PAGE CONTENTS
Objectives
Within the framework of a former ESA project AziSat, Newtec brought the product AZ111 on to the market as replacement for the AZ110 broadcast modulator. The new product was based on a new HW platform. Within this LodeStar project , Newtec will ehance its AZ111 product with a larger set of features so it can be used in more applications, including contribution, primary distribution (in addition to pure DTH) and generic applications. This move is done with the aim of providing unique value-added features to keep this modulator above competing products. The product is now referred to as M6100.
Such an offer however, only makes sense if the M6100 modulator is accompanied by a consistent set of accompanying products: A redundancy switching solution compliant with the modulator and its new features, A set of frequency converters that are at least on par with the latest features offered by the competition and that cover most of the applications the M6100 can address.
The following developments are to be performed within the scope of LodeStar:
- An upgrade the AZ111 Broadcast Modulator R1.0 with a new set of features:
- Redundancy support,
- Increase robustness on inputs through the support of ProMPEG and by the ability to ingest and process jittery signals,
- Ability to reduce the space between carriers through the Clean Channel Technology ™,
- Synoptic GUI,
- TS analyser on all inputs,
- Encapsulation of IP streams in a TS,
- Auto-equalink solution for automatic linear pre-distortion compensation,
- Support of carrier ID for identification of the carrier.
This evolution will be done through two subsequent releases: R1.1 and R1.2.
- An adaptation of the existing AZ202 Universal Switching System so that it can perform redundancy switches with the new M6100 modulator. The major difference being the change in the communication protocol used between the AZ202 and the M6100 and in the way the M6100 configurations are managed.
- The new development of:
- A new Ku-band converter board,
- A new IF-to-Extended L-band upconverter board for the M6100 product (as option),
- A 30 dB variable gain stage at L-band for the AZ740 product.
Those new products will be inserted in the standard portfolio of Newtec.
Challenges
The main challenges are to be found in the feature developments of M6100. These are related to the platform performance limitations to support all the proposed features (TS analyser, MPE encapsulator, etc.). Also in the dynamic aspects of introducing control loops to the whole system (Linear AutoEqualink, Robust TSoIP), and in the more general impact on the satellite spectral eco system (Clean Channel technology ™).
Plan
Some developments are quite self contained and are treated in separate development tracks: A first track contains the feature developments on the M6100 product, which is split in 2 releases. In the first release the basic functionality is developed and validated (Spectral Purity, robust TSoIP) which are fundaments for the second phase (Clean Channel technology ™ and TS analyser). Both phases are completed with other feature developments such that the R1.1 also has market value. Timing wise, R1.1 becomes available in March 2012 while R1.2 is targeted to become available in December 2012 (or earlier if possible).
The AZ202 redundancy switch upgrade development is planned in a second parallel track. Compliancy of AZ202 needs to be validated on the M6100 R1.1.
A third parallel track contains the development of the new RF equipment, which is targeted to become available at the end of 2012.
Current Status
All products are released and commercially available.