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Development of a radiated emissions test setup for CubeSats
Author(s)
Bester, Petrus Johannes
Date Issued
2024
Type
Thesis
Abstract
The increasing reliance on CubeSats for both commercial and research applications neces sitates rigorous Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) testing to ensure mission success
and regulatory compliance. Despite their cost-effectiveness, CubeSats missions can be
very expensive due to the launch costs. Their susceptibility to Electromagnetic Inter ference (EMI) can compromise functionality and operational reliability causing mission
failure. This research presents a cost-efficient approach to EMC pre-compliance testing
tailored to CubeSats, addressing the limitations of existing full-compliance facilities.
The study explores the feasibility of using inexpensive self built Transverse-Electromagnetic
(Mode) (TEM) cells, to characterize EMI emissions within CubeSat systems and subsys tems. A combination of computational simulations and empirical testing is employed to
identify key design parameters influencing the TEM cell performance. Additionally, the
impact of component placement and shielding techniques on interference mitigation is
examined.
Experimental results validate the accuracy and range of the proposed methodology in de tecting and mitigating EMC anomalies before launch, thereby reducing the risk of mission
failure due to interference-related issues. The findings contribute to the standardization
of affordable pre-compliance EMC testing protocols, enabling broader access to space
technology for emerging players in the industry. Furthermore, recommendations are pro vided for integrating EMC considerations early in the CubeSat design process, ensuring
improved reliability and performance.
and regulatory compliance. Despite their cost-effectiveness, CubeSats missions can be
very expensive due to the launch costs. Their susceptibility to Electromagnetic Inter ference (EMI) can compromise functionality and operational reliability causing mission
failure. This research presents a cost-efficient approach to EMC pre-compliance testing
tailored to CubeSats, addressing the limitations of existing full-compliance facilities.
The study explores the feasibility of using inexpensive self built Transverse-Electromagnetic
(Mode) (TEM) cells, to characterize EMI emissions within CubeSat systems and subsys tems. A combination of computational simulations and empirical testing is employed to
identify key design parameters influencing the TEM cell performance. Additionally, the
impact of component placement and shielding techniques on interference mitigation is
examined.
Experimental results validate the accuracy and range of the proposed methodology in de tecting and mitigating EMC anomalies before launch, thereby reducing the risk of mission
failure due to interference-related issues. The findings contribute to the standardization
of affordable pre-compliance EMC testing protocols, enabling broader access to space
technology for emerging players in the industry. Furthermore, recommendations are pro vided for integrating EMC considerations early in the CubeSat design process, ensuring
improved reliability and performance.
Additional information
Thesis (MEng (Electrical Engineering))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2024
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Bester, PJ_212005952.pdf
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