MMS 3 SCM: AC Magnetic Field Waveforms from Satellite Survey Mode

32 samples per second AC magnetic field waveforms in nanoTesla, collected by the MMS satellite's Search-Coil Magnetometer in survey mode. The data is processed by a Digital Signal Processor and stored by the Central Instrument Data Processor. The instrument was calibrated at the National Magnetic Observatory, Chambon-la-Foret, and its transfer function is checked once per orbit.

Use Cases

• Analyzing magnetic wave activity based on three-dimensional AC magnetic field waveforms
• Studying plasma dynamics in scientific Regions Of Interest (ROI) based on burst mode data acquisition
• Calibrating and validating instrument models based on onboard calibration signal checks
• Researching magnetic field fluctuations in the GSE coordinate frame

Strengths

• Data is calibrated at a national magnetic observatory prior to launch
• Instrument transfer function is checked once per orbit via onboard calibration
• Provides waveforms at a 32 samples per second rate

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Collection Method

Measured by a tri-axial Search-Coil Magnetometer on the MMS satellite, digitized and processed by a Digital Signal Processor.