given to
smooth low-speed operation, high-temperature operation, and
Key Features
Azimuth and
elevation have dual
drives for high torque
and zero backlash
Elevation stows have
strength for high
wind conditions
Tilt axis permits
overhead orbits to be
tracked without loss
of data
Brushless DC
servomotors linked to
turntables by high
efficiency spur gears
Fail safe brakes and
hand drives are used
Turntables with
center holes for cable
and waveguide
passage
Integrated, Dual
resolver and limit
switch assemblies
Resolvers are geared
at a 1:1 ratio and
64:1 ratio to the
turntable through a
precision anti-
backlash geartrain.
4.6m environmentally
controlled base
extension elevates
the pedestal and
houses system
equipment


bi-directional control, limited maintenance and long life. These
motors are torque biased to remove any backlash in the
system.
The azimuth and elevation axes feature travel limit interlocks,
stow locks, fail-safe electromechanical brakes, with manual
brake releases, torque limiters, and hand drives for manual
pedestal operation. A pedestal disable switch is located at the
pedestal base to allow complete power removal from the
pedestal drives.
A cable wrap is used to support the travel extremes of the
pedestal. The cable, for both RF and control signals, is selected
for flexibility and life under extreme operating conditions.
Tilt Mechanism
The pedestal tilt mechanism serves to tilt the vertical reference
axis of the tracking pedestal by an amount sufficient to avoid
loss of signal from a satellite due to the zenith gimbal
singularity that occurs during an overhead or near-overhead
pass.
The tilt mechanism assembly is constructed of two rigid steel
weldments, designated the upper and lower tilt mechanism
sections. This lower section mounts to the foundation or atop a
base extension. The upper section provides mounting for the
pedestal and tilts with the pedestal. The upper and lower
sections are connected by a set of two pillow-block bearings
and a set of two jackscrew actuators.
A 3-phase AC reversible motor through a worm gear reducer
simultaneously drives the actuators. Synchro and limit
packages are provided for position feed back and limit
detection.
Base Extension
The base extension elevates the pedestal to the proper height
to provide adequate ground clearance for the antenna reflector.
The base extension is a rigid steel weldment providing a stiff
operating base for the pedestal. The base extension has a
flange with 12 bolt holes for rigidly mating the base extension
to studs located in the customer-supplied foundation.
The base extension provides an environmentally controlled
space for system-related electronic equipment. The base
extension houses the power amplifiers, DC power supplies,
antenna control unit, frequency synthesizers, dehydrator,
power and signal distribution units. There is a sufficient well-lit
working space within the base extension for basic maintenance
and troubleshooting. There are access ladders both inside and
outside the base extension that provide access to the pedestal,
tilt mechanism and antenna hub area.
Pressurization
The feed and electronics
enclosures are supplied
with dry pressurized air
from a pressurization
system consisting of a
dehydrator unit and
associated dry air
distribution piping.
The dehydrator unit
intakes and dehumidifies
air by means of
regenerative desiccant
towers. The distribution
system supplies this dry,
pressurized air to all
components requiring
pressurization.


Multifunction Digital Receive System
For two decades, the great majority of remote sensing ground
stations deployed throughout the world have employed ViaSat's
Series 924 Multifunction Digital Receive System (MFDRS).
During this period of time we have continued to refine the
MFDRS equipment and to add the capability to receive data
from each new family of remote sensing satellites as it is
introduced. The versatility and modularity of this system are
exemplified in the fact that more remote sensing satellites are
currently supported with Series 924 equipment than with any
other suppliers systems. The reasons for the high level of
acceptance of this system are:
The architecture of the MFDRS provides high reliability
and state-of-the-art performance.
The modular design permits ground stations to support
multiple families of remote sensing satellites with a
minimum amount of equipment.
As a result of the superior nature of this system, several
satellite designers have asked ViaSat to provide the inaugural
receive system for their remote sensing satellites. Recent
examples of this liaison are Radarsat, Landsat-7, IKONOS and
Orbview. This close relationship between ViaSat and the
designers/operators of remote sensing satellites has resulted in
the incorporation of numerous subtleties in the design of the
Series 924 equipment that is available nowhere else.
Model 924-4 Converter
The X-Band signals are routed from the feed to the Model
924-4 converter. This unit, an integral part of the MFDRS
product line, translates the X-Band signals to an IF of 720 MHz.
The converter unit is a waterproof pressurized chassis. The
chassis is typically located in the hub or on the pedestal riser.
By down converting the signals to a lower frequency near the
feed, losses due to RF range cable runs are held to a minimum.
Each chassis can house up to five individual converter modules.
The X-band up and down converter modules are members of
the Model 924-4 family. Each converter module can have a
separate phase-locked source that can be tuned independently
from a commercial off the shelf frequency synthesizer located
in the control room. The X-Band converter modules can be
tuned in 16 Hz steps over the entire 8000 to 8500 MHz
frequency band, supporting all existing and currently planned
earth resource satellites.
ViaSats Multifunction
Digital Receive System
MFDRS System is
Designed to Function
Together
Superior Reliability
and Performance
Unrivaled Support of
Remote Sensing
Downlinks, with More
than 30 Bit Sync
Modules Available
Modular, Expandable
Design
Bit Syncs Optimized
to Meet the Specific
Needs of the Satellite
Down Link
Low Cost Approach to
Tracking
Demodulation


