Dual band Antenna for a CubeSat

By:

Muhammad Zaryab Ahmed

Gulbaz Khan

Supervisor

Warda Saeed

Co-Supervisor

Dr Faran Mahmood

Department of Electrical Engineering

Institute of Space Technology, Islamabad
2022
 Dual band Antenna for a CubeSat

A thesis submitted to the

Institute of Space Technology in partial fulfillment of the requirements for

the degree of Bachelor of Science in

Electrical Engineering

By

Muhammad Zaryab Ahmed

Gulbaz Khan

Supervisor

Warda Saeed

Co-Supervisor

Dr Faran Mahmood

Department of Electrical Engineering

Institute of Space Technology, Islamabad
2022
Institute of Space Technology, Islamabad

Department of Electrical Engineering

Dual band Antenna for a CubeSat

By

Muhammad Zaryab Ahmed

Gulbaz Khan

APPROVAL BY BOARD OF EXAMINERS

_______________________________

Warda Saeed

AUTHOR’S DECLARATION
 We take full responsibility of the research work conducted during the FYP Thesis titled “Dual band

Antenna for a CubeSat”

It is declared that the research and development work presented in the FYP Thesis is done solely by me

with no significant help from any other person; however small help where ever taken is duly

acknowledge. We have also written the complete thesis by our self. Moreover, we have not presented this

thesis (or substantially similar research and development work) or any part of the thesis previously to any

other degree awarding institution within Pakistan or abroad.

We understand that the management of IST has a zero tolerance policy towards plagiarism. Therefore, we

as authors of the above mentioned thesis solemnly declare that no portion of my thesis has been

plagiarized and any material used in the thesis from other sources is properly referenced. Moreover, the

thesis do not contain any literal citing of more than 70 words even by giving a reference unless we have

obtained the written permission of the publisher to do so. Furthermore, the work presented in our thesis is

our original work and we have positively cited the related work of the other researchers by clearly

differentiating our work from their relative work.

We further understand that if we are found guilty of any form of plagiarism in our thesis work even after

our graduation, the Institute reserves the right to revoke our BS degree. Moreover, the Institute will also

have the right to publish our names on its website that keeps a record of the students who plagiarized in

their thesis.

_____________________
Muhammad Zaryab Ahmed

BE-EE-17 180401014

_____________________
Gulbaz Khan
 BE-EE-17 180401067

I hereby acknowledge that submitted thesis is final version and should be scrutinized for plagiarism as per

IST policy.

_____________________
Supervisor

Warda Saeed

Dated: _____________________

_______________________
Verified by Plagiarism Cell Officer

Dated: _____________________
 Copyright © 2022

This document is jointly copyrighted by the authors and the Institute of Space Technology (IST). Both the

authors and IST can use, publish or reproduce this document in any form. Under the copyright law no part

of this document can be reproduced by anyone, except copyright holders, without the permission of the

authors.

DEDICATION
 This thesis is truly dedicated to the parents, teachers and friends who
helped through out the university life

Abstract:
The main idea behind doing this project is to design and fabricate the Dual band Antennae which
can be operated in low earth orbits small satellites. One designs would be proposed for antenna
which would be the Patch Antenna. Patch antenna is known as patch antenna because it obtains
the shape of patch. The size of the antenna is considered to be important in this research. The
antenna would be able to work in range of Very High Frequency band and Ultra High Frequency
band with operating frequencies of 145 MHz and 435 MHz respectively. The antenna will work
in range of VHF band and UHF band with operating frequencies of 145 MHz and 435 MHz
respectively. In order to design and the antennas Computer Simulation Technology (CST) will be
used and method of shorting pins is used in order to reduce the dimensions of patch antenna and
after the simulation obtained measurements will be used to fabricate antenna. After fabrication
the antennas would undergo the hardware process. In a nut shell, the antenna would be able to
operate at desired frequencies.

