Masters Theses

Keywords and Phrases

Characterization; CubeSat; Radio; RF; SDR; SmallSat

Abstract

Software-defined radios (SDRs) and CubeSat platforms have reduced the cost and complexity of space-based communication systems, enabling broader participation in satellite missions. While low-cost radio hardware is increasingly accessible, the ability to characterize and validate its performance remains constrained by the high cost and limited access to traditional RF test equipment. This disparity creates a challenge for small satellite development teams, which must characterize communication-system technical performance with limited access to laboratory-grade instrumentation.

This thesis presents a low-cost RF characterization framework for assessing key radio-frequency performance metrics using readily available hardware and measurement techniques. The approach integrates frequency translation, SDR-based signal generation and analysis, digital signal processing, and stable frequency references to measure various RF parameters, including output power behavior, frequency stability, and spectral characteristics. Simplified thermal testing methods are also employed to evaluate performance across temperature ranges representative of low Earth orbit (LEO) environments.

The ADALM-Pluto, manufactured by Analog Devices Inc., is used as a representative development-grade SDR platform to demonstrate the proposed methodology. Measurements obtained using affordable instrumentation are compared to manufacturer-provided data and references to validate the approach. Extended characterization across frequency, gain, and temperature provides insight into the operational limits of the device beyond ambient laboratory conditions.

The results demonstrate that credible RF performance data can be obtained using low-cost equipment when appropriate techniques are applied. While not a replacement for laboratory-grade instrumentation, the proposed framework provides sufficient accuracy to support prototype validation in resource-constrained environments. This enables small satellite teams to more effectively evaluate low-cost communication hardware.

Advisor(s)

Kimball, Jonathan W., 1973-

Committee Member(s)

Kosbar, Kurt L.
Stanley, R. Joe

Department(s)

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Electrical Engineering

Publisher

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Publication Date

Spring 2026

Journal article titles appearing in thesis/dissertation

Paper I: Pages 15–64, Validating a Low-Cost Radio Frequency Characterization Framework for Development-Grade Software-Defined Radios in Short-Duration CubeSat Missions, is intended for submission to the Journal of Small Satellites.

Paper II: Pages 65–80, Experimental Transmitter Characterization of the ADALMPluto Software-Defined Radio for Short-Duration CubeSat Missions, is intended for submission to the International Telemetry Conference in Glendale, Arizona, in September 2026.

Pagination

xiii, 86 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes_bibliographical_references_(page 85)

Rights

© 2026 Thomas Wayne Francois , All Rights Reserved

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Thesis Number

T 12591

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