An Overview of Analog and Digital RF Generator Techniques, Suitable for Space-Based AOTF Applications
The use of Acousto-Optical Tunable Filters (AOTFs) is well known in ground- and space-based applications. These devices are used in several optical instruments and payloads for monitoring and other purposes. To make use of the filter capability of the AOTF, a dedicated Radio Frequency (RF) chain, co...
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MDPI AG
2025-08-01
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| author | Jurgen Vanhamel |
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| collection | DOAJ |
| description | The use of Acousto-Optical Tunable Filters (AOTFs) is well known in ground- and space-based applications. These devices are used in several optical instruments and payloads for monitoring and other purposes. To make use of the filter capability of the AOTF, a dedicated Radio Frequency (RF) chain, consisting of an RF generator and RF amplifier, is needed. An RF generator can be designed in several ways. However, the design of these steering devices for space applications comes with several difficulties and limitations. The mechanical stress due to shock and vibration, the temperature variation, as well as the vacuum environment and radiation levels in which these devices have to perform limits the selection of possible techniques. This paper aims at giving an in-depth overview of space-qualified RF generator techniques using Commercial-Off-The-Shelf available components that usable in the harsh environment of space and applicable in driving AOTFs. Several analog as well as digital generator principles are discussed, substantiated by test results. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-4cebea0a97e745de8e7bd797dc23626e |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2076-3417 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-08-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
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| series | Applied Sciences |
| spelling | doaj-art-4cebea0a97e745de8e7bd797dc23626e2025-08-20T03:36:02ZengMDPI AGApplied Sciences2076-34172025-08-011515873910.3390/app15158739An Overview of Analog and Digital RF Generator Techniques, Suitable for Space-Based AOTF ApplicationsJurgen Vanhamel0Faculty of Aerospace Engineering, TU Delft, Kluyverweg 1, 2629 HS Delft, The NetherlandsThe use of Acousto-Optical Tunable Filters (AOTFs) is well known in ground- and space-based applications. These devices are used in several optical instruments and payloads for monitoring and other purposes. To make use of the filter capability of the AOTF, a dedicated Radio Frequency (RF) chain, consisting of an RF generator and RF amplifier, is needed. An RF generator can be designed in several ways. However, the design of these steering devices for space applications comes with several difficulties and limitations. The mechanical stress due to shock and vibration, the temperature variation, as well as the vacuum environment and radiation levels in which these devices have to perform limits the selection of possible techniques. This paper aims at giving an in-depth overview of space-qualified RF generator techniques using Commercial-Off-The-Shelf available components that usable in the harsh environment of space and applicable in driving AOTFs. Several analog as well as digital generator principles are discussed, substantiated by test results.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/15/8739Acousto-Optical Tunable Filter (AOTF)Radio Frequency (RF)space-qualifiedimagingphase-locked loop (PLL)Single Side Band (SSB) |
| spellingShingle | Jurgen Vanhamel An Overview of Analog and Digital RF Generator Techniques, Suitable for Space-Based AOTF Applications Applied Sciences Acousto-Optical Tunable Filter (AOTF) Radio Frequency (RF) space-qualified imaging phase-locked loop (PLL) Single Side Band (SSB) |
| title | An Overview of Analog and Digital RF Generator Techniques, Suitable for Space-Based AOTF Applications |
| title_full | An Overview of Analog and Digital RF Generator Techniques, Suitable for Space-Based AOTF Applications |
| title_fullStr | An Overview of Analog and Digital RF Generator Techniques, Suitable for Space-Based AOTF Applications |
| title_full_unstemmed | An Overview of Analog and Digital RF Generator Techniques, Suitable for Space-Based AOTF Applications |
| title_short | An Overview of Analog and Digital RF Generator Techniques, Suitable for Space-Based AOTF Applications |
| title_sort | overview of analog and digital rf generator techniques suitable for space based aotf applications |
| topic | Acousto-Optical Tunable Filter (AOTF) Radio Frequency (RF) space-qualified imaging phase-locked loop (PLL) Single Side Band (SSB) |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/15/8739 |
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