appears, currently, that some form of calibrated hard-line transfer will be required in conjunction with a form of the subarray-to-subarray transfer scheme proposed by J PL. Space-fed and other concepts require continuing study and analysis to determine the best design candidate. Both Adaptive and Command systems require complex computerized systems for control algorithms. Control capability will improve as historical data are compiled. The Command system appears to be the most direct system for safety control of the microwave beam, because it directly senses microwave intensity and intensity changes on the rectenna itself. Multiple sensor networks on both the transmitter array and rectenna will monitor distributed thermal and strain characteristics. These sensor outputs will also be fed into the computerized phase control subsystem. 7.3.7 COMMUNICATIONS, CONTROL, AND DATA MANAGEMENT Although detailed design data are not available on this system, it is meaningful to discuss some observations that have evolved. Based on the current photovoltaic baseline, there will probably be at least three separate data management systems, one for each solar wing and one for the antenna. These three systems will be interfaced to a control complex that will be located in the manned module. The design of each of these systems will be affected by the same requirements affecting the SPS, i. e., thermal environment (especially on the antenna) , long data transmission distances across the SPS, space charging, and high current/voltage considerations. However, with the possible exception of the unique effects of space charging, present technology should be adequate for all foreseeable needs. Another important design criterion will be the reduction of the potentially very large data rates (up to 150 megabits). Considering the total number of active components that will contribute information to the data management system, the importance of schemes to reduce this rate becomes evident. Maximum use of microprocessors at the data source and a large number of data distributors will be required in addition to the three separate data centers and the central control system. Figure 7-50 represents a preliminary block diagram of the microwave power transmission system. Only one computer processor unit is shown, although there would probably be several linked to a master system. Each of the boxes shown is considered to contribute significantly to the data system. In comparison to any known data management system to date, this system would be rather costly, complex, and massive. However, when compared to the overall SPS, the communications and data management subsystem will probably represent approximately 1 percent of the total cost and less than 1 percent of the total weight.
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