Project programme: Ground Segment

Home   /  BEHOP-GC

BEHOP-GC

Ground Components for DVB Standardized Beam Hopping

Ground Segment System/ Network/ Protocols User terminals (Ground)
STATUS | Ongoing
STATUS DATE | 29/09/2021
ACTIVITY CODE | 6B.070
BEHOP-GC

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Objectives

In a beam-hopping system as illustrated below, a beam-hopping time plan (BHTP) is executed repeatedly to serve different service areas. The dwell times correspond to the current traffic demands by the remote terminals. This cyclic execution runs until a new BHTP is provided, which defines a new time plan and possibly new beam coverages (new cluster) matching changed traffic demands. Therefore, beam-hopping provides the required flexibility and variability to match non-uniform and time-varying traffic demands to the satellite system resources. 
A key features of beam hopping systems is to support seamless updates of the BHTP (no interruption and no loss of synchronization between gateway, satellite and user terminals) in order to assure a given quality of service (QoS).
DVB-S2X specifies three new Super-Frame Formats (5, 6, 7) for beam-hopping and two application modes of beam-hopping: pre-scheduled (using Format 5) and traffic-driven (using Format 6, 7). This project focuses on the first mode, which relies on repetitive cycles of the BHTP until a new BHTP is applicable. This allows for extra features compared to Format 6 and 7:

  • PLFrame fragmentation among dwells for increased efficiency
  • Validation of the start of dwell detection
  • Close tracking of carrier frequency or timing drifts due to e.g. Doppler

The project objectives are the following:

  • Implementation and validation of a complete DVB-standard compliant signal transmission chain for forward link beam hopping 
  • Enhancement of a wideband modulator (capable of DVB-S2X Annex E, Super-Framing Format 4) to support now Format 5, NCR distribution and signalling of BHTP updates
  • Enhancement of a wideband user terminal device (capable of DVB-S2X Annex E, Super-Framing Format 4) to support now Format 5, NCR synchronization, exploiting the signalling of BHTP updates for seamless data reception
  • Integration of all devices in an automated testbed for analysis, testing, demonstration, and evaluation of different system configurations and transmission scenarios
     

Challenges

  • Variable Super-Frame length
  • Correct insertion of the new signalling elements of Format 5
  • Implementation of individual queues for all service areas (coverages)
  • Accurate and standard compliant NCR implementation
  • Standard compliant lower layer signalling for BHTPs
  • Seamless BHTP update procedure
  • Coping with channel impairments, e.g. Doppler induced drifts

System Architecture

The hardware testbed (as visualized in the figure) consists of four key components: 

  • Wideband modulator with IP encapsulator configurable to the actual BHTP 
  • Satellite payload emulator implementing the beam-hopping characteristic
  • Satellite channel emulator for the transmission scenario related impairments (e.g. Doppler and Doppler drift) 
  • User terminal for data reception, decoding and IP decapsulation

Plan

Milestones & Meetings

Planned Schedule

KO

Kick-Off

11/2020

SDSR

System Definition and Specification Review

02/2021

PDR

Preliminary Design Review

06/2021

CDR

Critical Design Review

09/2021

TRR

Test Readiness Review

06/2022

ATR

Acceptance Test Review

10/2022

FR

Final Review

12/2022

FP

Final Presentation

12/2022

Current Status

CDR successfully closed, Implementation Phase is on-going.

Companies

Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits (IIS)
Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits (IIS)
https://www.iis.fraunhofer.de/
Germany
WORK Microwave GmbH
WORK Microwave GmbH
https://www.work-microwave.com
Germany
Home   /  SCC4HAPS

SCC4HAPS

Satellite Control Center for High Altitude Pseudo Satellites

Ground Segment
STATUS | Ongoing
STATUS DATE | 10/04/2025
ACTIVITY CODE | 6B.059
SCC4HAPS

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Objectives

The ultimate project aim is understood to be easing the adoption of HAPS by telecommunication satellite operators, by paving the way to integrated multi-layer (satellite, HAPS and ground) operations. The immediate project objective is defining and demonstrating the adaptations needed to their “existing satellite control systems” to operate HAPS in an integrated way. It is understood that in addition to existing satellite control systems, also existing HAPS control centre or even UAV stations commercial solutions will be considered, both as source of requirements and for potential integration at design or future implementation. 