LIST OF TABLES
Table 4.2-1 Components for the Mechanical Design.................................................................................26
 LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 4.3-1: Flowchart for whole design....................................................................................................9
Figure 6.1-1: Torque Rod with supporting Bars........................................................................................10
Figure 6.2-1: 36AWG Copper Wire..........................................................................................................10
Figure 6.3-1: Final coil of Magneto-Torquers...........................................................................................11
Figure 7.1-1: Designed Circuit using Inductor and Load..........................................................................12
Figure 7.1-2: Testing of Magnetic Field using 34 AWG Copper Wire......................................................12
Figure 7.1-3: Testing of Magnetic Field using 25AWG wire....................................................................13
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

LIST OF TABLES..................................................................................................................................IX
LIST OF FIGURES..................................................................................................................................X
1. INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................................................2
1.1 PROJECT MOTIVATION...................................................................................................................3
1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT....................................................................................................................3
1.3 SOLUTION.......................................................................................................................................4
1.4 PROJECT OBJECTIVES.....................................................................................................................4
1.5 METHODOLOGY..............................................................................................................................5
1.5.1 Literature Review.....................................................................................................................................5
1.5.2 Programming Analysis.............................................................................................................................6
1.5.3 Component Selection................................................................................................................................6
1.5.4 Circuit Designing.....................................................................................................................................6
1.5.5 Testing......................................................................................................................................................6
1.5.6 Assembling and Final Testing..................................................................................................................7
2. LITERATURE REVIEW.................................................................................................................8
2.1 METHODS USED FOR LANE DETECTION........................................................................................8
2.1.1 Image Processing Methods.......................................................................................................................8
2.1.2 Convolutional Neutral Network Method................................................................................................10
2.2 SUN TRACKING SYSTEM...............................................................................................................11
2.2.1 Types of Tracking System.......................................................................................................................12
2.2.2 Types of Solar Tracking Systems Depending upon Movement...............................................................14
2.3 IMPLEMENTING CHRONOLOGICAL TRACKING SYSTEM ON DUAL AXIS TRACKING SYSTEM......16
3. GENERAL FORMULA DESIGNING...........................................................................................18
3.1 THE GENERAL FORMULA FOR ON-AXIS SOLAR COLLECTOR.........................................................19
3.2 CONDITION FOR IDEAL AZIMUTH-ELEVATION SYSTEM.................................................................22
3.3 CALCULATIONS FOR MIRROR ANGLES..........................................................................................24
4. HARDWARE DESIGN...................................................................................................................25
4.1 MECHANICAL HARDWARE............................................................................................................25
4.1.1 Linear Actuator......................................................................................................................................26
4.1.2 Mirror carrier.........................................................................................................................................27
4.1.3 Mirror Carrier Rotator...........................................................................................................................28
4.2 COMPONENTS REQUIRED FOR THE MECHANICAL DESIGN...........................................................28
4.3 ELECTRICAL HARDWARE DESIGN................................................................................................29
4.3.1 RTC Unit.................................................................................................................................................30
4.3.2 Controller Unit.......................................................................................................................................43
4.3.3 Movement Adjustment Unit....................................................................................................................44
5. FUTURE WORK.............................................................................................................................44
6. CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................45
 1. INTRODUCTION

The world has been advanced in the field of science and technology. Therefore the knowledge of
communication getting vast

CubeSa Dimension Size(Max

t s )

1U 10 cm × 10 1 kg
cm × 11.35
cm

2U 10 cm × 10 2 kg
cm × 22.70
cm

3U 10 cm x 10 3 kg
cm x 30 cm

6U 20 cm × 10 6 kg
cm × 34.05
cm

12U 20 cm × 20 12 kg
cm × 34.05
cm.

Table 1 Dimensions for Cubest

1.1.1 Literature Review

This research contains the previous working which has been done for this purpose. There are

many techniques which can be implied in order to make the Multiband Antenna. In order to

select method different articles, research were studied so that we may have a constructive

results.

1.1.2 Multiband Antennae:

 An antenna with various frequency bands of operation is referred to as a multiband antenna.

One portion of a multiband antenna is active for one band while another portion is active for

a different band.In order to accommodate the numerous bands, multiband antennas may

either have lower-than-average gains or be physically larger than single-band antennas.

