| Time/Venue | Amaryllis & Petunia | Poinsettia 1 & 2 | Heliconia 1 & 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08.00-08.30 Hrs | Registration & Networking | ||
| 08.30-10.30 Hrs |
Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Technology Dr. Tapan Misra, DS & Former Director, SAC, Founding Director & Chief Scientist, SISIR Radar |
AI & Reliability Applications in Aerospace 1. Safety And Reliability Requirements for Airworthy Hardware: Rajiv Ranjan 2. Reliability-based Failure Prognostics: Mahesh Purushothaman 3. Next-Gen Reliability: Predictive Maintenance in the Industry 4.0 Era: Partha Adhikari |
Antenna Measurements 1. Insight into Antenna Measurements: Amazing Experience of an Engineer: Dr. Chandrakanta Kumar, ISRO 2. Performance of Large Compensated Compact Range Facilities for Antenna and Payload Testing of State-of-the-Art and Future Spacecrafts: Mr. Josef Migl, Airbus Defence and Space GmbH, Munich, Germany |
| 10.30-11.00 Hrs | Tea/Coffee/Networking | ||
| 11.00-13.00 Hrs |
Create Physics-based High-Fidelity Space Mission Using Simulation Mr Nijas Kunju & Mr. Ravindra Challa, Ansys |
Embedded Software Test and Integration 1. A Platform-Based Approach to Satellite Integration Test for Space Applications: Sharath Halneer 2. Gen3 VST for Radar and Satellite system Validation: Tarun Gupta, NI India 3. Modernize Your Approach to LRU Hardware-in-the-Loop Testing: Karthik SP 4. Building Scalable Systems Integration Automated Test Equipment (ATE): Sintu Punnoose |
Advances in Measurement Technologies Hands-on SA, VNA & PM Mr. Sadanand Bhatt, Anritsu |
| 13.00-14.00 Hrs | Lunch/Networking | ||
| 14.00-16.00 Hrs |
Reliability and Quality Assurance for Spacecraft Systems Shri. PJVKS Prakash Rao, Former Director, SIPO, ISRO HQ |
Mastering VLSI RTL Design 1. Hariprasad Bhat (Lekha Wireless) 2. Jayesh Tanwani |
Basics of Spacecraft Antennas and their Design Dr. V K Lakshmeesha, Former Outstanding Scientist, ISRO |
| 16.00-16.30 Hrs | Tea/Coffee/Networking | ||
Speaker: Dr. Tapan Misra, DS & Former Director, SAC, Founding Director & Chief Scientist, SISIR Radar
Time: 8.30-10.30 Hrs Venue: Amaryllis & Petunia
In the last seven decades, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) developed into a formidable tool for imaging earth, planetary objects and recently even imaging Event Horizon of black holes. Unlike optical imaging systems, SAR picks up structural signatures from interaction of different polarisations of electromagnetic waves to structural features. SAR signature is invariant to day and night, diurnal and seasonal variations. Further, the signature is almost unaffected by clouds, dusts, water vapours and other vagaries of weather, making SAR a prized imaging sensor. Consistency of SAR images, unlike optical imaging, makes it very much amenable to AI/ML. But SAR sensor itself is a bunch of contradictions. SAR is nothing but a pulse Doppler radar in motion. Because of motion, SAR signatures can be used to create a virtual array antenna of a very very large length and hence very fine beamwidth on a computer post facto. Hence the nomenclature of SAR. But SAR utilises clutter signal to create an image. But clutter is anathema to Radar engineers and an array of Radar literature is devoted to different techniques to eliminate clutter!! Similarly antenna engineers are accustomed to only array antennas operating in the far field of the Array antenna itself. However, the SAR antenna actually operates mostly in the reactive field region and rarely even in Near Field region of the Synthetic Array antenna itself. SAR array poses a significant contradiction to conventional knowledge of antenna operation. SAR antenna is formed post facto on computer. Surprisingly, the tool used for array synthesis of SAR is signal processing. The formidable signal processing requirements call for huge computing resources and clever software strategies to handle extremely large computation and back and forth exchange of large data multiple times. Further, over last five decades, computing hardware and computing architectures have evolved beyond imaginations. Consequently, SAR processing algorithms and software had to adapt repeatedly to match evolution of computing and storage systems. We all know that final geometric accuracies of optical images depend upon errors in three degrees of angular rotation and three degrees of positional estimates. Surprisingly, location accuracy of SAR images is governed by only errors in positon estimates but not at all on errors of angular estimates. In fact most SAR processors do not even use any data from angle sensors of SAR platform!! Superiority of SAR images accuracy makes it a "must have" sensor in every advanced fighter aircraft and reconnaissance platform. No doubt, SAR is a fascinating sensor and it is still evolving. This particular workshop talk will address various facets of SAR technology, their evolution and also signatures and applications of SAR imaging.