From GMV’s point of view integration at the level of operations doesn’t mean necessarily integration at the level of software solutions in the sense of having all “multi-mission” applications supporting both satellite and HAPS; instead such multi-layer integration can be achieved by a suite satellite-specific, HAPS-specific and “multi-mission” applications, all working together in a coordinated way. This will also allow more flexible deployment approaches which can be interesting in different contexts: e.g. for deployment of a local control centre at the stratoport for some flight phases.

Challenges

A major challenge is the large number of system definition that are possible. It is possible that the number of technical solutions for each aspect and the combination of them makes the team lose focus.

Another major challenge is the large range of disciplines involved in the project, e.g. HAPS flight and operations particularities, satellite operations concepts, mega constellation implications, planning concepts, and knowledge of the specific solutions selected for the demonstrator.

A challenge will be the project development by GMV Romania and the knowledge and expertise transfer which is put into place whenever it is needed by GMV group.

From the technical point of view, it is anticipated that the major challenge will be to design, implement and demonstrate the scalability requirements. GMV has already devoted some effort to think about this problem and this knowledge and experience will be put at the service of this project.

The planning function will depend also on the complexity of the platform operation, the complexity of the payload operations and the stability of the communications links with ground, inter-HAPS and HAPS-satellite.

System Architecture

The integrated satellite and HAPS control centre is thought being a final SCC solution which make use of multiple off-the-shelf GMV products. Additionally an innovating HAPS Management & Control Module will be integrated within the existing structure in order to offer the client full control on both satellites as well as pseudo-satellites. 

Plan

SCC4HAPS is a project initially scheduled  for 18 months and consists of the following milestones:

  • Kick Off Meeting (KOM) – milestone marking the start of the project.

  • Progress Meeting 1 – intermediate progress meeting

  • Software Requirements Review (SRR) – milestone marking the acceptance of the target software requirements 

  • Progress Meeting 2 – intermediate progress meeting

  • Critical Design Review (CDR) – milestone marking the design process completion 

  • Test Readiness Review (TRR) – milestone marking the project readiness to proceed with the test campaign 

  • Qualifying Review (QR) – milestone marking the success of the testing campaign

  • Acceptance Review (AR) – milestone marking the acceptance of the project.

Current Status

SCC4HAPS has successfully passed the AR milestone. All requirements have been fully validated. Two demonstration flights have been performed successfully. The software currently is at TRL6.

 

Companies

GMV Romania
GMV Romania
http://www.gmv.com
Romania
Home   /  IOT SATBACK

IOT SATBACK

- Satellite Backhauling Prototype for Future Narrow Band Internet of Things (NB-IoT) Networks

Ground Segment
STATUS | Completed
STATUS DATE | 02/12/2021
ACTIVITY CODE | 6B.041
IOT SATBACK

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Objectives

The IOT SATBACK project aims to design and develop a prototype backhauling solution for future NB-IoT networks.
The project objectives are in reference to the state-of-the-art protocols and solutions. They can be summarized as the following:
     – Study report containing an analysis of the main backhauling scenarios for NB-IoT networks.
     – Definition of the requirements to allow an efficient integration of terrestrial NB-IoT with satellite backhaul.
     – Implementation and test of the prototype satellite backhaul solution and a corresponding testbed
     – Demonstration of efficient backhauling of NB-IoT in a representative environment using the developed hardware and software.
The targeted improvement is to enable new satellite communication services for backhauling M2M and Internet-of-Things communications.

Challenges

The key challenge of the project is being able to design, develop and test in an affordable way the following topics on which the project is focused as a new solution for backhauling NB-IoT networks:
     – In a real deployment, the solution shall be able to backhaul >1000 of NB-IoT cells, while one satellite terminal shall be able to backhaul up to 5 NB-IoT cells
     – The solution shall be able to backhaul NB-IoT cells using modified low-cost satellite backhaul solutions
     – Consider challenging deployment scenarios, among which at least one with the eNodeB is located on a vessel;
     – To the extent possible, it shall be possible to integrate specific NB-IoT network functions (e.g. eNB) in the satellite terminal
     – Current developments such as implementations for NB-IoT eNB based on SDR platforms (e.g. in LimeNET) shall be
considered
     – If integrated with an existing terrestrial NB-IoT core network, the introduction of the satellite backhauling function shall have a minimal impact on the established commissioning, operations, management and billing of a regular NB-IoT network.