Model 924-7B IF Distribution
The Model 924-7B IF Distribution has been specifically
developed to compensate for the amplitude tilt typically caused
by cable runs from the converter to the control room. This tilt
causes quadrature distortion (e.g., cross talk between the two
channels in the QPSK system) as well as some inter-symbol
interference distortion for the demodulated data.
This unit consists of a 19-inch rack chassis that is normally
mounted in an equipment rack in the control room. The unit
provides amplitude equalization for up to 5 channels (data,
track or test), distribution, and front-panel patching capability.
Model 924-1B Demodulator
The data is routed from the IF Distribution Unit to Model
924-1B Demodulators, where the data is coherently
demodulated and routed to the bit synchronizer/signal
conditioner (BSSC) units.
The Model 924-1B Demodulator operates with QPSK signals in
the 6 to 150 Mbps range, BPSK signals in the 3 to 85 Mbps
range. Six each isolated I and Q output pairs are provided on
the rear panel of the demodulator for interconnection to the
Model 924-2 Multiple BSSC Unit.
Both IEEE-488 and RS-232C remote control connectors are
provided on the rear panel. A rear-panel, 25-pin D connector
slaves the BSSC unit to the demodulator remote control so that
both units are controlled by one remote interface.
Model 924-2 Multiple BSSC
The Model 924-2 Multiple BSSC, a companion to the
924-1B Demodulator, contains power supplies, a multiplexer
assembly, and up to six each QPSK BSSC modules and/or
UQPSK BSSC modules.
This multiple BSSC concept allows operation with multiple
satellites but allows performance and operational format
optimization for any given satellite. It also provides the
customer the opportunity to procure capability in increments or
all at once in a cost-effective manner.
ViaSat's preeminent position in the design of remote sensing
systems has resulted in the largest selection of developed, off-
the-shelf custom bit synchronizer plug-ins for the MFDRS
product. ViaSat has more than 30 designed and fielded bit
synchronizer modules to choose from. Each of these bit
synchronizers has been designed to optimize system
performance by taking into account the differential coding and
bandpass filtering on board the spacecraft


Station Control Software
The state-of-the-art control and monitoring capabilities included
in ViaSat systems have been conceived, developed and
rigorously tested over the many years that ViaSat has been
delivering ground stations. The features offered in this product
are the result of a program of constant product enhancement
involving both our own and our customers experiences.

Satellite Tracking
The station control software provides for completely automated
satellite tracking operations. This software includes the
following key functions:
Mission Planning An event scheduling utility that allows the
operators to plan and schedule tracking events up to 7 days in
advance, for up to 50 different user specified satellites, with
easy to use schedule conflict resolution tools.
Automated Satellite Pass A fully automated satellite pass
function. Prior to the pass, the system configures the
instrumentation, and positions the antenna to the optimum
position for the start of the pass. Once the scheduled pass has
started, the SGP4 orbit prediction software points the antenna
to the satellite until sufficient signal strength is received to
engage the autotrack system. Even while the system is
Key Features
ViaSats ground stations
offer the most advanced
and most widely tested
computer control and
monitoring system
available for automated
remote sensing
applications. The system
incorporates a powerful
and field-proven
computer hardware and
client-server architecture
software package. This
package optimizes
operational reliability and
minimizes operational
personnel costs with the
following key features:
Developed for both
Unix and Windows-NT
Completely
Automated Operation
Automated System
Testing
Remote Computer
Control
Intuitive User
Interface for Local
Operation

