The market for satellite communication (SATCOM) equipment is anticipated to increase from USD 22.0 billion in 2021 to USD 53.7 billion by 2026, at a CAGR of 19.6%. A similar trend is expected to be seen during the projected period as the SATCOM equipment market continues to expand globally.

The impact of telecommunications technologies in our daily lives is already significant, and it will only become more so as the world gets more interconnected. Because of this, experts in the field have put in endless effort to enhance both individual components and entire systems in order to attain even greater performance and reliability.

 These initiatives put a lot of emphasis on assuring the usage of high-quality parts, which might be the difference between a system that runs correctly and one that doesn’t.

In order to produce CNC precision machined parts and products of high quality for a variety of applications, including those in the satellite communications industry. Thus, BaiChuan is a manufacturer of precision CNC machining systems and tools with state-of-the-art equipment.

In this blog, you will learn how are just fabrication of CNC precision machined components important for satellite communication systems. What are machined components used in the communication industry? So, Are you ready? Let’s get started.

Equipment of Satellite Communication System

A satellite communications system can be roughly divided into two segments: a terrestrial segment and a space segment. Before, we discuss ahead its very essential to know about the main equipment used in the system of satellite communication.

Amplifier: Signals are generated and amplified using amplifiers.

Antenna: Receiving antennas and transmitting antennas are two different types of electromagnetic wave collecting or radiating structures.

Block upconverters: Signals from satellites are sent (uplinked) using block upconverters (BUC). They change a band or block of frequencies from lower to higher frequencies.

Downconverters: These are also called low-noise block converters (LNB) are employed to receive (downlink) satellite signals.

 Power system: The satellite receives its energy from these parts.

Thermal Control Device: These parts shield the spacecraft from abrupt temperature changes.

Transponders: These parts boost outgoing signals and transform incoming signals.

Equalizers: These are pieces of satellite communication equipment used to change or modify a device’s frequency response.

The Significance of Precisely CNC Machined Components 

Worldwide demand for satellites has increased as a result of the introduction of constellations of low earth orbit (LEO) satellites and LEO satellites for communications applications. Increasing demand for Ku- and Ka-band satellites and the expanding fleet of autonomous and connected equipment used for various applications in the military and commercial sectors.  

Both of which call for specialized SATCOM-on-the-move antennas are additional factors propelling the market’s expansion. This scenario demands components that have been adequately planned and built. Each one needs to be constructed with a high level of accuracy and precision. If not, it might not operate correctly inside the finished satellite.

 Because of this, many satellite manufacturers use CNC precision machining to create their parts and goods. While imperfectly machined parts can result in irregular audio and video transmissions, correctly machined parts aid in the best operation of satellites.

Application of CNC Precision Machined Components  in the Communication System

There are numerous parts that makeup satellite communication systems. The following are examples of items that are frequently produced utilizing precision CNC machining:

The satellites will, of course, be a part of the space component, but comprises the tracking, telemetry, and command  (TT&C) infrastructure required on the ground to keep the satellites operating facilities. The use of a ground plane is a widespread practice in many networks station dedicated only to TT&C.

                                           Satellite’s equipment

  TT&C Subsystem

 Telemetry, Tracking, and Command, or TT&C is an abbreviation for information on the satellite’s state. Its location is determined by tracking ranging signals, and the uplinked commands issued to the platform. Both crewed spacecraft and autonomous satellites fall under this category. TT&C can also cover connections between different spacecraft, such as the link between an orbiter and a lander, or inter-satellite links that let various satellites to communicate with one another and cooperate.

You may think of telemetry and command as complementing skills. The command subsystem receives command signals from the earth station, frequently in reaction to telemetered information. while the telemetry subsystem communicates information about the satellite to the earth station. The command subsystem demodulates and, if required, decodes the command signals before routing them to the requisite equipment for carrying out the required action.

It specifically refers to the complete operation of producing an electrical signal corresponding to the quantity being measured, encoding it, and transmitting it to earth stations for the satellite. These applications highlight the importance of precision CNC machined parts for satellite communication systems.

Antennas System

The components include an antenna system that are

• Feeding System
• Antenna Reflector
• Mount
• System for tracking antennas

The antenna system can work better only if it is a parabolic reflector made of fiberglass or metal precision manufactured, typically composed of aluminum, with an amplifier and protruding steel feed horn in the middle and an actuator made of steel that allows the dish to pick up signals from multiple satellites. A shroud made of metal, usually aluminum, that is between 15 and 45 centimeters (6 to 18 inches) tall. These all are possible only when parts are manufactured precisely.

Satellite Modem

A tool for sending and receiving signals to and from satellites. The modem converts digital data into a carrier frequency for transfer to an upconverter, amplifier, and antenna in preparation for satellite transmission. The modem transforms the frequencies from the downconverter into digital data so that it can receive signals from the satellite.

Chassis Components and Housings.

The remaining satellite components are supported and given structure by the chassis,  built with durable material that can resist the harsh conditions of space. while they are also shielded from the environment by the housing.

Payload Equipment

The payload was formerly a maritime term for a ship’s revenue-generating cargo. In the context of space, it relates to the components of the spaceship that are responsible for gathering mission data and transmitting it back to Earth.

Radio signals can be used actively or passively as a remote sensing tool for environmental and scientific monitoring for earth observation and space science missions. Additionally, the increasingly crucial sat-nav systems are built on space-based radio navigation signals that are sent to Earth and returned.

In addition to the specific radio technologies and systems on board a spacecraft charged with carrying out mission objectives, payload systems also deal with the supporting ground technology and telecommunication networks used to manage spacecraft payloads and transmit data to mission control.

                                The satellite with payload equipment

Advantages of Machined Parts

Making components and products for the communications industry utilizing precision CNC machining has various benefits such as mentioned below.

More Varied Design Options

 Manufacturers in the telecommunications sector may turn a variety of designs into real objects due to CNC  precision machining. They are able to produce components and products. These are specifically designed to meet extremely specialized or unusual criteria, such as high data capacity, changing weather, and no-lag specifications. They can therefore develop more original solutions because they have more freedom.

High Precision and Accuracy

 Precision machining creates components with close tolerances and minimal to no variation from batch to batch. These characteristics are crucial for preventing device failure, call interruption, poor video transmission quality, and other issues related to poorly manufactured equipment.

Increased Material Appropriateness

 High-strength materials, such as aluminum, brass, steel, and stainless steel, are easily accommodated by manufacturers of  CNC precision machining. Thus fabricators do not need to worry about adding them to their designs.

Faster Turnaround and Improved Scalability

Precision CNC machining is very effective; it can create large numbers of pieces quickly without compromising quality.

Conclusion

The demand of precision machining equipment for a satellite communication system is increasing day by day. Because better-machined components can provide better reliability and service in the telecommunication industry. Thus, It’s essential to use precisely machined components for satellite communication systems.

Thus, Are you looking for a precision CNC machining manufacturer for your communication system project?  Are you looking for state-of-the-art machining services for your project? Then you are in the right place. We have a modern machining system that can provide you with reliable machined parts. You may contact us today to get our services.

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