System Architecture

The architecture of the system to be developed in the project can be generally summarized as in the following:

Focusing on the proposed test bed, the main developed blocks are condensed in the following:

Live test bed configuration

Plan

     – PART#1, WP1000 NB-IoT deployment scenarios supported by satellite backhaul: the objective of the first phase is to establish justified NB-IoT deployment scenarios supported by satellite. This activity provides two main outcomes: a) First, a list of possible deployment scenarios of NB-IOT terrestrial networks where satellite backhauling can be efficiently used; b) Then, the possible value chain(s) and economics in order to define suitable commercial solutions that stakeholders (i.e. satellite operators) can offer to NB-IOT operators.
     – PART#2, WP2000 Requirements for an NB-IoT satellite backhaul testbed: the definition of the justified requirements for the possible commercial solutions as well as for the testbed to be developed during the project. Main outcomes of this part are: a) List of requirements for the potential commercial solution as well as the gap analysis w.r.t. COTS available solutions. b) List of requirements for the testbed to be developed in the frame of this project.
     – PART#3, WP3000 Design of an NB-IoT satellite backhaul: the third phase covers the reference design of the possible commercial solutions (high level design) as well as of the testbed (detailed design) to be developed. The high level design of the possible commercial solutions is used to draft the possible industrialization roadmap. The envisaged technical innovations with regard to the state-of-art protocols and solutions are studied in order to enhance the currently available E-SSA solutions. Main outcomes of this part cover: a) Detailed design of an NB-IoT satellite backhaul prototype and test bed; b) High-level design of a possible commercial solution and industrialization roadmap
     – PART#4, WP4000 Development and test of an NB-IoT satellite backhaul testbed: during the fourth phase development and testing of the testbed are accomplished. The activities of this part cover the following main outcomes: a) HW and SW testbed tested in lab and via satellite; b) Test reports
     – PART#5, Demonstration of NB-IoT satellite backhaul and roadmap: during the fifth and last phase a convincing demonstration of NB-IoT satellite backhauling for possible users in near-operational conditions is organized. Finally, a roadmap for future developments in this area is defined. Main outcomes of this part cover: a) Execution of the demonstration; b) Optionally, further tests backhauling a real NB-IOT network (within Europe), 
c) Final roadmaps for future developments
 

Current Status

The project activities have been finalized with the holding of Final Review meeting.

Companies

MBI group s.r.l.
MBI group s.r.l.
http://www.mbigroup.it
Italy
Software Radio Systems Ltd
Software Radio Systems Ltd
http://www.softwareradiosystems.com
Ireland
Home   /  SkyMon PIA

SkyMon PIA

- SkyMon Predictive Interference Analysis

Competitiveness & Growth Ground Segment
STATUS | Completed
STATUS DATE | 08/09/2021
ACTIVITY CODE | 6B.075
SkyMon PIA

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Objectives

SkyMon Predictive Interference Analysis (PIA) investigates the use of AI/ML methods for the automatic identification of interference via spectrum analysis, prediction of satellite link quality degradation caused by bad weather and the automatic identification of interference caused by non-GSO satellites.
The objective of the project is to validate the benefits of using artificial intelligence (AI) and/or machine learning (ML) algorithms to improve existing satellite interference mitigation techniques and develop new applications to predict satellite interference before it even occurs.

Challenges

The search for interferences in a provided spectrum plot can be very challenging as every spectrum plot is different as well as the nature of the interference signal. For example, an interference signal can be hidden behind another signal, it can change in frequency, in bandwidth and/or in power. 
A huge number of high-quality sample spectrum plots need to be generated to train the AI model.

