Engineering topics
Publications and source records attributed to Cramer, P. W..
Reflector antenna optimization schemes using array feeds and deformable flat plates (DFP) have been used to design systems that recover antenna losses resulting from antenna distortions.
Reflector antenna optimization schemes using array feeds have been used to recover antenna losses resulting from antenna distortions and aberrations and to generate contour coverage patterns. Historically, these optimizations have been carried out using the antenna far-field scattered patterns. The far-field patterns must be calculated separately for each of the array feed elements. For large or complex antennas (which include beam-waveguide antennas), the far-field calculation times can be prohibitive. This article presents a method with which the optimization can be carried out in the antenna focal region, where the scattering calculation needs only to be done once independently of the number of the elements in the array. This article also includes the results of a study, utilizing this unique technique, to determine the capabilities and limitations of using array feeds to compensate for gravitational induced losses in large reflector antennas.
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Physical optics scattering calculations performed on the DSN 34-m beam-waveguide antennas at Ka-band (32 GHz) require approximately 12 hr of central processing unit time on a Cray Y-MP2 computer. This is excessive in terms of resource utilization and turnaround time. Typically, the calculations involve five surfaces, and the calculations are done two surfaces at a time. The sampling theorem is used to reduce the number of current values that must be calculated over the second surface by performing a physical optics integration over the first surface. The additional number of current values required on the second surface by subsequent physical optics integrations is obtained by interpolation over the original current values. Time improvements on the order of a factor of 2 to 4 were obtained for typical scattering pairs.
Physical optics scattering calculations performed on the NASA Deep Space Network (DSN) 34-meter beam-waveguide antennas at Ka-band requires approximately 12 hours CPU time on a Cray Y-MP2 computer - exessive in terms of resource utilization. The calculations are done two mirrors at a time.
The results of a study to determine the feasibility of using array feed techniques to improve the performance of the 70 m antenna at 32 GHz are presented. Changing from 8.4 to 32 GHz has the potential of increasing the gain by 11.6 dB, but recent measurements indicate that additional losses of from 3 to 7 dB occur at 32 GHz, depending on the elevation angle. Array feeds were proposed to recover some of the losses by compensating for surface distortions that contribute to these losses. Results for both surface distortion compensation and pointing error correction are discussed. These initial studies, however, had one significant restriction: The mechanical finite element model was used to characterize the surface distortions, not the measured distortions from three angle holography data, which would be more representative of the actual antenna. Further work is required to provide for a more accurate estimate of performance that utilizes holography data and, in particular, one that evaluates the performance in the focal plane region of the antenna.
Direct-broadcast ellipsoidal antenna 40 percent smaller than spherical reflector. Balloon antenna has feedpoint on surface of ellipsoid outside balloon, simplifying balloon deployment and feed support. Dielectric shrouds used locally to adjust shape of balloon and maintain feed distance at its optimum value.
Stripline antenna beam-forming network includes 87 beam ports and 136 feed-element ports and contained on only two microstrip boards. Both uplink and downlink strips supported on same boards. Originally used for communications coverage of continental United States for Land Mobile Satellite System, structure of interest to antenna designers in other applications.
Approximate curves simplify initial steps of antenna design. Maximum achievable directivity exponents plotted as functions of element spacing in wavelengths for equilateral triangular array of rectangular waveguides. Directivities and exponents calculated for circular waveguides, pyramidal horns, and other standard feeds. Designer quickly estimates element spacing necessary to achieve required directivity or directivity achievable.
By superimposing two hybrid modes, backlobes of S-band gain calibration horn are down 70 to 80 dB.