Simple multiband antennas have a few inches between the ends of the wires and a short

vertical distance between the wires in the centre of the feed. With these straightforward

dimensions, it is possible to reduce antenna lengths for certain frequencies and do away with

the requirement for pruning.

1.1.3 Microstrip Patch Antenna:

The ability to print microstrip or patch antennas directly onto a circuit board makes them

more and more practical. The use of microstrip antennas in mobile phones is expanding

rapidly. Patch antennas are inexpensive, have a small profile, and are simple to make.

A microstrip transmission line feeds the microstrip antenna in Figure 1 as an example. High

conductivity metal is used to make the patch antenna, microstrip transmission line, and

ground plane (typically copper). The patch has the following dimensions: L, W, and is

supported by a substrate (a dielectric circuit board) with the following thickness, h, and

permittivity, or dielectric constant. It is not  significant how thick the ground plane or

microstrip is. The height h should not be much less than 0.025 wavelengths (1/40th of a

wavelength), else the antenna efficiency would suffer. Typically, the height h is substantially

smaller than the operating wavelength.

Top View:
 Figure 1 Top View for Patch Antenna

Side View:

Figure 2 Side View for Patch Antenna

The microstrip antenna's width W regulates the input impedance. The bandwidth can also be

expanded by using wider widths. The input impedance for a square patch antenna supplied in

the way described above will be in the range of 300 Ohms. The width can be expanded to

reduce impedance. However, lowering the input impedance to 50 Ohms frequently

necessitates using a very broad patch antenna, which consumes a significant amount of

space. The radiation pattern is also controlled by the width.

The microstrip antenna emits the most radiation when it is pointed broadside (perpendicular

to the substrate) and, in a perfect world, emits none when it is pointed end-fire (along the

substrate's surface). The microstrip antenna emits the most radiation when it is pointed

broadside (perpendicular to the substrate) and, in a perfect world, emits none when it is

pointed end-fire (along the substrate's surface). Typically, the size of the antenna is chosen so

that it resonates at the working frequency and creates a true input impedance. This

necessitates that the antenna's length, L, be around half a wavelength in the dielectric

medium for a rectangular microstrip antenna. The level of the input impedance, on the other

hand, is determined by the antenna's width, W. One example of an antenna is the microstrip

is imagine a square chamber with open sidewalls. The radiation is produced by the fringing

fields through the open sidewalls. However, with very little fringing radiation, the structure is

mostly a resonant cavity. As a result, the radiation's bandwidth is inadequate when compared

to the bandwidth of the antennas mentioned before. However, a wide range of

communication applications may be used with the little bandwidth.

Microstrip antennas have a low radiating capacity, making it possible for them to only cover

short wave transmission distances, such as those between nearby offices, shops, or other

interior sites. As a result, poor transmission cannot be tolerated over such a vast area at a

single place.

A patch antenna is typically used to give hemispheric coverage at an angle of 300 to 1800 at

width from the mount.

 Figure 3 Azimuthal Plane

Figure 4 Elevation Plane

1.1.4 Methods for Feeding a Patch Antenna

The microstrip antenna is feed via a variety of techniques.
However, there are two ways to categorise feeding techniques:
Contacting feed: In this technique, the radiating element receives power directly. 
A coaxial wire or microstrip is used for this.
There are so two varieties of  feed:

Feeding a microstrip: 
It is a conducting strip whose width is much smaller than the radiating element's width. 
The feed line allows for simple etching on the substrate because the strip's dimensions 
are narrower. 
The structure's feed line may be placed in one of three locations: the centre, inset, or off
set.