System Architecture

Within the project several models for AI/ML were evaluated. The architecture is split into two parts, part one generates a huge amount of sample data (spectra) using the SkyMon carrier monitoring system, whereas part two develops, trains and verifies different AI models. A separate analysis tool annotates the generated spectra for AI/ML into interference free and interfered recordings. Further the analysis tool allows adding interference for AI/ML development and training.

Plan

The present project represents the first phase covering feasibility analysis, evaluation of different AI models and prototype development. In a second phase different use cases for applying AI in SkyMon shall be identified based on the results of the present project. The third phase covers the development, integration and test of AI models as part of the SkyMon product realizing selected use cases (expected end of 2021).

Current Status

Several AI/ML models were evaluated during the scope of this project with one selected showing the highest success rate in terms of carrier identification, interference detection and classifications of about 98%. Figure 1 shows an example of interference detection by AI/ML. The lighter the colour, the more confident the AI/ML model is that an interferer is present. As can be seen in Figure 1, interference was detected very well.
  
 

The model for detection of power degradation due to bad weather scenarios show similar prediction success rates.

Companies

Atos IT Solutions and Services GmbH
Atos IT Solutions and Services GmbH
http://atos.net/skymon
Austria
Home   /  GADGET

GADGET

- 5G enabled ground segment technologies over the air demonstrator

Ground Segment User terminals (Ground)
STATUS | Ongoing
STATUS DATE | 26/04/2024
ACTIVITY CODE | 7C.057
GADGET

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Objectives

GADGET Project has the objective to design and implement two User Equipment (UE) and one gNodeB compliant with the 5G release 16 or above to demonstrate the direct access to non-terrestrial-network (NTN) based on a satellite access. These equipment will be integrated in an end-to-end demonstration configuration based on and emulated and live satellite access. This last is represented by the actual access to Athena/Fidus GEO satellite.

In the development of the UEs and the gNodeB, more attention is on the protocol stack implementation in line with the foreseen 5G standard release and starting as base point from an Open-Source software environment. In the implementation of the E2E demonstrator also the simulator of the Core Network will be implemented to perform the foreseen performance and operative tests.

Challenges

The challenge of the activity is twofold: the development of actual gNB and UE both compliant with the 5G standard and based on New Radio supporting the NTN access actually interfaced with a satellite access node. This last is able to emulate the satellite channel access presenting all the impairments typically experienced by the satellite users.

System Architecture

The architecture is defined below. 

  • Two UEs, one nomadic and one fixed, can establish bidirectional connections with a gNB through a satellite transponder.
  • The testbed includes both access and non-access stratum capabilities. 
  • The testbed allows analysis of E2E performances through predefined sensible KPIs.

GADGET System Architecture

The figure shows the system architecture based off the 5G basic blocks. A GUI for monitoring the KPI has been added to the system allowing:

  • Configuration of the main functionalities that impact the NTN performances.
  • Monitoring and reporting of the KPIs of interest.
  • Traffic generation, to emulate the traffic generated by the applications.

The overall network architecture, the protocol stack, the QoS traffic management and the UE/Satellite characteristics are referenced from 3GPP standards, according with the scenario defined in the statement of work.

Plan

The Project is organised in two phases:

  • Phase 1 – 6 months;
  • Phase 2 – 18 months.

The Project Milestones are as follows:

  • Phase 1
    • Select Platform Baseline – May 2021
    • Finalise Technical Specification – June 2021
    • Preliminary Design Review (PDR) – September 2021
  • Phase 2
    • Critical Design Review (CDR) – April 2022
    • Qualification Review – January 2023
    • Final Review – March 2023

Current Status

The project kick-off has been in March 2021.

The study is currently underway: the HW and SW have been defined and suitable issues have been identified and addressed starting the design phase activity for the delivery of the first deliverables.

