Clyde Space

ISIS Deployable CubeSat Antenna System for Single UHF Dipole Antenna

The ISIS deployable antenna system contains up to four tape spring antennas of up to 55 cm length. The system can accommodate up to for monopole antennas, which deploy from from the system after orbit insertion.

The wires are melted using two redundant heating elements per wire. RF phasing / BalUn circuitry ties the antennas together in for instance a turnstile configuration, two dipoles, or just one dipole. ISIS can configure the antenna system to be compatible with all UHF and VHF radios which are typically used for CubeSats.

Depending on the configuration, one or two radios in the CubeSat can connect to the antenna system by means of miniature RF connectors. Furthermore, the top face of the antenna system can accommodate a two solar cell solar panel and provisions have been made such that it can be customized for customers who require sensors or other systems to protrude to the exterior, e.g. camera apertures.

The antenna system has been designed for maximum compatibility with existing COTS CubeSat components. It is compatible with any UHF and/or VHF radio system. It can be mounted on top and bottom faces of all ISIS CubeSat structures and Pumpkin rev C and rev D CubeSat structures. For custom made structures, which adhere to the CubeSat standard mechanical envelope, mounting should also be possible.

Specifications:

• RF impedance: 50 Ohm
• Max RF power: 2 W
• Insertion loss: 1.5dB
• Frequency range: 130-165MHz (VHF), 390-450MHz (UHF)
• Electrical power, nominal/standby: < 20 mW
• Electrical power, during deployment: 2 W
• Mass: < 100 g (depending on Antenna configuration)
• Envelope stowed: l x w x h = 98 mm x 98 mm x 7 mm

The following antenna configurations are possible in UHF and/or VHF:

• 1 Turnstile
• 2 Dipoles
• 1 Dipole and 1 monopole
• 1 Dipole and 2 monopoles
• 1/2/3/4 Monopole

The AntS electrical deployment system is available in the following versions:

• Supply voltage 3.3 V
• Supply voltage 5 V
• Supply voltage 8 V
• Supply voltage 12 V
• Data interface options:
  • I2C is default
  • Other protocols on demand