PERFORMANCE STUDY OF FLAT ANTENNA IN DIRECT BROADCAST

SATELLITE (DBS) APPLICATION

VOON SZE CHEE

UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MALAYSIA

PERFORMANCE STUDY OF FLAT ANTENNA IN DIRECT BROADCAST

SATELLITE (DBS) APPLICATION

VOON SZE CHEE

A thesis submitted in fulfillment of the requirement for the awards

of the Degree of Master Engineering

(Electrical - Electronic Telecommunications)

Faculty of Electrical Engineering

University Teknologi Malaysia

April 2006

To my beloved parents…

i

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

First and foremost, the author is grateful to the Lord Almighty for showing

the lights and paths to fulfill the dream to complete this postgraduate degree.

Secondly, the author is deeply indebted to a number of individuals who helped make

this thesis possible.

Besides, I deeply appreciate the inspirations and guideline that I have

received from my supervisor Professor Dr. Tharek b. Abdul Rahman for his personal

kindness, skill, patience, valuable advice and encouragement. I would like take this

opportunity to thanks everyone who has contributed either directly or indirectly

throughout this thesis and project.

Wireless Communication Centre, UTM has provided sophisticated facilities

and constructive environment in the process of this research. Special thanks are

dedicated to the technician of Wireless Communication Centre who offered

invaluable technical assistance and supports, especially Mr. Mohammed Abu Bakar.

Finally, I would also like to thank all of my family and my friends for their

moral support on me, especially my parents and my brother and sisters

ii

ABSTRACT

A flat antenna is proposed for the Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) reception.

The flat antenna which is high efficiency and high gain planar antenna comprises

many small antenna elements in its surface. Radial Line Slot Array (RLSA) antenna

is one kind of the flat antenna which is another alternative feature that can be use to

replace the conventional parabolic antenna. This project involves the study of the

characteristics effects of the flat (RLSA) antenna by developing the test-bed for

calibration between the DBS receiver and the flat (RLSA) antenna for Direct

Broadcasting Satellite (DBS) application in Ku band frequency. In order to evaluate

the performance of RLSA antenna in the setup, one of the conventional components

e.g. using offset parabolic antenna, that is provided by ASTRO broadcasting

company and another one is replace the offset antenna with RLSA antenna test-bed

respectively. The performance result had been compared which is given by the

manufacturer to show that the RLSA antenna is comparable to the commercially

offset parabolic antenna.

iii

ABSTRAK

Antena rata telah dicadangkan dalam tujuan penerimaan isyarat satelit

penyiaran langsung (DBS). Antenna rata ini terdiri daripada banyak antena kecil

pada permukaannya yang menjadikannya sangat effisen dan mempunyai gandaan

yang tinggi. Antena “Radial Line Slot Array (RLSA)” adalah salah satu daripada

golongan antena rata yang dapat menggantikan antena parabola. Projek ini

melibatkan penyelidikan terhadap ciri-ciri antena rata melalui eskperimen dalam

makmal yang disediakan dan juga melaksanakan ujian dasar penerimaan siaran

satelit langsung (DBS) dalam julat Ku supaya penyelakuan sistem ini dapat

dijalankan. Untuk memudahkan perbandingan di antara antena parabola dengan

antena rata, dua ujian dasar penerimaan siaran satelit langsung (DBS) akan

dilaksanakan untuk dua antena masing-masing. Segala keputusan akan dicatat dan

dibanding dengan data yang diberi oleh pihak pembuatan (Astro) untuk

membuktikan bahawa keupayaan antena rata adalah setanding dengan antena

parabola.

iv

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER TITLE PAGE

TITLE

DECLARAITON

DEDICATION

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT i

ABSTRACT ii

ABSTRAK iii

TABLE OF CONTENTS iv

LIST OF FIGURES vii

LIST OF TABLES xi

LIST OF GRAPH xii

LIST OF APPENDICES xiii

I INTRODUCTION

1.1 Project Background 1

1.2 Project Objectives 3

1.3 Project Scope 3

1.4 Project Methodology 4

1.5 Thesis Outlines 7

II LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 History of Research of Radial Line Slot Array Antenna 8

