To develop technology to enable the conversion of existing satellite communications IF ground architecture from analogue to digital, through the introduction of digital IF transport streams.
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Trade-offs between signal performance and cost of transport
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Limitations of current convertor technology
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Limitations of FPGA processing speed within the framework of the above
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Ensuring additional signal processing does not increase system latency beyond acceptable limits
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Digital IF allows the physical decoupling of the antenna sites from data processing sites
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Enhanced RF signal quality
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Provision of a more robust digital encryption environment
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Reduced operating and capex costs for the user
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Operational flexibility
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Diversity site connectivity
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Digitisation of L band IF signals (850MHz to 2150/2450MHz)
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Utilisation of standard GbE links between world-wide sites (existing IP infra-structure)
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Scalable architecture
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Smaller physical footprint
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Lower environmental footprint
The project is split across three phases, namely:
Definition Phase
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Requirements definition
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SOW and preliminary design
Technology Phase
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Critical design
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Prototyping and evaluation
Product Phase
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DVT & qualification
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SAT and Productionisation
The project started on 2nd September 2019. The CDR was successfully completed in April 2021 and the is on track for the Technical Readiness Review in October 2022. Field trials are expected to start at the end of 2022.
