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At least 199 records · Page 11

A Ka-band (32 GHz) beacon link experiment (KABLE) with Mars Observer

A proposal for a Ka-Band (32 GHz) Link Experiment (KABLE) with the Mars Observer mission was submitted to NASA. The experiment will rely on the fourth harmonic of the spacecraft X-band transmitter to generate a 33.6 GHz signal. The experiment will rely also on the Deep Space Network (DSN) receiving station equipped to simultaneously receive X- and Ka-band signals. The experiment will accurately measure the spacecraft-to-Earth telecommunication link performance at Ka-band and X-band (8.4 GHz).

Riley, A. L.↗

Bit-error-rate testing of high-power 30-GHz traveling wave tubes for ground-terminal applications

Tests were conducted at NASA Lewis to measure the bit-error-rate performance of two 30 GHz, 200 W, coupled-cavity traveling wave tubes (TWTs). The transmission effects of each TWT were investigated on a band-limited, 220 Mb/sec SMSK signal. The tests relied on the use of a recently developed digital simulation and evaluation system constructed at Lewis as part of the 30/20 GHz technology development program. The approach taken to test the 30 GHz tubes is described and the resultant test data are discussed. A description of the bit-error-rate measurement system and the adaptations needed to facilitate TWT testing are also presented.

Shalkhauser, Kurt A.↗

The 20 GHz spacecraft IMPATT solid state transmitter

The engineering development of a solid-state transmitter amplifier operating in the 20-GHz frequency range is described. This effort involved a multitude of disciplines including IMPATT device development, circulator design, multiple-diode circuit design, and amplifier integration and test. The objective was to develop a transmitter amplifier demonstrating the feasibility of providing an efficient, reliable, lightweight solid-state transmitter to be flown on a 30 to 20 GHz communication demonstration satellite. The work was done under contract from NASA/Lewis Research Center for a period of three years. The result was the development of a GaAs IMPACT diode amplifier capable of an 11-W CW output power and a 2-dB bandwidth of 300 MHz. GaAs IMPATT diodes incorporating diamond heatsink and double-Read doping profile capable of 5.3-W CW oscillator output power and 15.5% efficiency were developed. Up to 19% efficiency was also observed for an output power level of 4.4 W. High performance circulators with a 0.2 dB inserting loss and bandwidth of 5 GHz have also been developed. These represent a significant advance in both device and power combiner circuit technologies in K-band frequencies.

Best, T.↗

A dual-frequency 183/380 GHz receiver for airborne applications

A complete dual-frequency cryogenic heterodyne receiver operating at 183 and 380 GHz is described. The cooled mixers are whisker-contacted GaAs Schottky diodes mounted in reduced-height fundamental-mode waveguide. The local oscillators are Gunn-oscillator-driven multipliers using GaAs varactor diodes as the harmonic generators. Quasi-optical techniques are used extensively for coupling the remote and local oscillator signals into the mixers. The overall system double side-band (DSB) noise temperature is 320 K for the 183-GHz receiver and 650 K for the 380 GHz receiver.

Batelaan, Paul D.↗

On 32-GHz cryogenically cooled HEMT low-noise amplifiers

The cryogenic noise temperature performance of a two-stage and a three-stage 32 GHz High Electron Mobility Transistor (HEMT) amplifier was evaluated. The amplifiers employ 0.25 micrometer conventional AlGaAs/GaAs HEMT devices, hybrid matching input and output microstrip circuits, and a cryogenically stable dc biasing network. The noise temperature measurements were performed in the frequency range of 31 to 33 GHz over a physical temperature range of 300 K down to 12 K. Across the measurement band, the amplifiers displayed a broadband response, and the noise temperature was observed to decrease by a factor of 10 in cooling from 300 K to 15 K. The lowest noise temperature measured for the two-stage amplifier at 32 GHz was 35 K with an associated gain of 16.5 dB, while the three-stage amplifier measured 39 K with an associated gain of 26 dB. It was further observed that both amplifiers were insensitive to light.

Bautista, J. J.↗

The 1982-83 ENSO global convective precipitation anomaly derived from Nimbus-7 SMMR 37 GHz scattering measurements

The scattering algorithms of Spencer (1983, 1986) are applied to the December-May period from 1981-1984, to obtain the 1982-1983 December-May convective precipitation anomaly patterns associated with the El Nino/Southern Oscillation. It is shown that semiannual convective precipitation patterns over global land and ocean regions can be mapped using the volume scattering effect of precipitation-size ice on Nimbus-7 SMMR 37 GHz brightness temperature. It is suggested that the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program Special Sensor Microwave/Imager 85 GHz data (in combination with 37 and 19 GHz data) can be valuable in global surveys of precipitation patterns.

Spencer, Roy W.↗

Retrieval of total precipitable water using radiometric measurements near 92 and 183 GHz

This paper describes a method for the retrieval of total precipitable water (W) in dry atmospheres, which relies on the strong water vapor absorption line at 183 GHz (for W less than 0.6 g/sq cm) and on the absorption near 90 GHz (for W above 0.6 g/sq cm). The method is very sensitive to the variations of W less than 0.5 g/sq cm and is complementary to the established methods that use the weak 22 GHz water vapor absorption line to retrieve W in the 1-6 g/sq cm. The technique was demonstrated by the analysis of two Advanced Microwave Moisture Sounder observations of dry atmospheres following cold-air outbreaks on March 13, 1983, and February 23, 1986.