2.1.1 Antenna Characteristics 11

2.1.1.1 Radiation Pattern 12

2.1.1.2 VWSR and Return Loss 13

2.1.1.3 Gain 14

2.1.1.4 Efficiency 14

2.1.1.5 Polarization 15

v

2.1.1.6 Directivity 17

2.1.1.7 Bandwidth 17

2.1.1.8 Beamwidth 18

2.2 Satellite Communication System

2.2.1 Introduction 19

2.2.2 Space Segment 20

2.2.2.1 Attitude and Orbit Control System (AOCS) 21

2.2.2.2 Telemetry, Tracking and Control (TT&C) 21

2.2.2.3 Power System 23

2.2.2.4 Communications Subsystems 24

2.2.3 Ground Segment 25

2.2.3.1 Receiving Antenna 26

2.2.3.2 The Feedhorn 27

2.2.3.3 Polarizes 28

2.2.3.4 The Low Noise Block (LNB) 29

2.2.3.5 Satellites Receiver 30

2.2.4 MEASAT Satellites 32

2.2.5 Frequency Plan Differences (Channel Spacing) 34

III LABORATORY INVESTIGATION OF RLSA ANTENNA

3.1 Introduction 35

3.2 Availability Equipments or Instruments 35

3.3 Procedure Return Loss & VSWR Measurement 37

3.3.1 Results and Discussion 40

3.4 Radiation Pattern Measurement 42

3.5 Procedure Radiation Pattern Measurement 46

3.5.1 Results and Discussion 52

3.6 Gain Measurement 54

3.7 Procedure Gain Measurement 55

3.7.1 Results and Discussion 58

vi

IV DEVELOPMENT OF DBS TEST BED APPLICATION

4.1 Introduction 61

4.2 Antenna 63

4.2.1 Look Angle Determination 66

4.2.2 Downlink Path Determination 68

4.2.3 Antenna Mounting 69

4.2.4 Assembly of Head Units 71

4.2.5 Antenna Alignment 71

4.3 Low Noise Block (LNB) 73

4.3.1 Selection for the suitable LNB 75

4.3.2 Philips LNBF (SC915S) 77

4.3.3 Norsat Digital Ku-band DRO LNB 78

4.4 Coaxial to Waveguide Adapter 79

4.5 Coaxial Cable 80

4.6 Digital Satellite Receiver 81

4.7 Spectrum Analyzer 81

4.8 Satellite Signal Strength Meter 82

4.9 DBS Receiver Performance Prediction 83

4.10 Measurement Results 87

4.10.1 Investigation of Fault 88

V CONCLUSION

5.1 Conclusion 91

5.2 Future Works 92

REFERENCES 93 APPENDICES 96

vii

LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURE TITLE PAGES 1.1 Flat Antenna Technology Application 1 1.2 Flow chart for report writing 4 1.3 Flow chart for calibration device DBS Application 5 2.1 Structure Single-Layered RLSA Antenna recommended

by Takahashi 9 2.2 Structure Layout Radial Line Slot Array Antenna 10 2.3 Typical Radiation Pattern of a Microwave Antenna 12 2.4 Linear Polarization 15 2.5 Circular Polarization 16 2.6 Elliptical Polarization 16 2.7 Graphical of Beamwidth 18 2.8 Main element of a satellite communication network

(Ground segment a fixed satellite service) 20 2.9 Telemetry, Tracking and Command (TT&C) 22 2.10 Transponder architecture. a) Single Frequency Conversion

b) Dual Frequency Conversion 24 2.11 The main element of direct broadcast satellite (DBS) application 25 2.12 Prime focus feed dish 26 2.13 Offset antenna 26 2.14 Outdoor Unit 27 2.15 Schematic of LNB 29

viii

FIGURE TITLE PAGES 2.16 The Complete DVB Reception Chain 30 2.17 Footprint Coverage of MEASAT 1 Satellite in Malaysia 33 3.1 Return-loss and VSWR measurement experiment 37 3.2 Marconi instrument transmission line test head 38 3.3 Calibration kit (WILTRON MODEL 22S50) 38 3.4 Connection RLSA antenna to the Marconi device 39 3.5 Radiation pattern measurement 42 3.6 Four type of plots for the same radiation pattern 43 3.7 Anechoic chamber in WCC 45 3.8 Near field measurement system block diagram in

anechoic chamber 45 3.9 Personal computer as a main control device 46 3.10 Network Analyzer 46 3.11 Positioner controller 47 3.12 Antenna measurement software 47 3.13 Main menu of the program 48 3.14 Probe setup sub-menu 49 3.15 Multi-beam sub-menu 50 3.16 Scan setup sub-menu 51 3.17 Save message prompt menu 51 3.18 Measurement of the gain antenna under test using the

comparison method 54

3.19 Device setup for gain measurement (Standard antenna with known gain) 56

ix

FIGURE TITLE PAGES 3.20 Device setup for gain measurement (Antenna under test) 56 3.21 Signal generator 57 3.22 Indicator power received in decibel 57 3.23 Antenna measurement positioner 57 3.24 Measured E-plane radiation pattern in polar plot (RLSA antenna) 58 3.25 Measured E-plane for radiation pattern in polar plot

