A Polarization-Diversity Simultaneous-Lobing Angle-Tracking Receiver

Abstract

This report describes a simultaneous-lobing angle-tracking receiver operating in the 225-260 milli-cycle-per-second telemetry band and employing polarization diversity. Its operation is considered primarily in the context of the Mercury range and tracking of the Mercury capsule. Several methods of providing diversity are briefly considered, and a number of ways of implementing the phase shifts required at one polarization for coherent signal addition are discussed. A prototype receiver is briefly described although circuitry which may be somewhat novel is covered in greater detail. No attempt has been made to include all of the sophistication one might expect in a receiver of this type; circuits have been simplified in some areas where, for example, a manual control can replace an automatic function and reduce complexity. Some conclusions are drawn as to how this receiver might perform in the Mercury environment.