Wang, J. R.↗

Millimeter- and submillimeter-wave surveys of Orion A emission lines in the ranges 200.7-202.3, 203.7-205.3, and 330-360 GHz

A continuous spectral line survey of the Orion A position from 330.5 to 360.1 GHz was carried out. This survey covers nearly the entire 870 micron atmospheric window accessible from ground-based observations. Approximately 160 distinct spectral features composed of about 180 lines were detected, 29 of which could not be readily identified. In addition, Orion A from 200.7 to 202.3 GHz and from 203.7 to 205.3 GHz and 42 distinct new spectral lines were detected, including four that are unidentified at present. These data sets are the first thorough survey results in these spectral regions. The new interstellar lines in the survey bands are tabulated and displayed graphically. Moreover, the data are being made available to the Astronomical Data Center at the Goddard Space Flight Center for distribution by request to the astronomical community.

Jewell, P. R.↗

32-GHz cryogenically cooled HEMT low-noise amplifiers

The cryogenic noise temperature performance of a two-stage and a three-stage 32 GHz high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) amplifier was evaluated. The amplifiers employ 0.25 micrometer conventional AlGaAs/GaAs HEMT devices, hybrid matching input and output microstrip circuits, and a cryogenically stable dc biasing network. The noise temperature measurements were performed in the frequency range of 31 to 33 GHz over a physical temperature range of 300 K down to 12 K. Across the measurement band, the amplifiers displayed a broadband response, and the noise temperature was observed to decrease by a factor of 10 in cooling from 300 to 15 K. The lowest noise temperature measured for the two-stage amplifier at 32 GHz was 35 K with an associated gain of 16.5 dB, while the three-stage amplifier measured 39 K with an associated gain of 26 dB. It was further observed that both amplifiers were insensitive to light.

Duh, K. H. George↗

NASA 60 GHz intersatellite communication link definition study. Baseline document

The overall system and component concepts for a 60 GHz intersatellite communications link system (ICLS) are described. The ICLS was designed to augment the capabilities of the current Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS), providing a data rate capacity large enough to accommodate the expected rates for user satellites (USAT's) in the post-1995 timeframe. The use of 60 GHz for the anticipated successor to TDRSS, the Tracking and Data Acquisition System (TDAS), was selected because of current technology development that will enable multigigibit data rates. Additionally, the attenuation of the earth's atmosphere at 60 GHz means that there is virtually no possibility of terrestrially generated interference (intentional or accidental) or terrestrially based intercept. The ICLS includes the following functional areas: (1) the ICLS payload package on the GEO TDAS satellite that communicates simultaneously with up to five LEO USAT's; (2) the payload package on the USAT that communicates with the TDAS satellite; and (3) the crosslink payload package on the TDAS satellite that communicates with another TDAS satellite. Two methods of data relay on-board the TDAS spacecraft were addressed. One is a complete baseband system (demod and remod) with a bi-directional 2 Gbps data stream; the other is a channelized system wherein some of the channels are baseband and others are merely frequency translated before re-transmission. Descriptions of the TDAS antenna, transmitter, receiver, and mechanical designs are presented.

Source record↗

The 30-GHz monolithic receive module

The fourth year progress is described on a program to develop a 27.5 to 30 GHz GaAs monolithic receive module for spaceborne-communication antenna feed array applications, and to deliver submodules for experimental evaluation. Program goals include an overall receive module noise figure of 5 dB, a 30 dB RF to IF gain with six levels of intermediate gain control, a five bit phase shifter, and a maximum power consumption of 250 mW. Submicron gate length single and dual gate FETs are described and applied in the development of monolithic gain control amplifiers and low noise amplifiers. A two-stage monolithic gain control amplifier based on ion implanted dual gate MESFETs was designed and fabricated. The gain control amplifier has a gain of 12 dB at 29 GHz with a gain control range of over 13 dB. A two-stage monolithic low noise amplifier based on ion implanted MESFETs which provides 7 dB gain with 6.2 dB noise figure at 29 GHz was also developed. An interconnected receive module containing LNA, gain control, and phase shifter submodules was built using the LNA and gain control ICs as well as a monolithic phase shifter developed previously under this program. The design, fabrication, and evaluation of this interconnected receiver is presented. Progress in the development of an RF/IF submodule containing a unique ion implanted diode mixer diode and a broadband balanced mixer monolithic IC with on-chip IF amplifier and the initial design of circuits for the RF portion of a two submodule receiver are also discussed.

Bauhahn, P.↗

A superconducting tunnel junction receiver for 345 GHz

The design, fabrication, and testing of a quasi-particle tunnel junction receiver for use at 345 GHz are discussed. The design employs small area Nb/Nb-oxide/PbInAu edge junctions in order to keep the device capacitance small and maintain a modest value for omega R(N)C. For optimum noise performance and beam properties the mixer is contained in a waveguide mounting structure. The best sensitivity was obtained at 312 GHz where a double sideband (DSB) noise temperature of 275 K was measured. Noise temperatures of 400 K (DSB) or better were obtained out to 350 GHz.