Co-Axial Feeding:
One of the often employed techniques for feeding the antenna is coaxial feed. 
feeding through coaxial is given to the antenna in a way that connects the patch to the
inner conductor. while the ground plane is connected to the outer conductor.
The impedance varies along with the variation in the coaxial feed's position. Because
the feed line can be linked wherever on the patch, impedance matching is made easier.
However, since this requires drilling a hole in the substrate, connecting the feed line
with the ground plane is a little challenging.
Non-contacting feed: The radiating element receives energy from the feed line via
electromagnetic coupling.
1.1.4 Dipole Antenna:

Dipole antennas have two poles or items—two conducting elements—as indicated by the

name "di-pole." Due to the flow of current via these two conductive components and the

resulting voltage, the antenna emits an electromagnetic wave or radio signal.As can be seen,

the fundamental antenna is made up of a radiating element that is divided into two distinct

conductors. The dipole antenna is typically divided in the middle, and both are typically on

the same axis. It can be linked power picked up by the antenna to a receiver or apply power

from a transmitter to be emitted. Typically, an intermediate feeder is used to connect the

receiver or transmitter to the dipole antenna, allowing the power to be transferred from the

parameter.
 Figure 5 Half Wave Dipole

1.1.5 Types of Dipole:

The half wave dipole, which gets its name from the fact that its length equates to an electrical

half wavelength, is the most popular type of dipole antenna. There are, however, numerous

additional varieties of dipole antenna.

Therefore, it can be seen that the dipole is a very flexible and useful antenna. The several

distinct forms or varieties of the dipole antenna tend to be employed in diverse applications.

1.1.6 Half wave dipole antenna .

Half wave dipole antenna is the one that is most frequently used. Resonant dipole antennas of

this kind function at a point where they are the length of an electrical half wavelength.

Usually, the half wave dipole is centre fed. This results in a feed point with low impedance

that is simple to control. It is required to utilise a balanced feeder because the antenna is
 balanced, meaning that neither side is connected to the ground. If an unbalanced feeder, like

coaxial cable, is used, a balun—a balanced to unbalanced transformer—should be employed

The fundamental half wave dipole has a rather simple radiation pattern. It is greatest at an

angle to the wire's axis, and it is lowest along the wire's axis. If plotted, it takes the shape of a

figure-of-eight plot.

1.1.7 Multiple Dipole Antenna:

It is conceivable to utilise a dipole antenna that is an odd multiple of half wavelengths long,

despite the fact that the half wave dipole antenna is the most common. Even if the radiation

pattern is very different, it still works well in this mode.

Again, a low feed impedance is provided by this sort of antenna, which is often centre fed. It

is important to keep in mind that only when there are an odd number of half wavelengths

does a point of maximum current and minimum voltage occur at the centre, creating a low

impedance feed point that makes feeding the antenna simple.

When using an antenna at its basic frequency of resonance followed by other frequencies,

this kind of antenna can be useful.

1.1.7 Folded Dipole: This type of dipole aerial or dipole antenna is folded back on itself, as

the name implies. In order to create a DC short circuit, a second half wave conductor is

connected in parallel with the initial dipole parts. The additional conductor allows the folded

dipole to have a larger feed impedance and broader bandwidth while still maintaining the

distance between the ends of half a wavelength, both of which can be helpful in many

situations.
1.1.8 Dipole Feeding: Any antenna's feed impedance is a crucial component, and the dipole

antenna is no exception. The dipole is a balanced antenna, meaning that neither of its two

halves or sides is connected to the ground. This is the first thing to keep in mind. This

indicates that a balanced feeder or feed system must be used to feed it.

This might entail using a balanced feeder, such as an open wire or twin feeder, which

consists of two parallel wires. These feeders are occasionally employed at HF and have very

low loss rates, but they are challenging to control when entering buildings or other enclosed

spaces since nearby objects can upset the balance and loss has been increased. This justifies

the widespread use of coaxial cable. However, because this is an unbalanced feeder, a balun

—a balanced to unbalanced transformer—is needed. This can take on a variety of shapes, but

the basic idea is to stop radio frequency (RF) from travelling along the outside of the wire

and causing interference to neighbouring users or receivers when used with a transmitter. The

dipole's feed impedance is the other crucial element. Although a dipole's standard feed

impedance is typically assumed to be 73, this value is rarely observed since a variety of

factors, such as height above ground, wire thickness, and many more, can affect the

impedance. The impedance in empty space has a value of 73 ohms.

