Design a circuit to maintain the elevation of a satellite tracking dish antenna between 19 and 20 degrees. The antenna's hydraulic steering system uses a hydraulic ram to adjust elevation, with oil pumped in to raise it. Due to slow pressure leaks, oil needs periodic pumping to maintain elevation. The system provides two output signals: ABOVE19 (1 when elevation 19 degrees) and ABOVE20 (1 when elevation 20 degrees). Your circuit should have an output signal PUMP (1 when the pump should increase hydraulic pressure to raise the dish).

Question

Design a circuit to maintain the elevation of a satellite tracking dish antenna between 19 and 20 degrees. The antenna's hydraulic steering system uses a hydraulic ram to adjust elevation, with oil pumped in to raise it. Due to slow pressure leaks, oil needs periodic pumping to maintain elevation. The system provides two output signals: ABOVE19 (1 when elevation > 19 degrees) and ABOVE20 (1 when elevation > 20 degrees). Your circuit should have an output signal PUMP (1 when the pump should increase hydraulic pressure to raise the dish).

Accepted Answer

Design a circuit to maintain constant elevation of a dish antenna between 19 and 20 degrees using hydraulic pressure.

Use a pressure sensor to detect the hydraulic pressure in the ram
Use a microcontroller to monitor the pressure and activate the pump when necessary
Set upper and lower limits for the pressure to keep the elevation between 19 and 20 degrees
Use relays to control the pump and the output signals
Test the circuit thoroughly to ensure proper functioning

Popular interview questions of Technical Engineer