Background
In most satellite communication systems, full duplex operation (i.e., simultaneous transmit and receive functionality) is achieved by using two separate frequency channels with spectral filtering employed to achieve the required isolation between signals. With ever-increasing data volume demands accompanied by pressure to reduce the cost per bit delivered, new techniques to utilise the available radio frequency (RF) spectrum more efficiently are continually needed. Simultaneously transmitting and receiving information in a single frequency channel has already proven a viable approach in other wireless communication application domains and has the potential to double total system throughput. Such systems typically employ a combination of both analogue and digital Self-Interference Cancellation (SIC) techniques, together with a careful antenna design and a suitable placement, to achieve the necessary isolation between transmit and receive signals, and such techniques have therefore advanced rapidly over the last few years. Single channel full duplex operation has consequently been supported within consumer (cable) networks since the release of the Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS) 4.0 in 2017, and integrated wireless access and backhaul for 5G using full duplex is also now becoming a reality. Long-Term Evolution (LTE) products are already available using full duplex such as LTE User Equipment Relays which enable a small cell LTE eNodeB to backhaul to an LTE macro base station using the same access frequencies for both the small cell and the macro network.
Despite these recent advances, there remain significant barriers to applying full duplex operation within a satellite communication (SatCom) system, chiefly due to the very high-power imbalance between the transmit and receive signals (a direct result of the very long transmission distances) and the large fractional bandwidths of SatCom frequency allocations.
Objectives of the Activity
The main objectives of the study are to:
- Identify potential use cases for single channel full-duplex operation in SatCom, e.g., backhauling, feeder, and user links, Inter Satellite Links (ISLs), etc. and propose any potential adaptions needed to current radio regulations to integrate those techniques.
- Demonstrate the feasibility of single channel full-duplex operations in SatCom systems by means of analysis, simulations, and/or measurements.
- Identify the technological roadmap for developing and implementing the required SIC techniques needed to enable single channel full duplex communications over SatCom links.
- Outline the cost of any new technology required and assess its future commercial viability and timescale.
- Outline a proof-of-concept demonstrator that could be used for the validation of the identified techniques
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
We are looking for experts in signal processing techniques applicable to full-duplex communications and in radio frequency hardware design/implementation.
ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY
This call has been re-issued as an intended tender (please find the link below). Opening date: 11/08/2022 / closing date: 20/10/2022.
https://esastar-publication.sso.esa.int/ESATenderActions/details/46201
ABOUT THE ARTES FUTURE PREPARATION PROGRAMME
ARTES Future Preparation (FP) is a key programme element, in the beginning of the ARTES ‘feeding chain’ that offers the possibility to acquire knowledge on future satcom market perspectives, investigate future system concepts and prepare initial ‘dossiers’ on strategic initiatives; that cannot be developed usually at every Member State’s level. It is based on the concept of a European common effort to produce quality results to set the future of SatCom.
You can find more information in the link below:
https://artes.esa.int/future-preparation