(Model GH1-18N) 59 3.26 Comparison between flat antenna and horn antenna 60

4.1 Hardware configuration for DBS receiver test-bed using RLSA or

Offset antenna 61 4.2 Receiving antenna; RLSA antenna (left) and offset antenna (right) 63 4.3 Definition of azimuth (AZ) and elevation (EL) 66 4.4 Mounting Arrangement for RLSA antenna 69 4.5 RLSA antenna holder design 70 4.6 Coaxial waveguide and the LNB assembly 71 4.7 LEADER satellite signal level meter 72 4.8 Spectrum Analyzer 73 4.9 Low Noise Block (LNB) 73 4.10 Consumer-Grade LNB 74 4.11 A Commercial-Grade PLL LNB 74 4.12 Coaxial waveguide adapter connection 79 4.13 Coaxial Cable 80 4.14 Digital Satellite Receiver 81 4.15 Spectrum Analyzer 81 4.16 LEADER Satellite Signal Level Meter 82

x

FIGURE TITLE PAGES 4.17 Performance prediction for DBS receiver using offset antenna 83 4.18 Total zenith attenuation VS frequency 84 4.19 Performance prediction for DBS receiver using RLSA antenna 85 4.20 Diagram of configuration between LNB and satellite receiver 88 4.21 Example of mismatch 90

xi

LIST OF TABLES

TABLE TITLE PAGES

2.1 Specification of RLSA Antenna recommended by Masaharu 9

2.2 Specification of RLSA Antenna recommended by Malaysia Researchers 10

2.3 Type of polarizer 28

2.4 Specification MEASAT Satellite in Malaysia 32 2.5 Transponder Performance Specifications 33 2.6 Typical Transponder Channel Spacing in the C-band and Ku-band 34 3.1 Type of measurement with respective device 36 3.2 Characteristics of Antenna Ranges 44 4.1 Electrical specification of Philips parabolic dish 64 4.2 Mechanical specification of Philips parabolic dish 64 4.3 Specification of RLSA antenna 65 4.4 Approximate effects of VSWR 76 4.5 Specification of Philips LNBF (SC915S) 77 4.6 Specification of Norsat digital LNB (4508C) 78 4.7 Specification of Andrew coaxial to waveguide adapter 79 4.8 Signal Strength Comparison (Portable Signal Strength Meter) 87 4.9 Signal Strength Comparison (Satellite Receiver) 88 4.10 Universal LNB Polarization & Power Supply Voltages 89

xii

LIST OF GRAPHS

GRAPH TITLE PAGES 3.1 Return-loss of RLSA antenna from 10GHz~13GHz 40 3.2 Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) of RLSA antenna 41 3.3 Theoretical (previous researchers founding) and measured E-plane

radiation pattern for the RLSA antenna 52

3.4 Measured E-plane radiation pattern for the RLSA antenna in 3-D 53

xiii

LIST OF APPENDICES

APPENDIX TITLE PAGE A Results for return loss and VSWR 96 B Signal strength table 97 C Specification of standard horn antenna 101 D MEASAT satellite specification 102 E Satellite Receiver specification 103 F Satellite Receiver specification (Con’t) 104 G Offset dish specification (Philips) 105 H Norsat LNB Ku-band DRO specification 106 I LNBF specification (Philips) 107 J Coaxial cable (Philips) 108 K Satellite signal level meter specification 109

1

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Project Background

Figure 1.1 illustrates the technology of the flat antenna in variety of

applications in almost all bands of frequency due to its producing to high efficiency

over relatively wide bandwidth at low cost and then being treated as an alternative to

other volumetric reflector antennas [1]. For example, one of the commercial

applications has included fixed terrestrial & satellite distribution network such as

Multichannel Multipoint Distribution Service (MMDS) at S-band, local Multipoint

Distribution Services at Ka-band (LMDS) use the flat antenna at the moment.

In Malaysia, of course, the Direct-to-Home (DTH) TV program has been

operated for several years which provided by ASTRO. This type of broadcasting is

via the satellite which operates in Ku-band frequency, and need very high gain of

antennas in order to receive the signal from the satellite. The most common used is

the standard parabolic antenna or offset parabolic antenna for reception. At the mean

time, these two antenna posts a drawback where the primary feed parabolic dish has

an aperture blockage at the center of the dish thus will reduce the antenna efficiency.