Mr. Tapan Misra started his career in Space Applications Centre, ISRO in 1984 and since then played pivotal role in growth of Microwave Remote Sensing payloads and allied technologies in SAC and in India. He is widely known for design and development of C-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) of the RISAT-1 in 2012. He steered the development of RISAT-2 series of high resolution X-band SAR system. He conceptualised and led development of highly miniaturised Dual Frequency (L and S band) SAR (DFSAR) for Chandrayaan 2 orbiter (2019). He was also the principal designer of Ka band radio altimeter which enabled smooth landing of RLV and Chandrayaan 3 lander. He is also the principal architect of the novel sweepSAR of NISAR (NASA-ISRO SAR), likely to be launched in 2024. He was key contributor for system engineering of Multi-frequency Scanning Microwave Radiometer (MSMR) payload for Oceansat-1 during 1995-1999 and Scanning Scatterometer of Oceansat-2 in 2009. He was appointed as Director of Space Applications Centre (SAC) in February 2015. For a brief period he had additional charge of Director, Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad from June 2016 to February 2017. He also headed the Office of Innovations Management, ISRO, Bangalore. Tapan Misra was appointed as a Senior Adviser to Chairman of ISRO in July 2018. He superannuated from ISRO in January 2021. Presently he is holding the position of Founding Director and Consultant Chief Scientist of a startup named SISIR Radar Pvt Ltd, based out of Kolkata. Under his leadership, SISIR Radar has emerged as one of the very few key Deep Tech startups in India, specializing in developing miniature SAR System, ultra wide band GPR systems and innovative Spaceborne SAR. He received Vikram Sarabhai Research Award in 2004 and ISRO Merit award in 2008 for his contribution of development of SAR technology. He was elected as Fellow of Indian National Academy of Engineering in 2007. He was elected Corresponding Member of International Academy of Astronautics in 2008. He is also elected Fellow of IETE and ISRS. He was awarded DSc (Hon.) in 2016 and Distinguished Alumnus award in 2017 by his Alma Mater, Jadavpur University. He chaired CGMS 2018 (Coordination Group for Meteorological Satellites) in Bangalore, represented India as Principal to CEOS (Committee on Earth Observation Satellites) in Paris in 2017 and participated as team member of Indo-US Strategic Dialogue on Space Cooperation in Washington DC in 2016 and 2018. He also taught at IIT Kharagpur and IIT Jodhpur as Adjunct Professor. He holds eight granted patents. He has five copyrights and more than fifty five papers to his credit.
Speakers: Mr. Nijas Kunju & Mr. Ravindra Challa, Ansys
Time: 11.00-13.00 Hrs Venue: Amaryllis & Petunia
Space is always filled with mystery, and everyone is excited to hear about space exploration. Since there are many unknowns in space, the current achievements in space technologies are gathered from knowledge collected over the years by different countries. Unlike other areas, space organizations cannot afford failures in their missions, and first-time success is a major milestone. This workshop session will help the audience learn about the different stages of space missions and how simulation tools can help the space community model the entire mission virtually before creating a prototype. The agenda for the sessions is as follows:
Nijas Kunju: Nijas Kunju is a Principal Application Engineer in Application Engineering at ANSYS Inc. He specialized in the domain of RF, Antennas, Radar, Signal Integrity, Power Integrity, and Multiphysics simulation. Nijas has been working with ANSYS for the last 8 years. He provides technical assistance for RF components, Antennas, Phased arrays, Radar, Automotive and 5G/6G applications. He has been interacting with different Aero and Space customers on various communication, Radar, and EWS system development through virtualization and digital engineering. Before joining ANSYS, he worked as a Research Consultant at GE Global Research in Bangalore in the area of Wireless Power Transfer and microwave material sensing for detecting different materials in Crude Oils. Nijas did his Master’s degree in Electronics Science and PhD under Prof. P. Mohanan from Cochin University of Science and Technology, Cochin, Kerala. He holds 20+ International publications and 20+ national and international conference publications.
Ravindra Challa: Ravindra Challa is a Senior Application Engineer at Ansys, where he leverages more than 11 years of experience bringing AGI’s digital mission engineering and aerospace systems simulation solutions to the global aerospace and defense community. With a career built on applying technical solutions as a Scientist in the Indian Space Research Organisation, Ravindra continues to apply a growing skill set to bring industry-leading simulation solutions to engineering organizations focused on digital transformation.
