Alignment, testing and maintenance principles in the intelsat tdma/dsi network

Abstract

AbstractThis paper discusses the principles underlying the alignment, testing and maintenance procedures (A,T & M) in the INTELSAT TDMA/DSI network. These principles are used in order to define the A, T & M functional groupings necessary to fully and systematically evaluate and maintain the network. It is shown that, as in the testing of any complex system, the overall test programme can be broken‐down into a series of individual test elements. Test elements naturally fall into logical associations called functional groups and, for practical reasons, some functional groups must be evaluated before others. Since the various users of the TDMA system will employ a variety of different manufacturers' equipment, a universal method of organizing the test programme had to be devised. To provide a set of test procedures which are independent of specific equipment design, a reference configuration approach has been taken which reflects the involvement, time‐ordering and hierarchy of the functional groups.The objective behind the use of this reference configuration approach is to assist the development and conduct of the alignment, testing and maintenance procedures so as to ensure minimal interruption to an operational TDMA network. In addition, the use of this technique will facilitate the planning of A, T & M test schedules. Finally, it is shown how the reference configuration approach encompasses the INTELSAT TDMA traffic terminal Satellite Systems Operations Guide (SSOG) and the TDMA Reference Terminal Operations Guide (TROG).