Offset antenna is proposed to solve the primary feed dish problem, but somehow the

longer feed which susceptible to physical damages as its feed significantly exposed

from the body of the reflector. Furthermore, the latter design, the alignment

procedure is quite involved [2].

2

A more beneficial design is the Radial Line Slot Array (RLSA) type antenna.

An advantages of this antenna include its high radiation efficiency, low profile

because it can be mounted at roof and wall, installed easily, feed rear-mounted, not

subjected to leaf and water build-up due to its flat structure. Furthermore, it also

posts the high gain which falls into the range of requirement of gain for Direct

Broadcast Satellite (DBS) application which is between 32-37dB for the receiver in

the range of 12 GHz frequency.

Figure 1.1: Flat Antenna Technology Application [1]

3

1.2 Project Objectives

This RLSA antenna research can be divided into several major sections. As

such, develop the prototype using variety of material. Besides, invent the variety new

technique such as reflection canceling slot and beam squinted design for the RLSA

antenna. Another research involved antenna performance measurement and setup of

test bed for DBS application. This title is involved the investigation of

characteristics effect of the flat antenna and develop test bed for calibration between

the direct broadcast satellite device and the flat antenna for DBS reception.

1.3 Project Scope

This research work involves investigation of the characteristics of flat

antenna and all the measurement results as well, such as radiation pattern, and

Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR). The major scope is to develop a test-bed by setting

up all the requirements for the devices in order to perform a calibration to the

broadcast satellite receiver with the flat antenna and measure the performance of the

system. At the same time, the characteristics or specification of the MEASAT

satellite is explored by investigating its location and the Effective Isotropic Radiated

Power (EIRP) in order to identify the signal reception strength for different location

in Malaysia. The flat antenna is expected to be compatible with the broadcast

satellite receiver at the end of the research. At the end of this project, the hardware

configuration of the DBS application and the flat antenna performance is identified.

4

1.4 Project Methodology

This project generally is divided into two major parts which consists of report

writing and the experimental testing approach or test-bed development which is

illustrated by Figure 1.2 and Figure 1.3 respectively. Before preceding any progress

of this project, the data, which is related to this scope, had been collected from time

to time. All the data has been analyzed in order to produce the useful information for

report writing later on. Consequently, with all the information available has been

arranged accordingly. The final step before finalizing the report is to combine the

experimental results to enhanced readability of the report.

The second part of the flow chart is illustrated by Figure 1.3 above. Firstly,

obtain the specific data of MEASAT satellite in terms of EIRP (Effective Isotropic

Radiation Power), operating frequency for DBS application, footprint coverage in

Malaysia. All this data can be obtained directly from internet or the company in

charge because all the specification is fixed. Secondly, performing the investigation

of flat antenna parameters will be carried out in laboratory particularly obtaining the

VSWR, radiation pattern, gain, and beamwidth. These data are required for

calibrating process whether the specification of flat antenna is matched with the

criteria of satellite before developing the test-bed for DBS application. After all

requirements are ready, the test-bed of the DBS application is being developed for

the performance study of flat antenna in DBS application. All the measurement

results will be recorded and reclassify if necessary to make readability and will be

compared with the market antenna.

5

Figure 1.2: Flow chart for report writing

Start

Accumulate Data

Analyze Data

Compiled Data, Satisfied?

No

Reclassify Data

End

Yes

Combine with Calibration Results

Finalize report and submit to supervisor

6

Figure 1.3: Flow chart for calibration device DBS Application

Start

Survey the specification of satellite

Determine specification of antenna

Laboratory Experimentobtain the parameters

Observe the physical layout

antenna

Test-bed for Calibrating DBS

setup

Satisfied?

No

Yes

Verification results

recorded

End

7

1.5 Thesis Outlines

This thesis is organized into 5 chapters to cover completely the research work

for this specific title entitled the performance study of flat antenna in DBS

application.

In Chapter 1, some background and history of flat antenna technology,

especially in DBS application, have been covered briefly. Besides, the author also

includes the project objectives and project scope of doing this thesis. Lastly, the

flow chart which shows how to carry out the work task also has been included in this

chapter.

Some research and reading of the general characteristics of the antenna has

been discussed in the Chapter 2 which is related to the parameter of the

measurements later. Apart from that, the function of satellite subsystem had been

discussed. Besides, the general layout for DBS also has been discussed in this

chapter as well.

