Development and Analysis of a Mobile Node Tracking Antenna Control System

A wireless communication system allows two parties to exchange information over long distances. The antenna is the component of a wireless communication system that allows information to be converted into electromagnetic radiation that propagates through the air. A system using an antenna with a highly directional beam pattern allows for high power transmission and reception of data. For a directional antenna to serve its purpose, it must be accurately pointed at the object it is communicating with. To communicate with a mobile node, knowledge of the mobile node's position must be gained so the directional antenna can be regularly pointed toward the moving target. The Global Positioning System (GPS) provides an accurate source of three-dimensional position information for the mobile node. This thesis develops an antenna control station that uses GPS information to track a mobile node and point a directional antenna toward the mobile node. Analysis of the subsystems used and integrated system test results are provided to assess the viability of the antenna control station