Using a small phased array for meteor observations A. Martnez Picar - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

International Meteor Conference September 21–24, 2017 Petnica – Serbia Using a small phased array for meteor observations A. Martínez Picar and C. Marqué Solar-Terrestrial Royal Observatory Centre of of Belgium Excellence

Sun – Earth Interaction

Sun – Earth Interaction

Sun – Earth Interaction

ROB / Solar Influences Data Center

ROB / Solar Influences Data Center

ROB / Solar Influences Data Center Space Instruments USET

ROB / Solar Influences Data Center Space Instruments Ground–Based Facilities USET

ROB / Solar Influences Data Center Space Instruments Ground–Based Humain Radio–Astronomy Facilities USET Station

Humain Radio–Astronomy Station

Humain Radio–Astronomy Station Meteor & Whistler instruments (BISA) Meteorological Instruments (RMI) Optical Telescopes (ROB) Decomissioned interferometer (ROB) Radio Solar Spectrographs (ROB)

Humain Radio–Astronomy Station

Humain Radio–Astronomy Station

Humain Radio–Astronomy Station

SPADE: Small Phased Array Demonstrator ● Small Array of 8 elements ● Software Defined Radio based receivers → Digital beamforming ● Main goal: Dynamic spectra (not imaging) ● Frequency Range: 20 – 80 MHz Kick–off: January 2016 ● No mechanical parts ● Digital post-processing allows high flexibility ● Near–realtime dynamic spectrum observations

SPADE: Small Phased Array Demonstrator ● Small Array of 8 elements ● Software Defined Radio based receivers → Digital beamforming ● Main goal: Dynamic spectra (not imaging) ● Frequency Range: 20 – 80 MHz Kick–off: January 2016 ● No mechanical parts ● Digital post-processing It must be also good BRAMS allows high flexibility for radio meteor beacon ● Near–realtime dynamic observations! spectrum observations

Phased Array • Sum of incoming signals Tied Array • Adding an appropriate phase delay: Beam - Steer the main beam - Manipulate the beam shape - Direct the placement of nulls Element’s Pattern Array Element Ø 1 Ø 0 Ø 2 ∑ Ø 3

Phased Array – Digital Beamforming SDR Tied Array Beam Element’s Pattern Array Element PC Ø 0 SDR 0 RF Signal Ø 1 SDR 1 ∑ Ø 2 SDR 3 Ø 3 SDR 2 Data Stream (GbEthernet)

Array Element Antenna • Cross thick inverse vee • Additional conductive grid underneath • Dual polarisation available Front End Electronics

Array Configuration The layout of the array must provide a symmetric beam with low sidelobe levels Elliptical “Fat Cross” Double Spiral

Array Configuration The layout of the array must provide a symmetric beam with low sidelobe levels

Building SPADE

Building SPADE

Building SPADE

Building SPADE

Building SPADE

So… when? First Light scheduled for December 2017