Peak-Seeking Controller for Real-Time Mobile Satellite Tracking

Citation

Karol, Robert Frederick (2012) Peak-Seeking Controller for Real-Time Mobile Satellite Tracking. Senior thesis (Minor), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/CCW3-V522. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:06082012-142445518

Abstract

Increasingly tightened restrictions on antenna beam-width force the use of higher performance hardware in gimbaled satellite communication transceivers. The need for more precise hardware is forcing the price of gimbal-mounted satellites antennas higher. In addition to the increased cost, as more satellites are launched every year, the demand for antenna systems which can receive data from the new satellites grows. Although algorithms capable of tracking a satellite with a mobile antenna have been developed and characterized in detail, instabilities in the system and cross-axis eects degrade the performance. Since an increase in tracking capability would be most benecial if it did not require extensive hardware changes, this project focuses on improvements to the conical scanning algorithm. An algorithm which is one of the oldest, and most common mobile satellite tracking system implementations. Initial work was done on developing and characterizing a new estimator which could be used while continuing to scan the antenna with as few software modications as possible. After successful development, work was done to eliminate the induced scanning motion and gain observability in the system using nothing but the noise inherent in the system.

Thesis Files