Abstract: System for measuring satellite downlink amplifier linearity includes a pulsed signal generator for selectively generating low duty cycle pulses. A linear transmitter uplink amplifier is provided for amplifying the low duty cycle pulses and generating an uplink signal. An antenna transmits the amplified uplink signal to an orbiting satellite. A downlink amplifier in the satellite generates a downlink signal for re-transmission to an Earth-based antenna. A pulse receiver is provided for receiving the downlink signal and providing information regarding the transfer function of the downlink amplifier. Preferably, a delayed trigger circuit is coupled to the pulse signal generator for activating the pulsed signal generator after a time delay substantially corresponding to the propagation times of the uplink and downlink signals.

Abstract: A method of enhancing the power transmitted from a satellite includes the steps of modulating a carrier signal at an Earth station. The non-linearity is established of a downlink amplifier on the satellite. The modulated carrier signal is to compensate for the non-linearity of the downlink and/or the uplink amplifiers. The predistorted modulated carrier signal is transmitted in an uplink to the satellite. The uplink carrier is amplified in the downlink amplifier. A downlink signal is to an Earth station, whereby the downlink signal compensates for non-linearities in the downlink amplifier to thereby optimize amplification with minimum distortion of the signals. A system for implementing the method is described.

Abstract: System for measuring satellite downlink amplifier linearity includes a pulsed signal generator for selectively generating low duty cycle pulses. A linear transmitter uplink amplifier is provided for amplifying the low duty cycle pulses and generating an uplink signal. An antenna transmits the amplified uplink signal to an orbiting satellite. A downlink amplifier in the satellite generates a downlink signal for re-transmission to an Earth-based antenna. A pulse receiver is provided for receiving the downlink signal and providing information regarding the transfer function of the downlink amplifier. Preferably, a delayed trigger circuit is coupled to the pulse signal generator for activating the pulsed signal generator after a time delay substantially corresponding to the propagation times of the uplink and downlink signals.