Chapter 3 presents the laboratory investigation of RLSA antenna. Through

this chapter, author has included the procedure how to perform the measurement by

using the specific device which is available in the Wireless Communication Centre

(WCC) particularly return loss measurement, VSWR measurement and radiation

measurement. The results for the measurement will discussed at the end of this

chapter in order to evaluate the performance of RLSA antenna.

Chapter 4 discusses the development of the test bed for DBS application.

From this chapter, author will briefly describe which component is needed to

establish the test bed for DBS application. Besides, the function of each component

will be explained in this chapter. Lastly, the performance study of the test bed from

conventional and the RLSA antenna will be evaluated in this chapter.

As a conclusion, all work tasks has been summarized and will be discussed

and the future work also has been included to enhance the recent work.

93

REFERENCES

[1] A.I.Zagghoul, R.K. Gupta, E.C. Kohls, L.Q. Sun & R.M. Allnutt, “Low Cost

Flat Antenna for Commercial & Military SATCOM Terminals,” Lockheed

Martin Global Telecommunications (LMGT) Systems & Technology

Clarksburg, MD.

[2] LIM TIEN SZE, “Linearly Polarised Radial Line Slot Array Antenna

Radiation Pattern Modelling & Test-Bed Development for Direct Broadcast

Satellite,” Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.

[3] Mazlan Othman, “Space Application Development in Malaysia,” National

Space Agency in Malaysia, 14 January 2004.

[4] “TV Reception Solution,” Stallions Satellite and Antenna,

http://www.tvantenna.com/support/tutorials/lnbs.html

[5] “MEASAT Satellite Specification,” MEASAT Satellite System Sdn Bhd,

http://www. measat.com.

[6] David M. Pozar, “Microwave Engineering, Second Edition,” John Wiley &

Sons, Inc. 1998.

[7] K.C. Kelly (March 1957). “Recent Annular Slot Array Experiments.” IRE

National convention Record. Vol 5, Part 1, 144-151.

[8] F.J. Goebles, Jr. K.C. (July 1961), “Arbitrary Polarization from Annular

Planar Antenna.” IRE Trans. On Antennas and Propagation, Vol. AP-9, 342-

349.

94

[9] K.C. Kelly, F.J. Goebles, JR (July 1964), “Annular Slot Monopulse Antenna

Array.” IEEE Trans, Antennas and Propagation, Vol AP-12, 391-403.

[10] N. Goto, M. Yamamoto (August 1980), “Circularly Polarized Radial Line

Slot Antennas.” IEEE Technical Report, AP 89-54, 43.

[11] M. Takahashi, J. Takada, M. Ando, N. Goto (October 1989), “A Single-

Layered Radial Slot Line Slot Antenna.” IEEE Technical Report, AP 89-54.

[12] D.Jefferies, “Antenna”

http://www.ee.surrey.ac.uk/Personal/D.Jeffries/antenna.html (current August

2003)

[13] SkyCross, “Antenna Terminology”

http://www.skycross.com (current August 2003)

[14] Moteco Group Website, “Antenna Basics”

http://www.moteco.com (current July 2003)

[15] Dennis Roddy, “Microwave Tehcnology,” Prentice-Hall, 1986, pp. 405-414.

[16] Allan W.Scott, “Understanding Mircowave,” John Wiley & Sons, Inc, 1993.

[17] Bruce R. Elbert, “The Satellite Communication Applications Handbook,”

ARTECH HOUSE, INC, 1997.

[18] M. RICHHARIA, “SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS DESIGN

PRINCIPLES,” THE MACMILLAN PRESS LTD, 1st published 1995.

[19] G. MARAL, M. BOUSQUET, “Satellite Communications Systems,” JOHN

WILEY & SONS, Second Edition 1993.

[20] James Wood, “SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS POCKET BOOK,”

OXFORD BOSTON JOHANNESBURG, Revised edition 1996.

95

[21] B. G. Evans, “SATELLITE COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS,” The Institution

of Electrical Engineers, London, United Kingdom, 3rd edition, 2000.

[22] Stephenson D. J. “Newnes Guide to Satellite TV: Installation, Reception and

Repair,” Butterworth-Heinemann LTd., Oxford, Great Britain, 1994.

[23] WARREN L. STUTZMAN, GRARY A. THIELE “ANTENNA THOERY

AND DESIGN,”JOHN WILEY & SONS, INC, Second edition, 1998.