Speakers: Shri. PJVKS Prakash Rao, Former Director, SIPO, ISRO HQ
Time: 14.00-16.00 Hrs
Venue: Amaryllis & Petunia
Abstract: In today’s world, there is no discipline, where the word ‘Quality’ does not find a mention. Research, Design, Development, Production, Marketing, Service, Customer interaction etc are now more driven by quality concepts - than in yesteryears. While this focus on quality is relatively new to the commercial establishments, which are primarily driven by competition and globalisation, there are some disciplines of engineering/research like Defence and Aerospace Sectors, which due to their critical nature, had ingredients of quality and reliability built into their programmes, almost from inception. This talk gives a brief insight into various elements of R&QA, which need to be implemented for a spacecraft project. Technical drivers for quality programme of a spacecraft due to its unattended operation for long life duration under harsh environment of space are enumerated in the talk. Design assurance methodologies, Reliability Analyses like Derating analysis, Failure mode effects and criticality analysis (FMECA), Fault tree analysis (FTA) Worst case analysis, Sneak Circuit analysis, Reliability prediction, apportionment & demonstration, Test & Evaluation, Reviews etc are covered in addition to conventional Quality Control activities like Parts/Materials/ Process control and non-conformance control. The experiences gained at ISRO Satellite Centre, in realization of its highly successful Spacecraft Systems will be shared during the presentation. Various experiences / anecdotes of the presenter are embedded into the talk with a humorous touch to make the topic interesting and absorbing. Emerging concepts like First time right, Zero Defect Programme, Total Quality management (TQM) and Company wide quality control (CWQC) are also addressed. Though delivered with the background of space systems, the concepts are applicable to all fields of engineering, and gives the audience a bird’s eye view of activities to be accomplished for achieving customer satisfaction.
Bio: Mr Prakasha Rao PJVKS is currently engaged as Residential Expert – Skill Development & Satellite Systems with IN-SPACe, an autonomous body under Department of Space, formed by Government of India to promote, enable, authorize and supervise Non-Government Entities (NGEs) and academia to undertake space activities. Prior to this, he was employed in Indian Space Research Organization for over 37 years and retired as Outstanding Scientist from ISRO, and served as Director of Space Infrastructure Programme Office & Directorate of Safety, Reliability and Quality at ISRO Head Quarters. He has served in several senior positions at ISRO Satellite Centre (now URSC) like Programme Director - LEO & Planetary Platforms, Deputy Director - Spacecraft Reliability and Quality Area, Project Director GSAT 6, GSAT-9, GSAT 17 and GSAT 18 communications satellites, Associate Project Director of meteorological satellite INSAT 3D and Group Director - Systems Reliability Group. He was on deputation for about two years to Boeing Satellite Systems – USA, as consultant to Binariang Satellite Systems, Malaysia in realization of MEASAT-3 spacecraft. As Product Assurance Manager of W2M spacecraft – ISRO’s first commercial spacecraft supplied to Europe, he handled the customer interface on Product Assurance aspects. Mr. Prakasha Rao was Chairman of Project Monitoring Committee for 75 students satellite mission. He has conducted Product Assurance workshop at RCI-DRDO and was a member of faculty at several ISRO’s training programmes, ECIL, course on Satellite Engineering at IISc. He served as the Chairman of organizing committee for “UNNATI” programme a commitment given by India to United Nations for training of representatives from 30 countries on Nano Satellites and Chairman of ‘Committee to assess Security of Indian Space assets. He served as ‘Member - Committee for Promotion of Space activities’ an interim arrangement, before formal INSPACE mechanism was put in place. Mr Rao was awarded ISRO merit award in recognition of ‘meritorious contribution’ to Indian Space Programme. Considering his significant contributions to the development of Astronautics in the country, he is admitted as fellow of “Astronautical Society of India” and is member of ‘National Governing Council’ of Indian Society for Systems Engineering (ISSE).
