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Rack-Mount RDMS
TM
Telemetry Receiver
162
Quasonix, Inc.
10 Appendix B
– AGC Compensation
10.1 AM Menu
Automatic Gain Control (AGC) Compensation adjusts the AM output to neutralize residual low-frequency
amplitude variation due to inherent lag in the AGC. This process provides excellent decoupling between the AGC
tracking action and the AM output. However, it adds delay to the AM output, so AGC Compensation may not be
suitable for all antenna control applications.
10.1.1 Recommended Settings
Recommended AM and AGC settings depend on three primary parameters: ACU scan type (conical or e-scan),
ACU scan rate, and ACU control loop bandwidth. Table 15 describes recommended settings based on these
parameters:
Table 15: Recommended AM/AGC Settings
AGC Time Constant
AM Bandwidth
AGC
Compensation
Conical scan, slow loop
0.875 / ScanRate
3 * ScanRate
ON
Conical scan, fast loop
3 / ScanRate
3 * ScanRate
OFF
E-scan
0.875 / ScanRate
9 * ScanRate (1)
ON
(1) up to a maximum of 50 kHz
In Table 15, ScanRate is the antenna scan rate. It is most convenient if the calculations are performed using a scan
rate measured in kHz, so the resulting AGC Time Constant is in units of ms and the resulting AM Bandwidth is in
units of kHz.
For example, suppose a conical scan system with slow loop tracking has a scan rate of 30 Hz (0.030 kHz). This
system has a recommended AGC Time Constant of 0.875 / 0.030 = 29 ms and an AM Bandwidth of 3 * 0.030 =
0.09 kHz, with AGC Compensation ON.
The distinction between “slow loop” and “fast loop” is generally not simple to infer. An empirical approach would
be to assume slow loop, gaining the benefits of AGC Compensation if possible. The fast loop settings would be used
if the slow loop settings do not provide stable antenna tracking.
10.2 SNR Estimator (Advanced Menu)
SNR estimation is used primarily to achieve proper channel weighting by the optimal ratio diversity pre-detection
combiner. There are two algorithms available to estimate SNR: AGC and DSP. Under normal conditions, with
proper AGC zeroing, these two algorithms provide substantially similar results.
The AGC-based SNR estimator measures received power relative to the AGC zero point (i.e., noise floor). This
estimation is insensitive to modulation and does not distinguish between intended signal and interfering signal. This
selection is recommended for unknown signals or for signals with modulation that is not constant-envelope (for
example, unshaped PSK). However, an accurate AGC zeroing process is required for accurate results.
The DSP-based SNR estimator numerically measures received power relative to noise power at the demodulator
input, assuming the signal power is attributable to constant-envelope modulation and the noise power is attributable
to additive white Gaussian noise. This selection is recommended for ARTM modulation types (Tier 0, I, and II) or
when an accurate AGC zeroing process is not feasible.