Random noise bursts: Observations and mitigation in s-band telemetry, tracking & command antenna feed

The generation of Intermodulation interference by nonlinear conduction mechanisms in normally passive hardware components can lead to severe degradation in the performance of muiticarrier communication systems in satellites, space probes and ground-based systems. If a common path for closely-spaced high power transmit and sensitive receive bands can not be avoided in the system, it is very difficult to ensure that the passive nonlinear behaviour resulting in noise bursts or Intermodulation generation will be well below the desired level. Electron tunnelling through Aluminium Oxide films on aluminium structures, and waveguide flanges, surface finish, workmanship etc. have been found to be responsible for such phenomenon.