ANALYSIS OF INTERFERENCE FROM THE SOLAR POWER SATELLITE TO GENERAL ELECTRONICS SYSTEMS by John R. Juroshek and Francis K. Steele The concept of collecting solar energy in an orbiting, geostationary, solar power satellite (SPS) and then beaming this power to earth via a focused microwave beam at 2.45 GHz has received considerable attention in recent years. This report examines some of the potential interference problems that might exist between SPS and general electronics equipment. The report specifically considers the possibility of interference to conventional consumer electronic devices such as TV receivers, AM/FM stereo receivers, electronic calculators, and FM mobile receivers. Also included are estimates of the field intensities that would be required to produce interference in three different types of integrated circuits. The report also examines the potential for interference to medical electronics devices, with specific emphasis on pacemakers and site security devices such as proximity detectors and security TV cameras. Key words: electromagnetic compatibility; interference; satellites; solar power 1. INTRODUCTION The concept of collecting solar power in an orbiting, geostationary, solar power satellite (SPS) and beaming this power to earth via a focused microwave beam has received considerable attention in recent years. Solar power, collected by an array of orbiting solar cells, would be converted to microwave energy, and then beamed to earth on a 2.45 GHz focused microwave beam. The obvious advantages of such a system would be that solar energy could be collected 24 hours a day and not be substantially affected by the earth’s rotation or cloud cover. It has been estimated that such a system could potentially generate 5 to 10 gigawatts of usable power at a single, earth-based, receiving site (U.S. Department of Energy and National Aeronautics and Space Administration, 1978). The electromagnetic compatibility of these systems with other electronic equipment is recognized as a potential problem. Electronic equipment well removed from the SPS receiving site can be affected by microwave fields that are generated by SPS antenna sidelobes and grating lobes. Significant amounts of energy can also be expected at frequencies other than the fundamental of 2.45 GHz. Noise radiated outside of the 2400-2500 MHz industrial, scientific, and medical band and at *The authors are with U.S. Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Institute for Telecommunication Sciences, Boulder, Colorado 80303.
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