Companies

Thales Alenia Space Italia
Thales Alenia Space Italia
https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/worldwide/space-italy
Italy
RINA Consulting
RINA Consulting
https://www.rina.org
Italy
TPGroup
https://www.tpgroupglobal.com/
United Kingdom
EvoElectronics S.r.l. Società Unipersonale
EvoElectronics S.r.l. Società Unipersonale
http://www.evoelectronics.it
Italy
Home   /  5G-GOA

5G-GOA

5G enabled ground segment technologies over the air demonstrator

Advanced Technology Ground Segment
STATUS | Completed
STATUS DATE | 26/04/2024
ACTIVITY CODE | 7C.057
5G-GOA

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Objectives

5G-GOA develops and implements the necessary modifications in the 5G New Radio standard to enable the direct radio access of terrestrial communication networks via satellite, a 5G RAN via satellite closely following the 3GPP Work Item on Non-Terrestrial-Networks. The hardware and software development relies on and uses existing technologies, hardware and software components already available from the open-source project OpenAirInterface for the prototyping of 5G terrestrial systems. Our solution is directly based on 3GPP discussions and results and covers physical layer techniques (e.g. synchronisation) up to specific protocols and upper layer implementations (e.g., timers and random-access procedure) of the radio access network, as needed. 5G-GOA focuses on geostationary satellite systems.
5G-GOA produces a hardware and software prototype, consisting of at least two user terminals and a gNodeB base station to verify bi-directional end-to-end communications. 5G-GOA plans to demonstrate the solution live, using the developed terminals and the modified 5G base-station connected via a direct satellite link, in addition to performing realistic tests in lab environment as well by using an advanced propagation channel emulator.
In summary, 5G-GOA develops and delivers a gNodeB (gNB) based gateway and the User Equipment (UE) compliant with the 5G New Radio standard release 17 or later for demonstrating the direct radio access connectivity in Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN).
Importantly, our approach of using the OpenAirInterface software framework with custom off the shelf hardware equipment is motivated by that we believe that by extending an open-source solution with an existing user community will help maximising reuse of the results and achieving a broad impact.

Challenges

The key challenge of 5G-GOA is the implementation of 5G NR gNB and UE components adapted to geostationary satellite systems while the standardization of these NTN features is still ongoing within 3GPP. More specifically, mitigating satellite RF impairments of the 5G signal represent specific challenges for the implementation, adjacent to the considerable round-trip-times that need to be compensated at the different layers (PHY, MAC and above) at the 5G NR UE and gNB.

System Architecture

The figure below shows the architecture of the 5G-GOA end-to-end over the air demonstrator with the 5G core of the network on the right hosting the demo applications and being able to visualise key performance indicators, and two end user devices/terminals on the left hand running the user part of the demo application. As it is shown, 5G-GOA plans to verify performance using both an emulator and live, over the air, over a GEO satellite.

diagram

 

Plan

The project consists of two phases. The first phase focuses on the platform baseline and technical specification going to detailed design and includes two reviews, a Baseline Design Review and a Critical Design Review. The first phase is planned to last for 8 months.
The second phase focuses on the implementation, verification and demonstration. The second phase has also two reviews, a Demonstration Readiness Review and a Final Review, and is planned to last for 10 months.

Current Status

The project completed its mission to provide a protocol stack implementation for use with transparent geostationary satellites for direct connectivity by releasing the suitably modified and extended OAI software implementation in July 2022, thus enabling early experimentation and proof of concepts for the community, shortly after 3GPP Release 17 was formalised and agreed.
It demonstrated 5G New Radio direct connectivity in Stand Alone mode over a geostationary satellite in Ku band at the 39th International Communications Satellite Systems Conference (ICSSC 2022), 18-21 October, Stresa, Italy, which we consider a major achievement. The demonstration used occasional use capacity from the SES Astra 2F satellite and relied on the suitably adapted OpenAirInterface™ software implementation for a 5G base station and a 5G nomadic node, mounted in a van equipped by a 45 cm satellite dish.

The project has published the modified and extended OpenAirInterface™ open-source code that supports 5G Non-Terrestrial Networking according to 3GPP Release 17 supporting direct connectivity over geostationary satellites. The 5G-NR NTN code is available for immediate use in the public OAI repository at: https://gitlab.eurecom.fr/oai/openairinterface5g/-/commits/goa-5g-ntn. The project also created a merge request, so the modifications and improvements will be merged and integrated into the main development branch “develop” of OAI shortly.

