Millimeter-Wave Optics Design Tool (MOD Tool) is a computer program for analyzing and designing multiple-reflector antenna systems that operate at microwave and millimeter wavelengths. MOD Tool is intended for use in conjunction with a computer-aided-design (CAD) program along with other specialized programs that focus, variously, on thermal, mechanical, and other aspects of design. MOD Tool is a distributed client/server application program that includes a data base of design information residing on a server computer, plus software components that perform physical-optics analyses on a variety of supercomputers. The client portion of MOD Tool includes graphical-user-interface software components that reside on a desktop computer. In addition to enabling an antenna designer to obtain computations for analysis and design of antennas, the client portion of MOD Tool serves as a data interface between (1) the antenna design and (2) the CAD and the structural and thermal designs. MOD Tool creates one standard data type for both physical optics and geometric optics and translation mechanisms for each. It can utilize parallel supercomputing to speed time-consuming physical-optics calculations. The graphical user interface relieves the antenna designer of many details, thereby simplifying the designer's task
This program was written by Daniel Katz, Andrea Borgioli, Thomas Cwik, Chuigang Fu, William Imbriale, Vahraz Jamnejad, and Paul Springer of Caltech for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. For further information, access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free on-line at www.nasatech.com under the Software category. NPO-20628
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Program for designing multiple-reflector antenna systems
(reference NPO-20628) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The document outlines the development and capabilities of the Microwave Optics Design Tool (MOD Tool), created by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) under a contract with NASA. MOD Tool is designed to assist in the design and analysis of instruments operating in the microwave and millimeter-wave bands, such as the Microwave Instrument for the Rosetta Orbiter (MIRO), Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS), and Integrated Multispectral Atmospheric Sounder (IMAS). These instruments must meet specific design criteria, including beamwidth, gain, and pointing, which are influenced by their operational environments.
The MOD Tool serves as a framework that allows for the integration of various programming languages and tools, including Tcl/Tk, Perl, Fortran, and MATLAB, enabling users to leverage existing components and minimize development efforts. The tool is designed to evolve, with future enhancements planned to include advanced metrology analysis and design optimization capabilities.
The user interface of MOD Tool requires a username and password for access, allowing users to select between old or new designs. Once logged in, users can operate in one of six modes, with the primary focus being the Design Mode. In this mode, users can load, modify, and save designs, which consist of physical optical elements (reflectors) and non-physical elements like feed locations and output systems. The design information is presented in both tabular and graphical formats, facilitating user interaction and comprehension.
The document emphasizes the importance of modeling instruments within their environments to ensure they meet the necessary design criteria. The MOD Tool's ability to analyze and optimize designs is crucial for the successful development of advanced microwave instruments.
Overall, the MOD Tool represents a significant advancement in the design and analysis of microwave optics, providing engineers and researchers with a robust platform to create efficient and effective antenna systems. The ongoing development of the tool aims to enhance its capabilities further, ensuring it remains a vital resource for future projects at JPL and beyond.
