Optical free-space communication is considered one of the most promising technologies for solving the future challenge of satellite communication. By using optical frequencies, the beam divergence used can be greatly reduced, which significantly improves the efficiency of these systems. However, due to the low beam divergence, high tracking accuracy is required.
These applications typically require tracking accuracy in the sub-arcsecond range, with speeds in the degrees per second range. Maintaining this level of precision over the entire operating range is a challenging task and requires detailed mechatronic analysis and good control design.
Together with a manufacturer of optical ground stations, we are working on the development and optimisation of motor control and trajectory control. We are working both on the electronic design of the motor drivers and on the software implementation of modern control algorithms on DSPs.
