AUTOMATED REFLECTOR TUNING SYSTEMS AND METHDOS

摘要

Methods, apparatus, and systems for automated reflector tuning include combining high precision automated photogrammetric measurement with high precision servo actuator positioning control of a reflector surface using custom optimizing control software to produce a novel, fully automated satellite reflector alignment tuning system. Precise adjustment to the shape of the reflecting surface of an antenna reflector (reflector tuning) can be essential for a satellite reflector antenna to meet electrical performance requirements, usually requiring a shape accurate to within 0.004 inches RMS. The automated reflector tuning may include determining a set of characterization coefficients by precisely measuring the response of the reflector shape to actuator movements, and using the characterization coefficients in a mathematical analysis to determine optimal actuator movements to achieve a required shape of the reflector surface.

主权项

1. A system for tuning a reflector, comprising:
a plurality of actuators mechanically connected to attachment points of the reflector and supporting the reflector such that movement of the actuators adjusts a shape of a reflecting surface of the reflector; a photogrammetry system disposed to measure the shape of the reflecting surface; a processor, in communication with the actuators and the photogrammetry system, that, when executing a reflector tuning process: controls a movement of at least one of the actuators that adjusts the shape of the reflecting surface; receives a measurement of the shape of the reflecting surface from the photogrammetry system; and repeats the movement and measuring that adjusts the shape of the reflecting surface unless the measurement is within a specified accuracy of a nominal shape of the reflecting surface.