EMC and RFI problems and solutions on the SUNSAT micro-satellite
Date
1998
Authors
Milne Garth W.
Jansen E.
Roux Jacques J.
Koekemoer Jan-Albert
Kotze Pieter P.A.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
The 63 Kg SUNSAT micro-satellite includes VHF (144-146 MHz) narrow band FM (NBFM) radio receivers for Amateur Radio service. Significant radio frequency interference (RFI) from data buses occurred, but was successfully screened from antennas with aluminum plates. Harmonics and noise of 650 kHz switching regulators drifted through receiver channels causing unpredictable sensitivity losses of up to 20 dB. Without shielding, the regulators generated signals at VHF of -85 dBm in a quarter wave antenna at 0.5 m range. This is 34 dB above the noise floor of a 2 dB NF 18 kHz BW VHF receiver. Test results, solution methods, measurement techniques, and lessons learned are reported.
Description
Keywords
Bandwidth, Communication channels (information theory), Electromagnetic compatibility, Electromagnetic wave interference, Radio interference, Radio receivers, Microsatellites, Switching regulators, Satellite communication systems
Citation
Proceedings of the South African Symposium on Communications and Signal Processing, COMSIG