The ground station
control system
contains a complete
suite of functions that
provide automated
operation of the
system


autotracking the target, the system continues to calculate
predicted pointing angles. The system reverts to program
tracking with the predicted angles if there is a signal blockage
or fade, reacquiring the autotrack signal any time the signal
strength is sufficient to engage the autotrack system.
Post Pass Analysis A record of the antenna pointing angles,
and critical receiver status is maintained through out the pass.
This data can be analyzed after the pass to determine system
and pass effectiveness.
System Testing
The software system has a complete set of automated tests to
assess the readiness of the system. Results are displayed in
easy to understand graphical format and/or numerical
computations. The tests include:
G/T Test An automated direct measurement of system G/T
using a celestial source adequate for the frequency band. This
test requires optional power meter hardware.
Pedestal Motion Tests Tests are provided to measure the
large and small step response of the servo system, and the
velocity constant (Kv) and acceleration constant (Ka).
Bit Error Rate Test A complete end-to-end automated BER
test of the system that uses optional BER test equipment, and
test inject points in the feed prior to the LNA.
RF Boresight Tests Tests are provided to measure the auto
track jitter, snap on performance, and error gradient.
Instrument Control
The software system provides real time control and status
indications from all the instruments. Through easy-to-use point
and click screen, the operator or the remote interface has
access to all critical system parameters in real time.
Remote Operation
The ground station software offers a remote interface for
operation in a completely unattended fashion. Through this
interface, an external computer can schedule satellite passes,
perform system tests, and gain instrument status. If the station
controller is on the Internet, the system can be operated from
virtually any location in the world.
Data Base Functions
A complete set of data base functions required to operate a
complex system is provided, including: Ephemeris, Schedule,
System Configuration Files, Pass Logs, Test Logs, and others.

Human/Machine
Interface
Implemented using
X-Windows and
MOTIF
Displays can be
remoted to any
computer attached to
the same local-area-
network
Real-time control and
status of system
instrumentation
Satellite scheduling
tool supports
scheduling up to 7
days in advance
Top Level heads up
display provides
summary status for
entire system.
Quickly draws
attention to critical
problems for further
investigation
Screens designed
around system
functions rather than
individual
instruments
Intuitive interface for
operators, designed
by operators over
several years
Point and click
operation

The Human-to-
Machine Interface
incorporates the
knowledge and
customer feedback
obtained over the
many years that
ViaSat systems have
been deployed


Control Subsystem
The control subsystem
consists of all equipment
required to control and
monitor the operation of
the pedestal and
antenna. In particular, it
includes the hardware
and firmware used to close the pedestal servo loops and to
control and monitor the antenna feed electronics. The PWM
power amplifiers, motors, tachometers, brakes, torque limiters,
gearboxes, and data packages are all located in the
pedestal/base extension, while the remainder of the servo
control circuitry is contained in the Model 3862 Digital
Controller.
Model 3862 Digital Controller
The Model 3862 Digital Controller is a microprocessor-based
instrument which provides antenna operation, status indication,
and pedestal control. The controller has a display to show
commanded and actual position angles, pedestal operating
modes, pedestal status, a data entry section for modification of
system operating parameters; and hand wheels for manual
positioning.
The Model 3862 Digital Controller implements full digital servo
loop closure and compensation in all control modes. Since the
entire servo process is executed in the control unit's firmware,
the problems usually encountered with drifts and offsets in
analog compensation are totally eliminated.
The controller generates drive signals for the autotrack
modulator in the feed and receives signal strength and
autotrack video information from the tracking receivers. It
provides controls for manual or automatic mode selection such
as automatic target acquisition and polarization or frequency
diversity.
Model 924-9B AM Demodulator
The Model 924-9B AM Demodulator is an amplitude modulation
(AM) detector that is used for determining the antenna-
generated amplitude of the tracking error signal. When used in
conjunction with the Model 3862 Antenna Control Unit, the 924-
9B AM Demodulator provides satellite autotracking capabilities
during a satellite pass.
Control Subsystem
Features
Full state-of-the-art
digital control servo
algorithms provide
drift-free, robust
servo controls with
no operator
adjustments
Advanced state
model dynamic
equalization
algorithms provide
higher precision
tracking performance
and lower signal
degradation
The Model 924-9B AM
Demodulator when
used with the Model
3862 Antenna Control
Unit provides a
simple and low cost
solution for satellite
tracking
demodulation


