Forward Link Data Rate Optimization via Mobile Signal Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile/satellite communication systems face challenges in maximizing forward link data transmission rates while maintaining sufficient link margin, as increasing data rates decreases energy per bit to noise power spectral density (Eb/No), leading to unacceptably high bit errors and link drops, especially due to varying satellite interference, antenna gain, and atmospheric conditions, with existing methods being inaccurate, costly, or impractical for real-time adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A system and method where mobile platforms monitor signal quality information, such as Eb/No or C/N ratios, and transmit this data back to the base station, allowing for real-time adjustments to the forward link data transmission rate to maintain a desired signal quality level, optimizing communication links and reducing excessive link margin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the forward link data transmission rate is increased to maximize productivity, then the data rate improves, but the link margin decreases due to reduced energy per bit to noise power spectral density ratio
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where mobile platforms continuously monitor signal quality parameters (Eb/No, C/N, bit error rate) and transmit this information back to the base station. The base station uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the forward link data transmission rate, ensuring optimal productivity while maintaining sufficient link margin to prevent communication link drops.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static data rate allocation to dynamic adjustment. The forward link data transmission rate is continuously adapted based on real-time signal quality conditions. This allows the system to maximize data rate when conditions are favorable while maintaining reliability when conditions deteriorate, resolving the contradiction between productivity and link margin.
2Reliability
If traditional link budget analysis or test measurements are used to determine data transmission rates, then link margin can be maintained, but the system complexity and cost increase due to dedicated test platforms and flights
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile platforms perform self-monitoring of signal quality parameters using their own receivers and processors. Instead of requiring external test equipment or dedicated test platforms, the operational mobile platforms themselves generate the quality measurements. This eliminates the need for complex dedicated testing infrastructure while maintaining reliable link margin assessment.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile platforms serve dual functions: normal communication operations and signal quality monitoring for data rate optimization. The same receivers and processors used for communication also perform quality measurements. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated test equipment, reducing system complexity and cost while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for monitoring and adjusting the data transmission rate of a forward link RF signal from a base station to a mobile platform to maintain a desired, minimum link margin with each of the mobile platforms. The system involves using a signal quality monitoring subsystem carried by each mobile platform during the normal course of its operation to transmit signal quality information via a return link to the base station. The base station uses the signal quality information to monitor and adjust the signal quality of subsequent forward link signals transmitted to the mobile platforms in a manner that optimizes the data transmission rate of the forward link signals. The present invention better accounts for time varying factors that influence the signal quality of received forward link signals by the mobile platforms and obviates the need for mobile test platforms or other expensive and relatively complex methods for predicting needed data transmission rates for the forward link signals.