Spacewatch Overview

Spacewatch is SAT Corporation’s latest signal monitoring product. Spacewatch can be used with a traditional
spectrum analyzer or digitizers combined with frequency conversion subsystems. In either case a simple user
interface is provided for spectrum analysis.

Simultaneous Automatic and Manual Monitoring:

Spacewatch provides the traditional spectrum analyzer controls and in addition, provides automatic monitoring.
The operator can view any spectrum by selecting carriers and transponders from a drop down list. By using the
mouse to select a carrier (or transponder) from the dropdown list, the Spacewatch controls are automatically
set to the optimum value for measurement and display. Spacewatch will automatically test carriers and
transponders, interleaving this automatic process with the manual monitoring process. Alarms are initiated
when any abnormal condition arises: Occupied Bandwidth; Center Frequency; EIRP (RF Power) and C/No outside
of a certain tolerance or, Spectrum shape alarm which is based on the shape of the displayed trace.

Remote Access:
Up to five users can simultaneously access a single Spacewatch system; each user’s tasks are automatically
interleaved along with any automatic monitoring tasks. SAT’s Spacewatch application software can be used to
remotely control the LPT-3000R Spectrum Analyzer and measurement instrument.

Optional Configurations:
Spacewatch can be configured to drive other hardware, including Input Switching and Earth Station Calibration -
to name two. The Spacewatch computer automatically controls input switching. To improve operator efficiency,
this switch allows both the co-pol and cross-pol paths (carriers) to be displayed simultaneously. By seeing both
carriers, the operator can quickly compare the power difference. Spacewatch is provided with a number of
switch controller drivers. SAT’s earth station gain calibration is a low cost approach to guarantee accurate power
measurements. This spread spectrum calibration technique assures that changes in the LNA gain are accounted
for before reporting power to the operator. This low cost approach is best used with digital hardware for
spectrum analysis.

Spacewatch was released as a commercial product in 2005; it is a lower-cost alternative to the Monics
series Satellite Spectrum Monitoring System that has been sold to major corporations since 2001. The
hardware supported by Spacewatch is identical to that used in the Monics systems. The software
however, has been designed to replace the old-style spectrum analyzer with an advanced monitoring
system that was designed for the satellite industry. Spacewatch provides all the functions of a traditional
spectrum analyzer and adds advanced features that support monitoring and trouble-shooting of satellite signals.

The distinguishing features that set the Spacewatch apart from a traditional spectrum analyzer include:

Carrier: Automatic parameter measurements

Abnormal Carrier Alarms

Measurement storage for statistical and trend reporting

Stored trace playback for trouble-shooting intermittent problems

Automatic switch control

Remote access interleaved with automatic monitoring

Internet access to Spacewatch using a web browser

When using digital hardware measurements are 10 times faster than a
conventional spectrum analyzer.

Although Spacewatch can be used for any number of general-purpose spectrum monitoring applications, the
User Interface applies directly to the needs of the satellite user and communication service provider
applications.
 SPACEWATCH Operational Modes
Summary

The two main operational modes are “Manual” and “Automatic”.

In the Manual mode, the operator can perform specific tasks such as observing the spectral trace and
carrier parameters. From the manual mode, the operator can use Spacewatch control all of the basic
spectrum analyzer parameters through its intuitive user interface.

To observe a carrier in the Manual mode, the operator selects the desired spectrum to be observed from a list
including carriers and transponder. The method to add a spectrum to this list is discussed in a later paragraph.

The operator uses the second mode, the Automatic Monitoring mode, (sometimes referred to as
Automon) for testing carriers, transponders and noise. Each measurement is compared against an
operator defined set of limits. Manual mode and Automon can run concurrently: Spacewatch
interleaves the two processes to allow the operator to observe traces while Automon is performing
tests.

Manual Mode
When the operator selects any carrier,
transponder, noise slot, or in general, any
spectrum segment from the “Select
Carrier” list, the spectrum analyzer
controls are set to the optimum setting to
view the trace and perform carrier
measurements. The trace will appear and
a list of measurements is displayed.

Carrier Database

The process of automatic and manual

monitoring begins with adding a carrier to
the database. Once a carrier is added to
the database, the operator can use the list
of carriers to select a carrier for manual
or automatic monitoring. (More has been
provided about this automatic and manual
monitoring process in a later paragraph.)
Communications carriers are not the only spectrum that can be saved: transponders, noise slots, beacons
and so forth can be added as desired. The operator can select any spectrum

Control Panel

Selecting the Control Panel tab puts Spacewatch in the spectrum analyzer mode.
Spacewatch provides a simple to use traditional spectrum analyzer or digital spectrum analyzer.
Operators and technicians will quickly adapt to Spacewatch because the controls are the same as a
spectrum analyzer. For example, even for digital systems Spacewatch controls include: Reference
level, Resolution Bandwidth, Span, Video-bandwidth and Start (stop) frequency; the same control
nomenclature used with a spectrum analyzer. Likewise, the displayed trace is annotated to show the
traditional spectrum analyzer display settings. The controls include typical features such as markers,
maximum and minimum hold and several other features.
Spectrum Analysis

In the manual mode, the operator can select the “Basic” tab to view a list of parameters. This list
includes the following parameter and information:

Date/Time of Measurement

Center Frequency

Occupied Bandwidth

EIRP (This can be set to received power)

C/No and C/N

(Co+No)/No

Eb/No (Calculated)
Transponder Blind Search

With multiple carriers displayed, the measured parameters of each carrier are displayed.