Speakers: Mr. Karthik SP, Mr. Sharath Halneer, Mr. Tarun Gupta, Ms. Sintu Punnoose
Time: 11.00-13.00 Hrs
Venue: Poinsettia 1 & 2
Abstract: The workshop titled “Embedded Software Test and Integration Test Techniques” covers essential topics related to ensuring mission-readiness in the aerospace and defence industry. Here’s a brief overview of the key areas:
Bio:
Speakers: Hariprasad Bhat (Lekha Wireless), Jayesh Tanwani (Intel)
Time: 14.00-16.00 Hrs
Venue: Poinsettia 1 & 2
Abstract: Join us for an illuminating workshop on "Mastering VLSI RTL Design: Unveiling FPGA Strategies for Advanced Defence Radios," where we delve into the intricacies of leveraging FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) technology to enhance the capabilities of defence radio systems. In today's rapidly evolving defence landscape, the need for agile and adaptable radio systems is more pressing than ever. FPGAs offer unparalleled flexibility and configurability, making them indispensable components in the development of advanced defence communication solutions. This workshop will provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of RTL (Register-Transfer Level) design techniques tailored specifically for defence and space applications. Through a series of demo and expert-led discussions, attendees will explore the strategic deployment of FPGAs to optimize radio functionalities, enhance signal processing capabilities, and streamline system performance. Led by industry-leading experts with extensive experience in RTL design and FPGA implementation, this workshop promises to be an invaluable learning opportunity for professionals involved in defence technology development. Participants will gain practical insights into FPGA strategies, best practices for RTL design, and real-world case studies highlighting successful implementations in defence radio systems. Whether you're a seasoned engineer looking to deepen your expertise or a newcomer eager to explore the possibilities of FPGA technology in defence applications, this workshop offers something for everyone. Join us as we unlock the potential of FPGA strategies for mastering RTL design in advanced defence radios.
Bio: Jayesh Tanwani
SoC Design Engineering Manager at Intel, 10+ years of experience in the VLSI Industry. Have experience with FPGA based designs, SOC designs, low power design and optimization. One of the Youngest Chip Leads responsible for the next generation of processor designs. Completed a BE in Electronics and Communication Engineering in 2012 from Cambridge Institute of Technology. IEEE CAS member since 2020, now IEEE Senior Members and Vice Chair CAS Bangalore Chapter. Pioneered the I2I event and has organized many marquee events, including Memory Design Workshop and I-LEAD CAS and others. Outside of work he is a multi-hobbyist with varied subjects of interest. He is also a student of psychology and spirituality.
Bio: Hariprasad Bhat
Hariprasad Bhat has 12+ years of experience in VLSI domain blended with Embedded Hardware Designs. In the past, he was involved in various protocol specific RTL IP development, Hardware Schematics designs & system bring up activities. He leads the FPGA/RTL Design & development activities in the ADS group @ Lekha Wireless Solutions, Bangalore. At Lekha Wireless, he is actively contributing to the Wireless Radio development for Defence & Avionics applications. Before Lekha, he has served iWave systems for more than half a decade where he had good exposure & working knowledge on different advanced protocols like USB3, USB-Type C, DisplayPort, HDMI, ARINC 818, PCIe Gen3 to name a few. Hariprasad also served Granite River labs, where he was responsible for the architecture definition & execution of USB4 compliance solution. Apart from professional contribution, he is actively volunteering as Executive committee member for IEEE CAS Bangalore society. Being a senior IEEE member, Hariprasad contributes to several workshops for young professional's skill development focusing on VLSI domain. Hariprasad graduated from Srinivas Institute of Technology, Mangalore in 2012.
Speakers: Dr. Chandrakanta Kumar, URSC, ISRO, and Josef Migl, Airbus Defence and Space GmbH, Munich, Germany
Time: 8.30-10.30 Hrs
Venue: Heliconia 1 & 2
Abstract: New research findings need to be corroborated by the results of the hardware. It needs intense thinking and planning to capture those relevant results, even before entering into the measurement lab. Some frugal innovation and deep understanding of the results might transform even a moderate lab into more effective one. Simulated and measured results should be utilized judiciously without any prejudice. This talk intends to elucidate some intricate aspects of antenna measurements for obtaining a comprehensive picture.
Bio: Chandrakanta Kumar received M. Tech and PhD from Institute of Radio Physics and Electronics of the University of Calcutta, and completed Space Studies Program, from International Space University, Strasbourg, France. He works as an antenna and microwave engineer at U R Rao Satellite Centre. As a part of his professional duty and research interest, he has carried out measurement of 500+ antennas. He has supervised 3 PhDs and has coauthored more than 150 publications including 58 in IEEE Journals and a book on ‘Defected Ground Structure (DGS) Based Antennas’ from IEEE Press Willy/USA. Dr. Kumar is a fellow of Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE), WAST and IETE and senior member of IEEE. He is the Chair-elect (2024) of the IEEE Bangalore Section and present Chair of its APs/MTTs joint chapter. He is an associated editor for IEEE Antennas and Wireless Propagation Letters.
