THE EMC OF SATELLITE POWER SYSTEMS AND DoD C-E SYSTEMS James H. Atkinson DoD ECAC - Annapolis, Maryland Marvin D. Aasen IIT Research Institute - Annapolis, Maryland The Department of Defense (DoD) is vitally interested in the satellite power system (SPS) concepts presently being proposed, since electromagnetic spectrum sharing would be required with many military C-E systems. The objective of this discussion is to present the DoD Electromagnetic Compatibility Analysis Center's (ECAC) technical understanding of the SPS and to assess the potential electromagnetic impact on existing DoD operations in the southwestern portion of CONUS. This geographical area is of principle concern because of the likelihood of SPS earth rectenna locations. First, those SPS technical parameters that are needed to accurately assess the EMC between SPS systems and DoD communications-electronics (C-E) systems are identified. Next, the assessment is performed by: presenting the type of electromagnetic interactions that could degrade the performance of C-E systems; identifying the major military installations in the southwestern portions of CONUS where specially sensitive C-E systems are being used for combat training and evaluation; identifying classes of C-E systems that are generally in the vicinity of these military installations; identifying those technical parameters that govern the degree of compatibility of the SPS with these C-E systems; and identifying some technical requirements that are necessary to ensure short- term and long-term EMC. Electromagnetic interference from the satellite microwave power transmissions will depend upon the characteristics of power in and near the carrier, harmonics, noise frequencies, and the antenna beam pattern offered by each of these. Scattering and reradiation of the satellite transmitter frequencies at the earth receiving rectenna and the effect of the rectenna directivity pattern is not covered in this evaluation. Interaction of these signals with DoD equipments potentially could degrade their performance. Table 1 presents a list of general C-E system types, their corresponding degradation criteria, and associated interference thresholds. Southwestern CONUS is the most likely geographical area for SPS earth location(s), especially for prototype equipment. Major DoD test range, training facilities, and military bases are identified in this geographical area to illustrate proximity to potential SPS sites. Two of these DoD facilities are examined to illustrate the extent of C-E systems, types, quantity, and the potential EMC issues of concern. Areas examined are those at the Tactical Fighter Weapons Center (TFWC) at Nellis AFB, Nevada, and the National Training Center (NTC) at Fort Irwin, California. The mission of the TFWC is to develop, maintain, and operate a DoD major test and training facility for the use of all DoD components. The mission of the NTC is to train and evaluate U.S. Army arms units in a realistic tactical and electronic countermeasures environment. At
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTU5NjU0Mg==