Documents

Download

Companies

Eurescom GmbH
Eurescom GmbH
https://www.eurescom.eu
Germany
Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits (IIS)
Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits (IIS)
https://www.iis.fraunhofer.de/
Germany
Universität der Bundeswehr München
Universität der Bundeswehr München
http://www.unibw.de/satcom
Germany
University of Luxembourg
University of Luxembourg
https://wwwen.uni.lu/
Luxembourg
Eurecom
Eurecom
http://www.eurecom.fr
France
Home   /  QVHD

QVHD

- High Power Q/V-Band Diplexers for Ground Stations

Advanced Technology Core Competitiveness Ground Segment
STATUS | Completed
STATUS DATE | 27/11/2020
ACTIVITY CODE | 6B.025
QVHD

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Objectives

This activity targets the development of a Q/V-band Rx/Tx Diplexer for ground stations, efficiently covering full gateway uplink and downlink spectrum.

Challenges

Development of a 500 W Q/V Diplexer, to be used in the future architecture of ground stations.

System Architecture

The Q/V Diplexer assembly is the following.

The weight of the whole assembly is 5.7 Kg.

The dimensions on the base are 33 x 21 x 18 cm.

Plan

The overall duration of the program is 15 months.

The program foresees a detailed design of a diplexer prototype, the realization of the prototype and the technology experimental demonstration.

The following milestones were established:

  • A Preliminary Concept Review, at the completion of technology selection;
  • A Design Review, at the completion of prototype design;
  • A Test Review, at the completion of prototype implementation and testing;
  • A Final Review and a Final Presentation, at the end of the activities.

Current Status

The activities are completed.

Companies

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES SERVICES S.r.l.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES SERVICES S.r.l.
Italy
Home   /  SDRMakerspace

SDRMakerspace

- Software Define Radio (SDR) “Makerspace” for satellite communication

Advanced Technology Core Competitiveness Ground Segment
STATUS | Ongoing
STATUS DATE | 05/10/2020
ACTIVITY CODE | 6B042
SDRMakerspace

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Objectives

Software Defined Radio (SDR), the concept of using software instead of physical components to create radio systems has seen enormous growth due to advancements in digital electronics and open-source.

 

In order to further facilitate the use of SDR technologies in satellite communications, the European Space Agency and Libre Space Foundation joined forces to create SDRmaker.space under the ARTES program.

 

SDRmaker.space is an activity framework that brings together makers, open-source hackers, radio amateurs, researchers and academia from all over Greece and Europe. SDRmaker.space provides funding and resources to a passionate community tackling challenges in using SDR for satellite communications, opening up this field to a wide variety of people, organizations and companies.

Challenges

The main challenges faced by the project are quick turnaround of activities from various implementers that have not been engaged by ESA projects or activities before.

Plan

The overall work timeline can be divided in 3 time periods with concurrent Work Packages execution through them. A brief 2-month period in the start of the activity focusing on preparing all the necessary work for the technical sub-activities and identifying sub-activities and implementers, a main 12-month period of sub-activities implementation and finally a 2-month period for further dissemination and wrap up.

Current Status

Activity is currently in progress.

Companies

Libre Space Foundation
Libre Space Foundation
https://libre.space
Greece
Home   /  Wideband RF over IP demonstrator (WROI)

Wideband RF over IP demonstrator (WROI)

- Wideband RF over IP demonstrator

Advanced Technology Core Competitiveness Ground Segment
STATUS | Ongoing
STATUS DATE | 25/09/2020
ACTIVITY CODE | 6B.055
Wideband RF over IP demonstrator (WROI)

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Objectives

The objective of this project is to develop and test a prototype of an analog IF over digital IF acquisition/generation demonstrator for instantaneous signal bandwidth up to 5GHz, together with a set of data compression techniques with the scope to minimize the digital IF data rate required to transmit a given analog IF bandwidth, optimized for each of the operational scenarios identified.

