Modular Digital Processor for Satellite Payloads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current satellite communication systems require complex and custom-designed integrated processors for multiple spot beam systems, leading to lengthy design and test times, high costs, and limited utility for missions of different sizes or scales, due to their monolithic nature and high localized mass and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A modular approach to integrated processor design, using identical generic processor modules that can provide either spatial switch or digital beam-forming functionality, allowing for flexible scaling and reuse across various mission types, with each module comprising pre-processing, digital processing, and post-processing stages, and capable of being implemented in forward, return, or mesh architectures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a monolithic integrated processor is designed to meet specific mission requirements, then the system can provide the required flexibility and functionality, but the design and test times become lengthy and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the monolithic processor into multiple identical modular units, each capable of independent function. This segmentation allows the system to achieve required flexibility through parallel processing units while reducing design and test time by reusing proven module designs across different mission configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates universal processor modules that can be configured for different mission requirements (forward link, return link, mesh link) without requiring custom designs. Each module is designed to perform multiple functions through software configuration, eliminating the need to redesign hardware for different applications.
2Reliability
If a monolithic integrated processor is designed for a specific mission, then it can provide required processing capability, but non-recurring costs become high
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the processor into standardized modules, the patent enables reuse of proven designs across different missions. This reduces non-recurring engineering costs while maintaining processing capability through the parallel arrangement of identical modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses identical copied modules instead of custom-designed processors for each mission. These proven modules can be manufactured using the same processes and tested using the same procedures, significantly reducing non-recurring costs while providing equivalent processing capability.
3Reliability
If a single custom processor is designed for a mission, then it can meet specific performance requirements, but mass and power consumption increase locally
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the processing function into multiple identical modules distributed across the payload. This distribution reduces the localized mass and power consumption at any single location compared to a monolithic processor, while maintaining overall system performance through parallel processing capability.
4Reliability
If a monolithic processor is designed, then it provides required processing functionality, but utility for other missions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs universal processor modules that can be configured for different mission types (forward link, return link, mesh link) through software control. This universality provides full processing functionality for each mission type while enabling the same hardware to serve multiple purposes across different missions.
Data Source
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AI summary
A telecommunications satellite payload processing system comprising one or more identical generic integrated processor modules 10 is provided. The number of integrated processor modules 10 is selected in accordance with the antenna and bandwidth characteristics of a specified mission uplink 36, 50 and downlink 40, 52 in relation to the characteristics of the integrated processor module 10.