Modulated RF Satellite Test Software

Modulated RF Satellite Test Software

Introduction

As telecoms payloads become more complex test-ing using a CW signal is no longer possible. This system, developed by a UK space company pro-vides the capability not only to provide the more tra-ditional bent pipe payload testing such as group de-lay, frequency response and spurious but also broadband measurements and functional tests. Va-dis provided the software engineering to develop the over test software architecture along with the indi-vidual test code modules.

Software Architecture

Developed in LabVIEW using Actor Framework this architecture provides an extremely flexible solution. Communication to the overall test conductor is provided via a TCPIP link which in turn controls the payload configuration and test selection. Each test inherits from a base test class providing good reuse of common functionality.

Tests

• S-parameters (VNA)
• Frequency Response (VNA)
• Group Delay (VNA)
• Phase Noise (SA)
• Spurious (SA)
• EVM (Error Vector Magnitude)
• NPR (Noise Power Ratio)

EVM and NPR measurements taken with a wideband ARB source and Keysight Vector Signal Analyser software suite using a spectrum analyser as the hardware front end.

• BERT (Bit Error Rate Test)

BERT measurements using Rohde & Schwarz BTC to provide the DVB_S2 HD TV source with the return signal demodulated using a modified  Rohde & Schwarz AVG050 satellite receiver with the output stream passed back through to the BTC for BERT calculations.

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