Challenges

The key challenges of the project are:

  • Hardware implementation to support the very high bandwidth
  • Design and implementation of efficient compression algorithms that can support the high bandwidth
  • Sensitivity of the “conventional” signal processing (once the signal is reconstructed) to the compression/decompression (FER sensitivity)
  • Choice of adapted network protocols and technologies to enable real-time transport of digitized RF signal

System Architecture

The main use case scenario is for use with VSAT systems where the wideband RF over IP module is placed at the antenna sites and typically communicated with digital modems with RF over IP interfaces via a high-speed fiber connection as shown in the figure below.

The block diagram below illustrates a candidate hardware platform for implementing the demonstrator where the following modules are plugged into a carrier board:

  • 2 high-capacity, powerful FPGA SoC modules configured with large Xilinx UltraScale+ SoC FPGAs that are running the compression algorithms.
  • Wideband RF front-end modules supporting frequency conversion from RF to baseband / baseband to RF and optionally also the analogue-to-digital and digital-to-analogue conversion for the 5 GHz bandwidth.

Plan

The duration of the project is 29 months, with the following milestones:

  • Kick-off: May 2020
  • System Requirement Review (SRR): September 2020
  • Critical Design Review (CDR): June 2021
  • Factory Acceptance Review (FAT): June 2022
  • On-site Acceptance Review (SAT): August 2022
  • Final Review (FR): September 2022.

Current Status

The project kick-off was on May 13, 2020 and the System Requirement Review (SRR) was held on September 3, 2020. Ongoing work is identification of state-of-the-art techniques for compression, evaluation of the theoretical gain we can get from compression, identification of compression techniques to be used and evaluation of compressed sensing. The next milestone is the Critical Design Review (CDR). 

Companies

WideNorth
WideNorth
https://widenorth.com
Norway
Simula UiB
Simula UiB
https://www.simula-uib.com/
Norway
IMT Atlantique
IMT Atlantique
http://www.imt-atlantique.fr/en
France
Home   /  WSH

WSH

– Wideband Software Hub

Advanced Technology Core Competitiveness Ground Segment
STATUS | Ongoing
STATUS DATE | 12/03/2020
ACTIVITY CODE | 6B.056

PAGE CONTENTS

Objectives

This project demonstrates the feasibility (both technical and business) of a software-defined gateway/teleport implementation scalable to support handling of 5 GHz instantaneous RF bandwidth based on cloud technology and generic processing hardware. The enabling core technology module is the efficient implementation of DVB-S2/S2X software modulation and demodulation based on x86 CPU, without reliance on FPGA or GPU resources. The project demonstrates the implementation of a symmetric duplex 250 MHz RF bandwidth in each direction. The forward link is a single 250 MHz DVB-S2X, while the return link capacity of 250 MHz is divided across DVB-RCS2 TDMA channels and DVB-S2/S2X SCPC channels. The SCPC channels are dynamically allocated with seamless reconfiguration maintaining IP traffic flow without loss in the transition between changing transmission plans.

Challenges

The key challenges in this project are:

  • Development of efficient modulation and demodulation executed on general x86 for DVB-S2/S2X
  • Supporting changing transmission plans for the multiple return link DVB-S2/S2X SCPC carriers
  • Seamless demodulation of the changing SCPC return link carriers without loss of IP packets
  • Implementation of the hub demonstrator with cloud technology applying container-technology, scalable to support 5 GHz instantaneous RF bandwidth 

System Architecture

The System architecture is shown in the Figure. All software-defined satellite gateway/teleport and terminal functions are implemented in cloud compatible modules and executed on Virtual Machines in containers. The architecture therefore allows scaling to support a large RF segment (5 GHz).

The RF output is generated by a digitizer from the software modulator providing an I&Q stream output. The receiver chain has a digitizer that digitizes the received RF stream as I&Q samples before the I&Q stream is passed to general processing hardware where the demodulation and decoding is performed in cloud compatible environment.

Plan

March  2020: Kick-Off

May     2020: System Requirements Review

Aug     2020: Critical Design Review

April    2021: Test Readiness Review

June   2021: Factory Acceptance Test Review

Sept   2021: Site Acceptance Test Review

Oct     2021: Final Presentation

Current Status

The project kicked-off on March 2nd 2020.

Companies

Kratos Norway AS
Kratos Norway AS
https://www.kratosdefense.com
Norway