Development of Automated Test System for Multibeam Communication Payloads

Development of an Automated Test System (ATS) is a process that involves extensive study and knowledge of current test technologies, determination of the requirements, and a simple design approach. Communication payload architecture has changed from broad beam to spot beam technology, providing more bandwidth and power. As the number of transponders increases, the conventional way of testing payload requires more time; this, in turn, increases total cost, specifically thermal-vacuum test.