Configurable Ground Station Digitizer for Multi-Band VNF Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Satellite communication systems face challenges in optimizing information transmission over limited radio frequency resources due to the scarcity of available frequencies and the increasing volume of data to be conveyed, necessitating efficient use of hardware and software solutions at ground stations and terminals.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a digitizer apparatus that includes a radio interface with digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital converters, and a configurable logic device to generate and process digital IF packets, allowing for simultaneous processing of multiple frequency bands and application-specific virtual network functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional ground station architecture processes one frequency band at a time, then processing simplicity is maintained, but frequency utilization efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency utilization efficiencyVSAvoidground station architecture complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The received RF signal is divided into multiple frequency bands using polyphase filter banks, with each band processed independently by separate VNFs. This segmentation enables parallel processing of multiple frequency bands simultaneously, improving frequency utilization efficiency while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ground station architecture is designed to handle multiple frequency bands and multiple applications simultaneously through a universal processing platform. The configurable logic device and VNF framework allow the same hardware infrastructure to serve diverse communication services across different frequency ranges

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If dedicated hardware is allocated for each frequency band, then processing reliability is improved, but hardware resource utilization deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehardware resource utilizationVSAvoidsignal processing reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple frequency band processing functions are merged into a single unified ground station platform. The polyphase filter bank and VNF architecture combine previously separate processing chains into one integrated system, improving hardware resource utilization while maintaining signal processing reliability through virtualization isolation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of replicating physical hardware for each frequency band, virtual copies of processing functions are created through VNFs. These software-based copies provide the functional redundancy and isolation needed for reliable processing while sharing the underlying physical hardware resources efficiently

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If the ground station supports multiple applications simultaneously, then system versatility is improved, but processing complexity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication support versatilityVSAvoidprocessing system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ground station architecture employs dynamic resource allocation through configurable logic devices and VNFs. Processing resources can be dynamically assigned to different applications and frequency bands based on current operational requirements, enabling versatile multi-application support while adapting system complexity to actual needs rather than maximum capacity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The VNF framework acts as an intermediary layer between the physical processing hardware and multiple applications. This intermediary abstraction manages the complexity of supporting diverse applications simultaneously by providing standardized interfaces and resource management, allowing applications to run independently without directly interacting with each other or the underlying hardware complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250293713A1Digitizer for ground stations and remote terminals

Publication Date: 2025.09.18 KRATOS INTEGRAL HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

Described herein is a digitizer for use at a ground station or a remote terminal of a satellite communication system. The digitizer includes a radio interface having a DAC for converting an outbound digital waveform into an outbound analog signal and an ADC for converting an inbound analog signal into an inbound digital waveform. The digitizer also includes a configurable logic device coupled with the radio interface. The configurable logic device is configured to generate first and second streams of digital IF packets containing portions of the inbound digital waveform within first and second frequency bands. The configurable logic device is also configured to send the first and second streams of digital IF packets to first and second VNFs for processing in accordance with first and second applications.