With the frequency segment display –as shown in the following trace for example- adding a carrier, to
the database is a simple procedure. The operator can select a single carrier or transponder using a
mouse controlled “box” tool. This carrier can then be expanded so that it is the only displayed carrier.
This carrier can then be added to the database with a few mouse clicks. The parameters for the
selected carrier are automatically determined. The operator names the carrier –using a convenient
nomenclature- and saves this to the database. The operator can edit the carrier parameters. Alarm
limits are set to default values; but can be edited as required.
Automatic Monitoring
Summary

There are two types of automatic monitoring functions used within Spacewatch: The first is the
“Spectrum mask” as it is often called, “Reference Trace monitoring”. The second is parameter
monitoring. Together they offer simplicity and a comprehensive monitoring capability. Reference
Trace monitoring is the simplest method. This compares the displayed trace to a stored reference that
contains upper and lower trace limits. Parameter monitoring provides a comprehensive comparison of
the measurement parameters to the defined limits.

Reference Trace Monitoring

The purpose of the Reference Trace monitoring is to replace the traditional “Grease-Pencil” line
drawn by the operator on their spectrum analyzer. This trace was to allow an immediate visual
comparison of the actual carrier trace to limits that were defined (usually quite arbitrarily) by the
operator. It was then up to the operator to watch for abnormal changes in the carrier.
Reference Trace monitoring is like the grease-pencil in that the operator can quickly create the trace. The
Reference Trace is defined using a few mouse clicks. The alarm limits can be set somewhat arbitrarily or by
accepting the default limits.

Reference Trace, on the other hand, provides some other useful tools.

The following provides a general description of the Reference Mask features.

The limits can be set by default Tor established by the operator

The limits are shown in color as a mask around the reference trace

A violation of the mask profile will cause an alarm

Reference Trace alarms are displayed on the general Alarm display (discussed below)

An unplanned carrier that appears in the display will violate the mask profile

Using the mouse, the Reference Trace can be redefined

The Reference Trace display can include a maximum and minimum hold
Parameter Monitoring

Spacewatch performs Automatic Parameter measurements using techniques that have been proven to
be accurate at SAT Corporation over the past fifteen-years on signal of all standard satellite
modulation formats.
The spectrum to be tested can include: carrier; transponder; and a segment of a transponder; a noise
slot; beacons. Spacewatch will test 500 of these spectrum segments.
Automatic Parameter monitoring process can occur simultaneously with Reference Trace monitoring
and the Manual mode. When Spacewatch is tasked with automatic processes and continuously
providing spectrum traces, the processes are interleaved.

The measurements for each segment are compared to the measurement limits stored in the database.
These measurements include:

EIRP

Occupied Bandwidth

Center Frequency

C/No

Monitoring Plans

The Spacewatch operator defines the list

of carriers to be tested. The list is referred
to as a Monitoring Plan. Multiple plans
can be defined and stored for later use.
But, only one plan can run at a time (with
a maximum of 500 frequency segments).
Any number of Monitoring Plans can be
created and stored, but only one plan can
be run at a time.
The Monitoring Plan window is used to
create the list of carriers that are to be
tested by the Automon process.
Monitoring plans provide a way to test
only the carriers that need to be tested,
rather than to test all carriers in the
database.

SAT created this unique concept of employing Monitoring Plans instead of using the traditional approach of
using one list for all the carriers. In this way, carriers that are still in database, but are no longer present in the
transponder, do not create “Missing Carrier” alarms. Another application for the monitoring plan is that a plan
can be stored that is used to provide a quick (but maybe short time duration) test of some important carriers.
Plans can be used to conduct calibration test or equipment tests.

Monitoring Plans can also define what automatic action is to be initiated when an alarm occurs.

Alarm Actions

When an Alarm occurs, it can trigger an Alarm Action specified by the operator. Actions can include
sending an email containing alarm details, generating an SNMP trap or running a user-defined script.
Users may create scripts to perform any desired action such as dialing a phone number, sending a page
or creating an audible alarm.
 Historical Measurement Data and Traces
Summary
Spacewatch will store measurements and traces in a Microsoft SQL database during automatic and
manual monitoring. Stored traces can be viewed using the Spectrum Trace History viewer; or, as it is
called, the Archive Viewer. Measurement data can be transferred to external software -such as Excel,
Access, Crystal Reports, and so forth- where statistical and trend analysis reports can be produced.

History Spectrum Trace (Archive Viewer Application)

The Archive Viewer Application allows the operator to view data saved over any period. Any traces
stored in the LNS Ring Buffer can be viewed from the Operator Workstation. This includes any
Automatic Monitoring
displays as well as
manually monitored
displays.

