Verification of a radio-frequency generator model in a full-wave 3D EM simulation

Abstract

Ion thrusters, which make an essential part of “NewSpace” missions, play a major role in spacecraft systems for propulsion and maneuvering. Therefore, the thrusters and their peripherals must be safe and reliable. Furthermore, the mutual interference of active high-frequency components - such as the radio-frequency generator (RFG) typically used with RF ion thrusters - and satellite components regarding immunity and emissions must be considered. The RFG provides the energy for the thruster coil and thus controls the operating point of the thruster - which makes it a very crucial part of a radio-frequency ion thruster (RIT) assembly. Here, we propose procedures to obtain the radiated emissions of the RFG in the near and far field, respectively. For this purpose, partial procedures are adapted from a standard. A comparison of the two measurement environments - near and far field - is sought via calculations of the radiated power. The paper also examines discrepancies between the curves as well as the unexpected results and provides explanations. An outlook is given on how the acquired measurement data will help in the verification of a previously created full-wave 3D EM simulation model of the RFG.