Satellite Payload Test Instrument
The STI 1000 is a synthetic microwave test system optimized for test-
ing satellite payloads in a factory setting. The STI 1000 can be used
either as a stand-alone instrument or controlled by an external net-
work as part of enterprise-wide factory automation. The STI 1000 is
designed to dramatically improve integrated payload test times and
reduce measurement errors introduced by either the operator or the
test hardware. Through its digitally synthesized stimulus and
response system design, the STI 1000 can easily be configured both in
hardware and software to meet specific user requirements.
HARDWARE
The STI 1000 hardware architecture is based on advanced synthetic
instrument concepts. Through the use of this flexible design, the STI
1000 replaces and replicates several microwave test instruments
including: a microwave power meter, a frequency counter, multiple
sources, a spectrum analyzer, a vector network analyzer, a noise figure
meter and an intermodulation analyzer. All of these instruments are
represented by the STI 1000. A basic STI 1000 includes several stim-
ulus generators and a fast
response measurement
channel. Options can
include the addition of
arbitrary waveform gener-
ators for complex analog
or digital modulation
waveforms, telemetry and
control paths and multi-
ple response channels. An
innovative calibration
design allows for the cali-
bration plane to be
extended beyond the
For the very latest specifications visit www.aeroflex.com
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Synthetic Test Systems
STI1000 Satellite Payload Test Instrument
• 1 Million Samples per Second
• 20 Thousand Frequencies per Second
• Real-Time DSP Produces Results Fast
• Test Integration Reduces Data
Requirements
• Calibration Plane Moved to the Payload
• Real-Time Calibration While Connected
• Imbedded Functional Tests
• Frequency Coverage of All Satellite Bands
• Synthetic Architecture
• “Programmable Firmware”
• WAN and LAN Support
• Multiple Satellite Interconnect Points
• Open-Architecture for Easy Upgrades
• Full Range of Communications Tests
• Analog or Digital Modulation Schemes
Synthesis
Digitization
Instrument
Control
DUT
Interface
DUT
Interface
Up
Conversion
Down
Conversion
Calibration/
SFT
Device
Under Test
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
TTYYPPIICCAALL SSYYSSTTEEMM LLEEVVEELL SSPPEECCIIFFIICCAATTIIOONNSS
(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
For the very latest specifications visit www.aeroflex.com
RSS Uncertainty
+/- 0.25 dB – 0.2 to 18 GHz
+/-0.4 dB – 18 to 32 GHz
NOISE POWER
Resolution
0.1 dB
RSS Uncertainty
+/-0.25 dB 1-15 dBkTB
FREQUENCY MEASUREMENT
Resolution
0.1 dB Resolution 1 or 2 Hz
RSS Uncertainty
+/- 0.001 PPM
Part No. 46891/155, Issue 1, 06/03
CHINA
Tel: [+86] (10) 6467 2823
Fax: [+86] (10) 6467 2821
EUROPE
Tel: [+44] (0) 1438 742200
Fax: [+44] (0) 1438 727601
FRANCE
Tel: [+33] 1 60 79 96 00
Fax: [+33] 1 60 77 69 22
HONG KONG
Tel: [+852] 2832 7988
Fax: [+852] 2834 5364
SCANDINAVIA
Tel: [+45] 9614 0045
Fax: [+45] 9614 0047
SPAIN
Tel: [+34] (91) 640 11 34
Fax: [+34] (91) 640 06 40
UNITED KINGDOM
Tel: [+44] (0) 1438 742200
Toll Free: [+44] (0800) 282 388 (UK only)
Fax: [+44] (0) 1438 727601
USA
Tel: [+1] (316) 522 4981
Toll Free: [+1] (800) 835 2352 (US only)
Fax: [+1] (316) 522 1360
www.aeroflex.com
info-systems@aeroflex.com
As we are always seeking to improve our products, the information in this document gives only a general indication of the prod-
uct capacity, performance and suitability, none of which shall form part of any contract. We reserve the right to make design
changes without notice. All trademarks are acknowledged.
Parent company Aeroflex, Inc. ©Aeroflex 2003.
