Shielding Effectiveness Measurements on Satellite Microwave Passive Elements Using Reverberation Chamber Test Method

This paper is about the Shielding Effectiveness (SE) measurement realized by THALES ALENIA SPACE in Toulouse on the microwave passive units and devices implemented into the communication module of the satellite payloads. In order to verify EMC design rules efficiency and the associated workmanship, these SE measurements are mandatory by the prime on all the microwave Flying Model units. Moreover, these SE measurements are also used to quantify the efficiency of the EMC design protections (Shielding gaskets or materials, interface connectors….) implemented on the RF (Radio Frequency) units during conception phase. These SE tests are performed using an oversized cavity called Mode Stirred Reverberation Chamber (MSRC) since 2007. Typical tests results and associated methodology are presented in this paper.