Bio: Josef Migl
1990 – 1991 Messerschmitt Bölkow-Blohm GmbH (MBB): Planar Near-Field Measurement Technique, 1992 – 1997 INPRO, Berlin: High Power Nd: YAG Laser Development, R&D Work for High Power Laser Applications in the Field of a Car Production Line. 1997 - 1999 with Best Engineering GmbH, Munich (Prof. Dr. Fasold), Development of a new Concept to Investigate the Behaviour of Multi-Feed Array Antennas within the INTELSAT Study “INTEL-1482”: Eng. Manager for INTELSAT Study “INTEL-1482”, Study for Measurement Accuracy Improvements. Since 1999 Airbus Defence and Space GmbH (and former companies), R&D Work in the Field of the Planar and Cylindrical Nearfield Measurement Technique: Design of Compact Range Antenna Test Facilities for single and double reflector ranges, RF Engineering and antenna testing of multiple commercial measurement champaigns in the Airbus’ Nearfield and Compact Range Test Facilities for customers like Intelsat, Eutelsat, HispaSAT, ArabSAT, RF System Engineering of Compact Range Facility Projects for Antenna and Payload Measurements, RF Systems Engineering for the INTELSAT IX C-Band Antenna Subsystem Antenna and RF design for large tracking ground station antennas for projects in Australia, French Guiana, Spain, Systems Engineering Management of multiple test range facility projects in India, China, Russia, Turkey, Kazakhstan, Test Engineering and Test Manager for payload test campaign of national and international spacecraft projects, Lecturer for Antenna Near-Field and Compact Range Measurement Technique for internal and external customers. Author of multiple papers about antenna and payload measurements of spacecrafts.
Speakers: Mr. Sadanand Bhatt, Anritsu
Time: 11.00-13.00 Hrs
Venue: Heliconia 1 & 2
Abstract: Fundamentals of Spectrum Analyzer, Vector Network Analyzer, and Power Meter. This session will cover the basics and practical applications of these measurement technologies in the context of RF and microwave communication systems.
Bio: Mr. Sadanand Bhatt
Associate Director of Technical Support at Anritsu India Pvt. Ltd., has been an essential part of Anritsu for over 11 years. With more than three decades of experience in the test and measurement industry, he deeply understands the electrical and electronic manufacturing sectors. His expertise includes Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), 3G, 4G LTE, and 5G NR. He is particularly interested in RF, Microwave, optical communication, and high-speed data communication testing. Throughout his career, Mr. Bhatt has supported both pre-sales and post-sales activities at Anritsu, providing invaluable technical assistance and guidance to customers. His role has involved ensuring the successful implementation and operation of Anritsu's test and measurement solutions, thereby contributing significantly to customer satisfaction and company success. Mr. Bhatt will share his insights on one of his favourite topics, the Spectrum Analyzer. His extensive knowledge and experience make him uniquely qualified to discuss this essential tool, which is critical for analysing and troubleshooting RF and microwave signals. The Spectrum Analyzer is used to measure the magnitude of an input signal versus frequency within the full frequency range of the instrument, and Mr. Bhatt's discussion will cover its applications, functionalities, and the latest advancements in the field. In addition to his technical acumen, Mr. Bhatt holds a Post Graduate degree in Marketing Management and Engineering. This combination of technical and marketing expertise allows him to understand and address the needs of both technical and business stakeholders, making him a well-rounded professional in the industry. His presentation today promises to be insightful and informative, drawing on his extensive background and passion for the subject matter.
Speakers: Dr. V K Lakshmeesha, Former Outstanding Scientist, ISRO
Time: 14.00-16.00 Hrs
Venue: Heliconia 1 & 2
Abstract: Space communications deals with Earth to Space and Space to Earth communications, which are essentially line of sight communications utilising selected regions of the Electromagnetic Spectrum. Antenna systems related to such needs differ widely between Space segment and Earth segment entities, largely influenced by both Electrical and Mechanical engineering prerogatives. A glimpse into certain design strategies realized successfully during the course of evolution of ISRO in India is to be the theme of the proposed discussion.
Bio: Dr. V K Lakshmeesha, former Outstanding Scientist, ISRO Satellite Centre (currently U R Satellite Centre), joined ISRO in 1972 when Satellite development activities started in Bangalore, after completing Post Graduation in "Communication Systems and Radar" from the Dept of Elec Engg, IIT, Madras (Chennai). He has worked in the area of RF Systems development in the realm of Spacecraft Systems primarily, as well as Earth Station Systems, contributing to all the Satellites developed in India till Chandrayaan 1 for the TT&C Transponders as well as Data Transmission systems, primarily in the field of Antenna Systems. He has about 100 Publications (Authored and Co-Authored) related to the developments carried out during his tenure, and he is also the recipient of a few Awards.
