Citation

Abstract

This article provides an intersystem comparison of present and evolving DSN microwave receiving systems. Comparisons of the receiving systems are based on the widely used G/Top figure of merit, which is defined as antenna gain divided by operating system noise temperature. In 10 years, it is expected that the DSN 32-GHz microwave receiving system will improve the G/Top performance over the current 8.4-GHz system by 8.3 dB. To compare future telemmunications system end-to-end performance, both the receiving systems’ G/Top and spacecraft transmit parameters are used. Improving the 32-GHz spacecraft transmitter system 1s shown to increase the end-to-end telecommunications system performance an additional 3.2 dB, for a net improvement of 11.5 dB. These values are without a planet in the field of view (FOV). A Saturn mission is used for an example calculation to indicate the degradation in performance with a planet in the FOV.

Details

Volume
42-108
Published
February 15, 1992
Pages
271–278
File Size
369.1 KB