Sutton, E. C.↗

A 1.49 GHz atlas of the IRAS Bright Galaxy Sample

The VLA has been used in its A-, B-, C-, and D-configurations to make 1.49 GHz maps of sources in both the original and revised IRAS Bright Galaxy Samples of strong extragalactic sources selected at a wavelength of 60 microns. Integrated 1.49 GHz flux densities were obtained from the lowest resolution maps, and maps were made with higher resolution so that nearly all of the radio sources have been at least partially resolved. Only NGC 1377 was not detected at 1.49 GHz. An atlas of contour maps, a table of total flux densities plus other radio source parameters, and references to published radio maps are given. Since the infrared and radio continuum brightness distributions of IR-selected galaxies are usually similar, these high-resolution radio maps can be used as substitutes for the unavailable IR maps to indicate the sizes and precise locations of the IR-emitting regions.

Condon, J. J.↗

Initial studies of array feeds for the 70-meter antenna at 32 GHz

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.

Cramer, P. W.↗

Efficiency calibration of the DSS 13 34-meter diameter beam waveguide antenna at 8.45 and 32 GHz

Efficiency measurements at 8.45 and 32 GHz (X and Ka bands, respectively) were carried out on the new 34 m diameter beam waveguide antenna now in use at the NASA Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex. The use of portable test packages enabled measurements at both the Cassegrain and beam waveguide focal points. Radio sources (quasars and Venus) were used as calibrators, and updated determinations of flux and source size correction were made during the period of the measurements. Gain and efficiency determinations as a function of elevation angle are presented, and the effects of the beam waveguide system and antenna structure are clearly seen. At the beam waveguide focus, an 8.45 GHz peak efficiency of 72.38 pct. was measured; at 32 GHz, 44.89 pct. was measured.

Slobin, S. D.↗

Statistical retrieval of precipitation cell-top altitude using passive 118-GHz observations

A nonlinear statistical-retrieval operator for precipitation cell-top altitude using high-spatial-resolution passive 118-GHz O2 brightness spectra is demonstrated. The retrieval operator consists of a Karhunen-Loeve transformation followed by a rank reduction, a linearization, and a linear minimum mean-square-error estimator. Information from the 118-GHz data on the ambient atmospheric-temperature profile and the precipitation cell size is also incorporated into the linear stage of the retrieval operator. The rms retrieval error is 1.5 km for cumulus-stage cells with tops ranging from 1.5 to 16 km. The sensitivity of nadiral 118-GHz spectra to the cell-top altitude is predominantly due to the scattering and absorption of radiation originating from low, warm atmospheric levels by colder liquid and frozen precipitation This effect causes cold perturbations in the brightness spectrum, which typically become stronger with increasing cell-top altitude.

Gasiewski, A. J.↗

UGC galaxies stronger than 25 mJy at 4.85 GHz

UGC galaxies in the declination band +5 to +75 deg were identified by position coincidence with radio sources stronger than 25 mJy on the Green Bank 4.85 GHz sky maps. Candidate identifications were confirmed or rejected with the aid of published aperture-synthesis maps and new 4.86 GHz VLA maps having 15 or 18 arcsec resolution, resulting in a sample of 347 nearby radio galaxies plus five new quasar-galaxy pairs. The radio energy sources in UGC galaxies were classified as 'starbursts' or 'monsters' on the basis of their infrared-radio flux ratios, infrared spectral indices, and radio morphologies. The rms scatter in the logarithmic infrared-radio ratio q is not more than 0.16 for starburst galaxies selected at 4.85 GHz. Radio spectral indices were obtained for nearly all of the UGC galaxies, and S0 galaxies account for a disproportionate share of the compact flat-spectrum (alpha less than 0.5) radio sources. The extended radio jets and lobes produced by monsters are preferentially, but not exclusively, aligned within about 30 deg of the optical minor axes of their host galaxies. The tendency toward minor-axis ejection appears to be independent of radio-source size and is strongest for elliptical galaxies.

Condon, J. J.↗

Attenuation statistics at 20.6, 31.65 and 52.85 GHz derived from emission measurements by ground-based microwave radiometers

Two seasons (December 1987 to February 1988 and July 1988 to September 1988) of thermal emission measurements, taken by a multichannel ground-based microwave radiometer, are used to derive single-station zenith attenuation statistics at 20.6 and 31.65 GHz. For the summer period, statistics are also derived at 52.85 GHz. In addition, data from two radiometers located 50 km apart are used to derive two-station attenuation diversity statistics at 20.6 and 31.65 GHz. The multichannel radiometer was operated at Denver, Colorado, U.S. and the dual-channel device was operated at Platteville, Colorado. The diversity statistics are presented by cumulative distributions and by bivariate frequency distributions. The frequency distributions are analyzed when either one or both stations have liquid clouds.

Fionda, E.↗