Software Modulation System for Satellite Uplink Signal Cost Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modulation systems for satellite uplink signals are costly due to the need for multiple hardware modulators, RF-to-optical converters, and optical cables, leading to high manufacturing and operational expenses.
Innovation Solution
A software-based modulation system using a computer device with an input interface, software modulation module, and processing unit to generate IQ baseband data carrier signals, which can be transmitted digitally without optical conversion, reducing the need for expensive optical components and allowing for easier scaling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hardware modulators and RF-to-optical converters are used for satellite uplink signal modulation, then signal transmission reliability is ensured, but manufacturing costs and operational costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hardware-based RF modulators and RF-to-optical converters with software-based IQBBDC signal generation and digital transmission. The software modulation module generates IQ baseband data carrier signals that are transmitted digitally through Ethernet infrastructure, eliminating the need for expensive RF hardware and optical conversion equipment while maintaining signal transmission reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses digital copying of signal data through Ethernet transmission instead of physical RF signal transmission. The IQBBDC signals are represented as digital data that can be copied and transmitted over standard Ethernet cables, replacing the need for expensive optical cables and converters
2Productivity
If multiple hardware modulators are deployed for signal modulation, then signal processing capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal software modulation module that can handle multiple input signals and generate multiple IQBBDC signals through software processing. This single software module replaces the need for multiple dedicated hardware modulators, reducing system complexity while maintaining or enhancing signal processing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple hardware modulators into a single software-based processing system. The software modulation module consolidates modulation capabilities for multiple signals into one integrated software solution, significantly reducing device complexity and the number of physical components required
3Reliability
If optical cables and converters are used for signal transmission, then transmission quality is maintained, but operational costs and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes optical transmission infrastructure with standard Ethernet digital transmission. IQBBDC signals are transmitted as digital data over Ethernet cables using conventional network infrastructure, eliminating the need for expensive optical cables, RF-to-optical converters, and optical-to-RF converters while maintaining transmission quality through digital signal integrity
Data Source
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AI summary
A modulation system (10) for modulating a satellite uplink signal is described. The modulation system (10) comprises at least one computer device (12). The at least one computer device (12) comprises an input interface (21), at least one software modulation module (22), and at least one processing unit (20). The input interface (21) is configured to receive at least one input signal. The software modulation module (22) comprises program code means that are configured to modulate the at least one input signal when the software modulation module (22) is executed on the at least one processing unit (20), thereby generating at least one IQ baseband data carrier (IQBBDC) signal based on the at least one input signal. Further, a modulation method for modulating a satellite uplink signal is described.