Satellite On-Board RFI Detection via Programmable Modem
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Solution Overview
Problem
In satellite communications employing on-board processing, detecting Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) is challenging because the interference is lost during demodulation on the satellite, making it difficult to identify and address poor signal quality issues.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an on-board programmable modem complex that functions as an RF spectrum analyzer sensor element, capturing and relaying RF information as metadata to a ground-based system for spectral analysis, allowing for detection and troubleshooting of RFI without disrupting satellite operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If on-board processing is implemented to terminate uplink transmissions at the satellite, then productivity and signal processing capability are improved, but the ability to detect RFI on the ground is lost
Solution Approach 1:
A spectrum analyzer is introduced as an intermediary device on the satellite that monitors RF signals before demodulation. This mediator captures spectral information about the uplink signals and transmits this data to ground stations, enabling RFI detection without interfering with the primary on-board processing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The spectrum analyzer creates a copy of the RF signal characteristics (spectral data) before the original signal is demodulated and processed. This copied spectral information is then transmitted to ground stations for RFI analysis, allowing detection without disrupting the main signal processing path.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If spectrum analysis is performed on-board the satellite, then RFI detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The satellite's existing modem complex is made re-programmable to perform multiple functions: normal demodulation/modulation operations and spectrum analysis. By making the hardware universal and reconfigurable, the patent avoids adding dedicated spectrum analysis equipment, thus limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The modem complex is designed with dynamic re-programmability, allowing it to switch between different operational modes (demodulation, modulation, spectrum analysis) as needed. This dynamic flexibility enables RFI detection capabilities without requiring permanent dedicated hardware for each function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the modem complex is re-programmed to perform spectrum analysis, then versatility is improved, but reliability of normal communication operations may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The modem complex is divided into separate functional modules or processing paths: one dedicated to normal demodulation/modulation operations and another for spectrum analysis. This segmentation ensures that re-programming for spectrum analysis does not interfere with the stability and reliability of primary communication functions.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment there are provided systems and methods for detecting radio frequency interference (RFI) on a satellite that implements on-board processing. The system leverages an on-board programmable modem complex, and in some cases reprograms portions thereof, to function as an RF spectrum analyzer sensor element that captures and relays received RF information as meta-data to a ground-based system where that information can then be used, on the ground, to generate a spectral display of a received signal at the satellite.