Beam Signal Simulation Using RTP Packetized Constellation Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for testing transmission and receiving systems in mega-constellations, such as regenerative satellites, lack the ability to simulate interconnections between nodes and do not account for real-world environmental and deployment factors, limiting the number of beams that can be tested and requiring costly, time-consuming hardware-based testing.
Innovation Solution
A constellation simulator that includes node simulators and modem simulators to simulate beam signals using real-time protocol packets, enabling simulation of beam frames with headers and channel data, and a test agent to configure and inject errors, allowing for software-in-the-loop testing of entire satellite communication systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hardware-based testing is used to validate beam signals, then testing accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a software-based beam signal simulator that generates synthetic beam signals mimicking real satellite communication signals. This virtual copy replaces the need for complex physical hardware testing setups, allowing accurate validation of beamforming algorithms and communication protocols through software simulation rather than physical hardware deployment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes mechanical hardware systems with software-based simulation. Instead of using physical satellite hardware, antennas, and RF equipment to test beam signals, the system uses software generators and processors to create, manipulate, and analyze beam signals digitally, eliminating the need for expensive and complex physical testing infrastructure
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of beams to be tested is increased, then system coverage is improved, but hardware capacity becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The software-based beam signal simulator is designed to handle an arbitrary number of beams simultaneously through software configuration rather than being limited by physical hardware capacity. The system can generate, process, and analyze multiple beam signals through software modules that can be dynamically configured to match any constellation design, making the testing platform universally applicable to different satellite configurations and beam counts
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from physical hardware dimensions to software computational dimensions. Instead of being constrained by the physical number of signal generators and processors available in hardware, the system uses software instances that can be created and configured virtually without additional physical resources, effectively adding a computational dimension that bypasses hardware capacity limits
3Measurement precision
If real-world environmental factors are incorporated into beam signal simulation, then simulation accuracy is improved, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates environmental factors such as atmospheric conditions, weather patterns, and geographical characteristics into the beam signal simulation model in advance. By pre-configuring these environmental parameters and their effects on signal propagation, the system accurately models real-world conditions without requiring complex real-time computational processing during signal generation and analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The system models environmental effects by adjusting simulation parameters such as signal attenuation coefficients, propagation delay variations, and noise characteristics based on predefined environmental conditions. Rather than implementing complex physical models of atmospheric interactions, the patent uses parameter-based representations that capture environmental impacts through modified signal properties, balancing accuracy with computational efficiency
4Device complexity
If software-based simulation is used instead of hardware testing, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The software-based beam signal simulator is designed with built-in validation mechanisms and reference models that ensure measurement accuracy. By incorporating known signal characteristics, expected behavior patterns, and validation algorithms into the software architecture, the system cushions against potential accuracy losses that might occur in software simulation, maintaining precision comparable to hardware testing through carefully designed virtual reference standards
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a constellation and beam simulator for testing transmission and receiving systems using simulated beams. The simulators include a first node of the plurality of nodes. The first node includes a component simulator configured to simulate the components specific to the corresponding node, and a first modem simulator for communicatively connecting to a second modem simulator over a first simulated link via first beam real-time protocol (RTP) packets. The first modem simulator includes one or more of a first simulated beam generator and receiver. The first simulated beam generator includes a first beam packetization module configured to packetize a first beam frame into the first beam RTP packets each first beam RTP packet comprising an RTP header. The RTP header includes a timestamp representing a start time of a first beam timeframe and a marker indicating the index of the each first RTP packet in the first beam frame.