FEASIBILITY STUDY AND DESIGN OF AN ANTENNA POINTING SYSTEM WITH AN IN-LOOP, TIME-SHARED DIGITAL COMPUTER.

Abstract

The report describes the application of time and frequency domain analysis methods to the study and design of a computer controlled pointing system for a 60-foot parabolic dish antenna to be used in satellite tracking. The emphasis is on the time domain methods including state variable matrix techniques and digital simulation. The validity of the analysis methods is shown by their application to well known examples. The effect of delay in the feedback path on stability is studied. A compensation scheme to combat the undesirable effects of feedback delay is discussed and its limitations noted. The feasibility of including a real time digital computer within the feedback loop as a data source and for digital compensation was studied. The effect on system stability and performance of a random processing delay was examined as the computer was to be available only on a time-shared basis with other tasks. The computer interface and antenna control equipment designed for the system is described in moderate detail. The computer program used for the antenna control and digital compensation is discussed, as well as the improvements in performance made possible by its use. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1970
Accession Number
AD0702501

Entities

People

  • Donald C. Enemark

Organizations

  • University of Iowa

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Artificial Satellites
  • Compensation
  • Computer Programs
  • Computers
  • Control Simulators
  • Digital Computers
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Feedback
  • Frequency
  • Frequency Domain
  • Simulations
  • Simulators
  • Time Domain

Fields of Study

  • Engineering

Readers

  • Computer Science.
  • Control Systems Engineering.
  • Phased Array Antenna Design.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Spacecraft Maneuvers