The Spectral Analysis Tool (SAT) computer program assists in analysis of interference between radio signals in Earth/spacecraft communications. SAT provides an easy-to-use interactive graphical interface with a menu for selecting among the following utility subprograms: an editor for modulated signal and interference sources of various spectral widths, an editor for inserting an interfering sine wave into the spectrum, a filter editor for simulating effects of a band-limited channel, and a graphics editor for viewing and textual editing of power spectra and spectral-density plots. Also provided are calculators for signal and interference bandwidth and power, plus communication-link-budget tables and interference-analysis tables with choices of antennas, amplifiers, and receivers. The main output of SAT comprises data on interference-to-signal power ratios and system losses with respect to interference-free baseline systems. Optionally, SAT generates color or gray-scale spectral plots or information in textual (including tabular) form on results of power calculations, link-budget parameters, or any other parameter(s) of interest. SAT has been written for execution on a desktop computer running the 3.1, NT, or 95 version of the Windows operating system. The complete SAT software package fits on a standard 3.5-in. (8.89-cm) diskette.
This program was written by K. Oudrihiri, K. Angkasa, Leon Truong, E. Kidd, Victor Lo, Mazen Shihabi, F. Chen, J. Rucker, John Gevargiz, and K. Widyono of Caltech for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. For further information, access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free on-line at www.nasatech.com/tsp under the Software category.
This software is available for commercial licensing. Please contact Don Hart of the California Institute of Technology at (818) 393-3425. Refer to NPO-20422.
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Software for Analyzing Earth/Spacecraft Radio Interference
(reference NPO-20422) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The document presents the Spectral Analysis Tool (SAT), a software developed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) under NASA's sponsorship, aimed at analyzing radio frequency interference and managing spectrum resources. The tool is designed to facilitate the analysis of communication signals, particularly in the context of Earth and spacecraft communications.
SAT is built on a computer-based platform and was originally developed in C for Windows 3.1, ensuring efficient memory management through both heap and stack allocations. The software is optimized to operate near its maximum capacity, supporting various signal processing tasks. It includes features for simulating channel effects, editing signals, and generating spectral plots, making it a versatile tool for engineers and researchers working in the field of communications.
The document outlines the architecture of SAT, detailing its processing elements and resource management capabilities. It emphasizes the importance of spectral analysis in understanding and mitigating interference in communication systems. The tool is equipped to handle a range of signal types, including frequency and phase-modulated signals, and provides users with graphical representations of signal spectra.
Additionally, the document includes a disclaimer regarding the mention of specific commercial products or services, clarifying that such references do not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government or JPL. The work described in the document was conducted under a contract with NASA, highlighting the collaborative nature of the project.
Overall, the SAT represents a significant advancement in the field of radio frequency analysis, providing essential tools for managing and optimizing communication systems. Its development reflects ongoing efforts to enhance the reliability and efficiency of communications in various applications, including space exploration and satellite operations. The document serves as a technical support package, offering insights into the tool's capabilities and the underlying principles of spectral analysis, making it a valuable resource for professionals in the field.