The operator can replay the

traces and measurements
captured for any alarmed
carrier, for any period.
The Archive Viewer
application allows the
playback at a controlled
speed. The tabular list
provides:
o Measurement
Date and Time
o Monitoring
Antenna
o Satellite
o Transponder/Carrier
o EIRP, CF, OBW, C/N, C/No

Historical Measurement Data

A Spacewatch system can be connected to an external database or Reporting Software tool. SAT will
provide the Spacewatch database schema to allow the external computer to gather the needed
Spacewatch historical information. Using the external report generation tool, the user can connect to
the Spacewatch database fields where the historical data is kept. In this way, detailed reports can be
produced in the user’s format.
Multiple Simultaneous Users

The Spacewatch User Interface allows monitoring and control from the local computer and a remote
client. Any IP connection over a LAN or WAN is supported, including dial-up connections over a
modem. SAT recommends at least a 56 Kbps connection.
An optional upgrade allows up to five (5) users simultaneously accessing the Spacewatch hardware.

Spacewatch is reconfigured with a Server (DL320 or equivalent) with Microsoft Server and
appropriate SPACEWATCH software changes to accommodate up to 5 simultaneous users. (This
software accompanies the digital signal processing and communications software.)

Each client will require Microsoft “Remote Terminal Server Client” be installed by the user.

Spacewatch software will interleave the tasks from the various users and the Automon tasks. Operator
tasks are given priority over the Automon tasks to assure that the operator observes a satisfactory trace
and measurement up rate.

Note: The operators have the option of selecting “Apply” instead of

“Continuous” on the Spacewatch Control Panel. Apply, causes
Spacewatch to produce one update rather than forcing the software to
interleave all operators, all of the time they are connected. Apply,
greatly improves the trace refresh rate so the operators who need near
faster response time, can get it - such as bringing up a new carrier.

Computer

Spacewatch software will run on most Windows 2000 or XP Professional computers including desktop
and rack-mount PCs and laptops. Customers may use an existing PC to run Spacewatch, or SAT can
provide an appropriate PC, with all software loaded, configured and tested as part of a complete
system. Spacewatch software will run on a computer concurrent with other applications.

Local or Remote Control

Spacewatch control spectrum analyzers over a variety of interfaces, GPIB, Ethernet, serial and USB
2.0 connections. The Spacewatch User Interface allows complete monitoring and control from the
local computer or a remote client. Any IP connection over a LAN or WAN is supported, including
dial-up connections over a modem. SAT recommends at least a 56 Kbps connection for optimal
performance.
Specification
Measurement Instruments:

LP Tech’s LPT3000R Spectrum Monitoring System

Specification
Frequency Range 9 kHz - 3.0 GHz
Resolution Minimum 1 Hz
Span Range 100 Hz/div to 300 MHz/div
1,2,5 Steps Selection (Automatic),
LPT-3000R
ZERO Span, FULL Span (9kHz to
3.0GHz) With 4 RF Input Switching Capability
Phase Noise -90dBc/Hz @10kHz Offset
Amplitude Measurement Range -150 dBm ~ +20dBm

Average Noise Level (1 kHz RBW, 10 < -150 dBm: 9 kHz ~ 3.0 GHz
Hz VBW)
Reference Level Accuracy ± 1.5dB @100MHz
Reference Level Range: 20 dBm ~ -120 dBm
Resolution: 0.1 dB
Accuracy: ± 1.5 dB
Display Range 0 to -70dB from reference level (3kHz)

Memory Trace Storage Maximum 900 Waveforms

Setup Storage Maximum 3000 States
Input RF Input Connector N Type Female, 50 Ohm Nominal
Maximum Input Level 50 Vdc, +20 dBm
Interface RS-232, USB, Ethernet
Power Power Source AC 100 - 240V, 48 - 63Hz
Size 2 Standard EIA Rack Unit
3.5 x 17 x 19 inches

Measurement Uncertainty and Repeatability

EIRP (and Eb/No) Measurement Uncertainty + 0.5 dB
Power Measurement Repeatability + 0.2dB
C/N Measurement Uncertainty + 0.5dB
C/N Repeatability + 0.5dB
Center Frequency Measurement Uncertainty + 1% of OBW or 0.1 PPM
Center Frequency Repeatability + 0.5% of OBW or 0.1 PPM
Bandwidth Measurement Uncertainty, (OBW) + 0.5% of OBW
Bandwidth Repeatability + 0.2% of OBW
SpaceWatch provides the measurement performance based on an RF power level (Co+No/No) of at least 5.0 dB.

LP Technologies, Inc. 1919 N. Amidon St, Ste# 216, Wichita,

KS 67203
Tel: 316-831-9696 Fax: 316-831-9692
Email: sales@lptech.com Web: www.lptech.com

Important note:
Monics and SAT-DSP are registered trademark of SAT
Corporation, Copyright 2007, SAT Corporation
www.sat.com

Typical Monitoring Plan view with 3 carriers displayed