PREFACE

The objectives of EIA-411-A, Electrical and Mechanical Characteristics of Earth Station Antennas for Satellite Communications," are the following:

(a) to provide standard terms, definitions, and concepts for the mechanical and RF design of earth station antennas, and

(b) to offer a standard methodology for the verification of RF performance compatible with current technology and test equipment.

The standards are not intended to replace or supersede applicable codes. The information contained in these standards was obtained from information and data as referenced and noted herein and represents, in the judgment of the subcommittee, the accepted industry practices for definition and standards for the design and testing of satellite communications antennas.

Specific values for parameters such as gain, sidelobe level, safe wind loading etc., are not given because the acceptable values depend on the application and the system configuration.

This industry standard does provide users as well as manufacturers with a common language for the preparation of specifications, proposals, and test routines.