Engineering Analysis & Testing Services
Optisys provides comprehensive engineering analysis and testing services to ensure antenna and RF hardware meets performance, environmental, and mission requirements. Our approach combines advanced simulation, disciplined verification methods, and practical test execution to reduce program risk from early design through flight hardware delivery.
Engineering verification at Optisys begins with detailed analytical modeling. Analysis is used to evaluate structural, shock, vibration, and thermal environments, with predicted stresses and temperatures compared against material limits using industry-recognized safety factors. This analytical-first methodology enables informed design trades early in the program lifecycle and helps minimize downstream test risk.
Environmental verification may be performed through analysis alone or in combination with physical testing, depending on mission class, risk posture, and customer requirements. Optisys supports qualification, protoflight, and acceptance approaches and maintains defined default environmental levels aligned with NASA GEVS guidance, while remaining flexible to accommodate customer-specified environments.
Integrated Engineering Analysis
Testing at Optisys begins well before hardware fabrication. Our engineers employ industry-leading computational tools to evaluate RF performance, structural margins, and thermal behavior during the design phase.
Analytical tools include:
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ANSYS HFSS for full-wave electromagnetic simulation
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ANSYS Workbench for structural, thermal, and coupled-load analysis
This integrated analysis framework allows Optisys to predict performance, validate margins, and optimize designs prior to manufacturing — reducing schedule risk and improving first-pass test success.
Mechanical & Environmental Testing
Optisys supports environmental and mechanical testing to verify survivability through launch and on-orbit environments. Testing may be conducted in-house or through qualified external laboratories depending on program scope and requirements.
Supported test capabilities include:
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Random vibration
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Mechanical shock
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Temperature cycling
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Thermal vacuum (TVAC)
Optisys works closely with customers to tailor test scope and levels based on mission class, schedule, and risk tolerance.
RF Testing Capabilities
Optisys supports a wide range of RF testing activities, from benchtop validation through antenna range measurements. Testing may be performed during development, qualification, or acceptance phases depending on program needs.
Benchtop RF Testing
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Return loss
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Insertion loss
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Isolation and coupling
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Filter and diplexer rejection
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Harmonic response characterization
Antenna Pattern & Range Testing
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Far-field range testing
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Maximum gain
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Beamwidth
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Axial ratio
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Polarization
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Near-field range testing (when applicable)
Measured RF data is routinely correlated with simulation results to validate performance and confirm design margin.
Standards & Program Flexibility
Optisys engineers have experience designing and qualifying hardware to a wide range of government and industry standards, including:
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NASA GEVS (GSFC-STD-7000)
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MIL-STD-810
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Customer-defined environmental requirements
Because not all programs require identical verification approaches, Optisys supports both standard-driven and tailored test methodologies. Default analysis and test levels are maintained internally and may be adjusted as required to align with customer-specified environments or program constraints.
