L-band Interference Detection and Redundant Link Swapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Satellite communication systems face interference issues due to unintended signals coupling into the L-band intermediate frequency communications link, which can cause perceptible interference as the electromagnetic spectrum usage increases, particularly with high-power applications like 4G wireless broadband communications.
Innovation Solution
A system and process that detect unintended signals in the L-band communications link and swap them out with a redundant link, ensuring continuous operation by using a redundant down-converted satellite signal from a redundant earth terminal, managed by a network management controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the L-band intermediate frequency is used for satellite signal transmission, then the signal can be down-converted and received, but unintended signals from other sources (such as 4G wireless broadband) can couple into the link and cause interference
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the communication link for unintended signals before interference occurs. The network management controller continuously monitors the L-band intermediate frequency link for the presence of unintended signals from sources such as 4G wireless broadband, enabling early identification of potential interference issues before they degrade signal quality
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a redundant copy of the satellite communication link with identical capabilities. A second earth terminal is maintained as a backup, ready to immediately take over if the primary link experiences interference from unintended signals, ensuring continuous operation without service disruption
Solution Approach 3:
The system extracts and removes the harmful unintended signals from the communication link by detecting their presence and switching to a redundant link that does not have the same ingress interference problems. This isolates the affected primary link from the system operation
2Object-affected harmful factors
If cable or waveguide shielding is used to protect L-band signals, then wired carrier protection is provided, but breaches from corrosion, loose interconnections or water ingress allow ambient electromagnetic energy to interfere
Solution Approach 1:
The network management controller implements continuous feedback monitoring of the communication link quality by detecting unintended signals and interference levels. When degradation is detected due to cable or waveguide breaches, the system receives feedback about the deteriorating link condition and automatically triggers a switch to the redundant link
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of link breaches by monitoring for unintended signals that enter through cable or waveguide breaches. Before complete signal degradation occurs, the system identifies the presence of ambient electromagnetic energy coupling into the link and takes preventive action by switching to the redundant link
3Reliability
If redundant earth terminals are deployed to provide failover capability, then continuous operation is ensured, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The redundant earth terminal is designed with universal functionality to perform multiple roles: it can serve as a backup during normal operation, take over immediately when interference is detected, and potentially serve as the primary terminal if conditions change. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing versatile protection against various failure modes
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a simplified copy of the earth terminal configuration that mirrors the primary terminal's capabilities. Rather than designing a completely separate complex system, a redundant copy is made that can be activated when needed, reducing the complexity burden while maintaining reliability
Data Source
AI summary
A system and process that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example, an interference monitor configured to detect occurrences of unintended signals within a communications link. A communications link may carry a down-converted format of a satellite signal from an earth terminal to an integrated receiver and decoder for further network distribution. Depending upon the nature of any such detected unintended signals, the communications link can be “swapped out” for a redundant communications link carrying a down-converted format of the same satellite signal obtained by way of a redundant earth terminal. Other embodiments are disclosed.