Electronics Weekly
The drone-based technology will detect and locate the source of interference, for example, for both commercial and military applications.
The Danish company – which uses drones to test and measure satellite antennas in-situ – is using its existing systems for the RF inspection.
It says QS RF Locator enables last mile geolocation. And it can be used in conjunction with existing geolocation solutions that initially narrow down the interference to a relatively wide area (perhaps as wide as several hundred kilometers squared).
Geolocation
With the Quadsat payload on a drone, the RF Locator’s interference hunting algorithms scan the radio spectrum. As it takes more measurements, it is better able to find the precise location of the signal.
Specifically, the RF payload features a directional horn and gimbal. It performs high-precision directional measurements in receive mode. With the UAV covering the initial target area, it gathers data on signal presence, strength, and angle of arrival.
After each measurement flight, the system’s software analyses the collected data and dynamically recommends new launch points to optimise triangulation, says the Odense-based company.
RF Locator
“Interference can be extremely harmful, causing downtime and potential loss of revenue,” said Quadsat’s Chief Technology Officer, Lars Bach (right).
“Geolocation has been proven to be effective, however current methods are exceptionally time-consuming. By using the drone, we are able to precisely locate the source much quicker than existing alternatives, enabling our customers to resolve the issues in record time.”
The feature is available as part of Quadsat’s antenna testing and calibration system. With the drone’s mobility, the technology can test and verify antennas and radio frequency equipment in-situ.
The RF Locator was officially launched at the Cabsat event in Duabai.
Testing
The drone-based system involves a customised RF payload mounted onto a professional-grade UAS (unmanned aircraft system). It also uses automation and measurement software,
OneWeb is among the companies that have used the technology. It was performing in-situ verification of 10 antennas at the KSAT Svalbard Ground Station. This is world´s largest and northernmost satellite station located at 78°North, in Norway. It was part of OneWeb’s ground segment rollout.
Quadsat has also carried out an antenna validation campaign at the Telespazio teleport in Scanzano, Italy.
QuadSAT
Dating from 2017, the company uses drone technology, and mathematical algorithms to simulate satellites. This enables it to carry out antenna performance tests more quickly.
Specifically, QuadSAT can measure radiation patterns of antennas, enabling the validation of feed alignment and the direction of pointing.
It has financial backing from London’s Seraphim Capital and Danish state growth fund Vaekstfonden.
In terms of management personnel, Klaus Aude joined as Chief Commercial Officer in March
Images: QuadSat
