VHTS Satellite Uplink Attenuation Estimation via Digital Transparent Processor
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for predicting switching times and estimating attenuations of very high throughput telecommunications uplinks in VHTS systems are either inaccurate, unreliable, or require significant additional hardware and cost, failing to meet the requirements of VHTS systems effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a digital transparent processor to generate and distribute beacon signals in the Q band, measuring spectral powers of traffic signals, and determining attenuation levels, which allows for accurate estimation of uplink attenuations and prediction of switching times with minimal additional hardware and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current methods for predicting switching times and estimating attenuations are used in VHTS systems, then the systems can operate with existing hardware, but the accuracy and reliability of attenuation estimation and switching time prediction are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by measuring the actual spectral power of traffic signals on uplinks and using these measurements to estimate attenuation levels. The system continuously monitors the spectral power of signals transmitted from ground stations to the satellite and adjusts switching time predictions based on actual measured values rather than theoretical models, thereby improving both accuracy and reliability of attenuation estimation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/weather-based prediction models with electromagnetic signal-based measurement. Instead of using meteorological data and theoretical propagation models to predict attenuation, the system directly measures the spectral power of actual traffic signals and derives attenuation from these measurements, substituting physical model-based estimation with direct electromagnetic measurement
2Measurement precision
If additional hardware is added to improve attenuation estimation accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the satellite's digital transparent processor perform multiple functions: it continues to route and process traffic signals while simultaneously measuring their spectral power for attenuation estimation. The existing transponders and signal processing equipment are used for both communication and measurement purposes, eliminating the need for separate dedicated measurement hardware and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own traffic signals for measurement purposes. The satellite measures the spectral power of signals that are already being transmitted for communication, and the ground stations transmit signals that serve both as communication carriers and as measurement probes. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate beacon signals or dedicated measurement equipment
Data Source
AI summary
A method for estimating, at one and the same given time, a set of attenuations of one or more first radiofrequency RF uplinks, implemented by a VHTS space telecommunications system. In an auxiliary usage step, an on-board regenerative or digital transparent processor DTP generates at least one beacon signal that is or are distributed, in the Q band, to N nominal access stations GWn(i) in order to be measured in terms of power, or measures the spectral power of each traffic signal transmitted by the nominal access stations GWn(i), i varying from 1 to N. In a following step, the attenuation levels An(i) of the uplinks LUn(i) are determined based on the powers of the one or more beacon signals that are measured on the corresponding downlinks LDn(i) in the Q band, or based on the one or more spectral powers, measured by the DTP, of the traffic signals received on the one or more uplinks LUn(i).