Satellite user terminal testing

Development and production of satellite user-terminals

Overview of user terminals

Satellite user-terminals are developed for various satellite networks and applications. They transmit and receive signals to and from satellites, enabling global connectivity and services such as broadcasting, internet access and data transfer.

There are several types of user terminals, for example BGAN terminals, VSAT terminals, military terminals and others including SBB, FBB and Iridium.

Satcom on the Move (SOTM) pertains to mobile satellite communications. It’s a technology employed in military ground vehicles, maritime vessels, and airborne platforms. Essentially, SOTM enables a vehicle equipped with a satellite antenna to establish and maintain communication with a satellite while in motion.

Satellite user terminal test challenges

Manufacturers face several difficulties during user terminal development and production. These challenges highlight the need for innovation, strategic planning and efficient production processes.

User terminals need to fulfill many requirements, which are driven by the need for high-speed, reliable and secure communication links. With advancements in technology, these requirements are likely to evolve and become more complex.

Key challenges include:

Operation across multiple satellite frequency bands
Communication with high-throughput satellites (HTS)
Integrated modems that combine modem functionality with the antenna to reduce overall complexity and cost
Electronically steerable antennas (ESA)
Software defined radios (SDR) that must adapt to different satellite networks
Satcom-on-the-move (SOTM)

High-performance satellite user terminal test solutions

At Rohde & Schwarz, we offer solutions for testing component, subsystems and complete user terminals.

RF & microwave component testing: mixer, frequency converter, low-noise amplifier (LNA), low-noise block converter (LNB), power amplifier, voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO)
Sub-systems testing: power supply, traditional and ESA antennas, LNB, modem, WiFi modules
Entire user-terminal testing: EMC