Characterization of a COTS-Based RF Receiver for Cubesat Applications

Abstract

This paper reports the experimental results of a test campaign performed on the radio-frequency (RF) receiver prototype operating at a 2025–2110 MHz frequency range, designed and fabricated for CubeSat applications. The prototype has been tested through a board-level test approach for the verification of the functional requirements and a component-level one for specific characterization measures. The tests have shown the following results: a −115–−70 dBm sensitivity range, 390 MHz intermediate frequency, a 0 dBm output power level with ±1 dB error, a 2.34 dB noise figure, and a 4.86 W power absorption. Such results have been largely achieved implementing an automatic gain control system by cascading two Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) amplifiers. Moreover, an innovative technique based on RF test points has been successfully experimented and validated to measure the S-parameters of a custom low-pass filter integrated on the receiver, showing the possibility of even characterizing the single COTS components exposed to radiation through a unique board-level test setup. The technique may have a great impact on the cost reduction of electronic boards for space applications, since it would avoid using expensive evaluation boards for each COTS component that needs a radiation test.

COTS-Based Real-Time System Development: An Effective Application in Pump Motor Control

“…Generally, in industry, the development architectures and designs are built upon specialized or custom-built hardware/software components [21]. However, due to development and maintenance costs, this tendency is inclined to change towards more adaptable, low-cost general-purpose components [22][23][24][25][26].…”

Investigation of a CubeSat in Orbit Anomaly through Verification on Ground

“…Given the role that CubeSats are taking on in the Space Economy, and given the fact that a statistically relevant number of CubeSats have flown, it is of paramount importance to understand the causes of failures and anomalies detected so far to build upon the lessons learned for the development of future missions. The lack of data from the spacecraft in orbit can be partially mitigated with a methodical and precise approach [24] and by planning [25,26] and implementing ad-hoc verification campaigns on the engineering and/or qualification models of the satellite [27][28][29][30] or of specific equipment [30,31]. The verification campaign can play a decisive role also during operations, when the satellite is already in orbit and it is experiencing abnormal occurrences.…”