Satellite Link Budget Analysis Optimization via MODCOD Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of engineering communications links between Earth-based stations and satellite relays is exacerbated by various variables such as free-space path loss, weather effects, and frequency increases, making it challenging to optimize satellite link budget analysis effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that perform link budget analysis optimization by selecting a target modulation and coding pair based on transmission or receiving link parameters, calculating the ratio of allocated bandwidth to power equivalent bandwidth, and using a lookup table to determine an optimal MODCOD, which adjusts transmission or receiving parameters to apply the selected MODCOD, thereby optimizing the communications link.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional link budget analysis methods are used with multiple variables (free-space path loss, weather effects, frequency), then comprehensive link analysis is achieved, but the complexity of engineering the communications path increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and separates the complex link budget analysis into distinct modular components: path loss calculations, weather effect models, and frequency-dependent losses are handled as separate adjustable parameters. This allows each factor to be analyzed independently while maintaining overall accuracy, reducing the perceived complexity of the engineering process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary link budget analysis calculations before final link configuration, allowing engineers to pre-determine optimal parameters for different communication scenarios. Look-up tables and pre-computed models provide ready-to-use data, eliminating the need for complex real-time calculations during link setup.
2Productivity
If transmission frequency is increased to improve communication capacity, then data rate increases, but the complexity of link budget analysis and susceptibility to atmospheric effects increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent systematically varies transmission frequency as a key parameter and provides corresponding link budget calculations for different frequency bands. By establishing frequency-dependent models for atmospheric absorption and path loss, the system enables engineers to select optimal frequencies for desired capacity while automatically accounting for the increased complexity at higher frequencies through standardized calculation procedures.
3Reliability
If weather effects (rain, atmospheric gasses) are fully accounted for in link budget analysis, then link reliability under adverse conditions improves, but the complexity and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates pre-computed weather effect models and atmospheric loss data into the link budget analysis framework. By having lookup tables and pre-calculated attenuation values for various weather conditions and frequencies, the system achieves comprehensive reliability assessment without requiring complex real-time atmospheric modeling during link design.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of optimizing a link budget analysis (LBA) for a link comprising performing a first LBA based on a target modulation and coding pair (MODCOD) based on one or more link parameters, the MODCOD having a predetermined symbol energy to noise density ratio (Es/No), calculating a ratio of allocated bandwidth to a power equivalent bandwidth (PEB) for the link and converting the ratio to Decibels, determining whether additional energy is present by summing the Es/No for the link at the target MODCOD and the calculated ratio of allocated bandwidth to PEB, accessing a look up table to determine an optimal MODCOD for the link wherein if the sum is a positive value, selecting a MODCOD having a higher Es/No and if the sum is a negative value, selecting a MODCOD having a lower Es/No and altering one or more transmission or receiving parameters to apply the selected optimal MODCOD.