A dipole antenna's radiation pattern is particularly crucial for a variety of reasons because it

must be oriented to either pick up or emit the most signal in the desired direction.

The power radiated from the dipole in each direction is depicted by the radiation pattern.

Since the antenna's performance is the same in transmit and receive, it also represents the

antenna's "sensitivity" in various directions. A dipole antenna's radiation pattern is

particularly crucial for a variety of reasons because it must be oriented to either pick up or

emit the most signal in the desired direction.

The amount is reflected in the radiation pattern The dipole could emit power in any

direction. Since the antenna's performance is the same in transmit and receive, it also

represents the antenna's "sensitivity" in various directions.

Figure 6 Radiation Pattern

Designing Methodology:

The project consists of two process. In first process simulations would be done using the

software known as computer simulation technology (CST)

Computer Simulation Technology(CST):

A high-performance 3D EM analysis software package called CST Studio Suite® is used for

developing, analysing, and optimising electromagnetic (EM) systems and components.

CST Studio Suite contains electromagnetic field solutions for applications across the EM

spectrum in a single user interface. Engineers have the freedom to quickly and effectively

analyze entire systems made up of numerous components thanks to the solvers' ability to be

coupled to perform hybrid simulations. EM simulation may be integrated into the design flow

and drives the development process from the very beginning by co-designing with other

SIMULIA products. Leading engineering and technology firms all over the world use CST

Studio Suite. It facilitates quicker product development cycles and lower development costs,

providing significant product to market advantages. It is possible to apply virtual prototyping

through simulation. The performance of the device can be improved, potential compliance

concerns can be found and addressed early in the design phase, fewer physical prototypes are

needed, and the chance of test failures and recalls can be decreased.

Software Simulations:

Different designs have been made in order to simulate the multiband antenna for a cubesat.

The simulations contains the patch and dipole antenna design.

Patch Antenna for Single Band:

Following are designs which have been made in order to make antenna for a single frequency

for learning of CST software. In the design FR-4 lossy as a substrate has been used while

copper material is used at ground. Micro strip line has been fed for feeding which can be seen

below in the figure. It is a simple Micro strip patch antenna which is design at a frequency of

435MHz. Waveguide port has been used for giving the input to the microstrip line
 Figure 7 Single Band Patch Antenna

Figure 8 Single Band Patch Antenna in a Cube

ISS MA NEW DESIGN DAL DAEIN

Results on CST:
Following is the graphical results. It can be seen that the frequency’s dip has been come
sharply at 435 MHz. It is a S1,1 parameter of simulation

Figure 9 Graphical Results for S1,1 parameters

Patch Antenna for Multiband Antenna:

Following initial design was made for the multiband antenna. In this design different slots were made
to tune to the desired frequencies which are 145 MHZ and 435 MHZ.

Figure 10 Multiband Antenna for a Cubesat

Results on CST:

Two dips are coming one is on 435 MHz and other is coming reluctantly at 420 MHz which is not
giving the true results for our desired simulation.

Figure 11 Simulated result for S1,1 parameter

Dipole Antenna:

Ye likh laein

Size Limitations:

While simulations it has been observed that there is size limitation for a cubsat. Initially it was
decided that the size of cubesat would be 10*10 but in this case the frequency of VHF which is 145
MHz is not tuned. Minimum frequency in this case is coming 188MHz. In this situation it may be
desirable to change the size of a cubesat or change the range of VHF.

Flow Diagram:

Following is the flow diagram for the project.

Hardware Analysis:

Future Work:

In order to make the antenna functional it is necessary to do its fabrication. The next task is to

fabricate the antenna and to integrate it on dummy satellite. From this the efficiency of antenna

would be determined and radiation pattern in better form can be examined.

Conclusion:

The purpose of this project was to design one antenna which would be able to work on two frequencies
rather than working on just one frequency. It would be the low cost product and instead of using two
different antennas it would be better to use only one antenna which would be able to work on both
frequencies.