instrument to the satellite connection point, even in a vacuum. The

calibration design also allows for the system to be fully calibrated

without disconnecting from the satellite. This calibration only takes

seconds to perform and can be used to minimize system errors due

to temperature variations.

Hardware paths are designed to support both high-speed, real-time

calibration along with System Functional Test. Functional Test mon-

itors the performance of the System and the remote calibration unit

for proper performance. This minimizes false “fails” and provides a

high level of confidence in the performance of the STI 1000 and qual-

ity of the data produced.

FIRMWARE

The STI 1000 offers “programmable firmware” to allow for user opti-

mization of the test instrument. Using the latest design concepts, the

STI 1000 makes it easy to add tests and modify test algorithms.

Additionally, simple structures such as data formats, test reports, user

interfaces and graphical output may be customized. A standard

instrument interface via TCP/IP (Ethernet) allows for control by any

external computer platform and commercial test control software. A

VXI Plug-n-Play driver is provided for integration into the user’s test

control software. A multi-layered architecture insures that the data

acquisition and processing is performed as fast as possible.

TEST INTEGRATION

One of the keys to the STI 1000’s speed advantage is through “Test

Integration”. This is the ability of the STI 1000 to collect a single data

set that provides results for multiple test requirements. For example,

the STI 1000 can extract results for in-band, out-of-band, group delay

and amplifier transfer characteristics from a single data set. Using

Test Integration along with the acquisition speed advantage of the

STI 1000 greatly increases the data throughput of the instrument.

MEASUREMENT SCRIPTING

The basic concept is that the STI1000 provides a functional meas-

urement capability that is independent of traditional rack-and-stack-

instrument functionality. The method for defining a measurement

personality is through a downloaded script file. Any number of scripts

may be loaded at any time and sequenced via a test executive or other

external test controller. Thus, through a simple command, the STI

1000 may change from one measurement (i.e. vector network analyz-

er) to another (gain transfer tester). The STI 1000 is measurement

driven not instrument driven.

Currently, Aeroflex can provide the following measurement personal-

ities while others can easily be added:

Gain Transfer

In Band Frequency Response

Passive Intermodulation

Out of Band Frequency Response

Group Delay

System Level Phase Noise

Noise Figure

Telemetry Output Power

Absolute Propagation Time

Telemetry Frequency

Telemetry Modulation Index

AM/PM Conversion

Command Sensitivity Lock/Unlock Threshold

Command Receiver AGC Calibration

EIRP and SFD

Analyzer Sweep

Gain Control

Noise Power Ratio

Amplitude Linearity

Frequency Conversion

Phase Non-Linearity

Spurious Outputs

Beacon Transmitter Output Power/EIRP

Insertion Loss Calibration

Beacon Transmitter Frequency

Ranging

Automated Command Function

T&C Omni Antenna Manual Patterns

Gain Monitoring

T

TY

YP

PIIC

CA

AL

L S

SY

YS

ST

TE

EM

M L

LE

EV

VE

EL

L S

SP

PE

EC

CIIFFIIC

CA

AT

TIIO

ON

NS

S

(Satellite Test Configuration)

Frequency Coverage

0.200 – 32 GHz (Up to 110 GHz optional) Coherent

1 or 2 Hz Resolution

Number of Ports

32 Up Link / 32 Down Link (Up to 4 Remote Calibration Units)

STIMULUS POWER

Maximum Output

-65 dBm (at RCU)

0 dBm (at Rack)

Range

-5 to +53 dBm

Settability

+/- 0.25 dB

RESPONSE POWER MEASUREMENT

Range

-5 to +53 dBm

Dynamic Range

75 dB Instantaneously