Services
System Acceptance Tests
ViaSat provides an extensive testing program to verify the
operational performance of the systems before delivery to the
customers. Customers are welcome to participate or witness all
of the testing. Test plans and procedures are provided to the
customer prior to the test. Testing can include:
In-Process and Subsystem Integration
Factory Acceptance Test
On-site Acceptance Test
Operation and Maintenance Manuals
ViaSat delivers a complete set of manuals with the system. A
system manual covering system-level concepts, descriptions,
block diagrams and interconnection as well as general system
operating information is provided to familiarize maintenance
and operational personnel with the system. Individual unit
manuals are provided to aid the unit operation and basic
troubleshooting.
Training
ViaSat realizes the important role that operations and
maintenance training play in the successful operation of a
remote sensing ground station. For this reason ViaSat offers a
comprehensive training courses in Atlanta and/or at the
customers site that will cover completely the preventive and
restorative maintenance as well as operation of the system.
Installation
ViaSat can install and stage the system at its final location. This
installation will include a complete functional check of the
system to ensure that no damage has occurred during transit
and installation. At the completion of installation site
acceptance tests are performed to verify all system critical
parameters.
Service
ViaSat offers an extensive service plan that can be tailored to
meet the requirements of our individual customers. We offer
spare and repairs, field service and call in centers to aid in
immediate questions or system problems.

ViaSat Offers a
Complete Package of
Services
Testing at critical
stages of system
development and
staging
Manuals that are
easy to understand,
designed for the
operators and
maintenance
personnel
Complete and
comprehensive
training taught by the
people that designed
and built the system
Expert installation
performed by the
mechanics and
engineers that built
the system
Available post
warranty support
including a full
service help desk,
spares, repairs, and
upgrades
ViaSat is committed to
providing quality
products and
supporting those
products for many
years



System Performance
Satellites
Orbits
Inclinations

LEO > 450 km, GEO
Polar
Coverage Hemispherical, No Keyholes
Tracking Autotrack and Program Track
Data Channels 1, Expandable
Frequency 8000 to 8500 MHz
G/T (See Note 1) 35.0 dB/K
BER (See Note 2) < 2.5 dB QPSK
< 3.0 dB AQPSK
Accuracy
Autotracking
Pointing

0.05 rms (See Note 3)
0.10 rms
Antenna
Configuration 9.1-meter Cassegrain
Polarization RHC
3 dB Beamwidth 0.25, Nominal
Axial Ratio 1.5 dB Max 1.0 dB Typical
Pedestal
Configuration Elevation / Azimuth / Tilt
Travel Limits
Primary
Secondary
Elevation
-1 +181
-4 +184
Azimuth
360
370
Tilt
2.5

Safety Fail-Safe Electromechanical
Brakes
Interlocks on Pins, Hand
Cranks, Brakes, and Access
Doors
Overall Pedestal Disable

Max Velocity
Min Acceleration
Azimuth
22/s
20/s
2

Elevation
6/s
10/s
2

X-Band Data Receivers
Tuning
Resolution
16 Hz
Intermediate
Frequency
720 MHz
Demodulation
Types
QPSK, UQPSK, SQPSK, BPSK,
AQPSK
Demodulation
Rates
6 to 150 MB/s, QPSK
3 to 85 MB/s, BPSK
Bit Syncs Customer Selected, Expandable
Outdoor Environmental
Temperature
Operational
Storage

-30C to +55C
-40C to +55C
Rain Tropics
Wind
Operational
Survival

75 km/hr Gusting to 85 km/hr
200 km/hr, sustained
Altitude
Operational
Storage

Sea level to 3000 meters
Sea level to air transport
Indoor Environmental
Temperature
Operational
Storage

+15C to +30C
-20C to +55C
Relative Humidity 20% to 80% non-condensing
Power
Pedestal 120/208 V ac or 220/380 V ac,
50/60 Hz, 5 wire wye, 60 kVA
Indoor
Equipment
100-240 V ac, 50/60Hz Single
Phase, Single 20 amp service

Notes:
1. G/T at 5 elevation, 23C ambient temperature, and
clear sky conditions, 8000 MHz, No Options
2. Differentially coded QPSK theoretical curve,
10
-2
< BER < 10
-6

3. Wind 75 km/hr gusting to 85 km/hr, 700 km Orbit,
RIP Density 150 dBm/MHz.
Notice: Specifications Subject to Change Without Notice

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