Patent ID: 6201953
Filing Date: 2001-03-13
Classification: H04B

Abstract:
Apparatus for onboard testing of a communication satellite having a plurality of receiver channels, the apparatus comprising the following components located on the satellite:a processor used for a variety of satellite control and communication functions;a memory for storing a testing module for loading and execution in the processor;a synthesizer for generating test signals under control of the processor when executing the testing module; anda switch controllable by the processor to connect a test signal from the synthesizer to a selected receiver channel to be tested;wherein the selected receiver channel includes an amplifier and an analog-to-digital converter for converting signals received by the receiver channel to digital form for processing by the processor;and wherein the testing module includes a signal analysis submodule, for analyzing the test signal applied to the receiver channel under test after the test signal has passed through the receiver channel components;whereby each receiver channel in turn can be tested using onboard components.