Examination of the data rate obtainable with low‐gain non‐tracking antenna applied to user terminal used for mobile communications and broadcasting services provided by quasi‐zenithal satellites

Link budgets between the mobile user terminal and a feeder link station (2‐m‐diameter antenna) through the quasi‐zenithal satellite system (QZSS) (7‐m‐diameter antenna for Tx, 5‐m‐diameter antenna for Rx) under the power flux density (PFD) limit were calculated for the Ka‐ and Ku‐band. The PFD limit for non‐geostationary satellites is applied for frequency sharing between QZSS and geostationary satellites. The maximum data rate in the Ka‐band was 1.7 times higher than in the Ku‐band in the forward link, while the maximum data rate at Ku‐band is nine times higher than that in the Ka‐band in the return link when the transmit power derived from the regulations of the PFD is applied. And it is more than three times higher than that in the Ka‐band when transmit power is fixed to 2W. In the forward link, maximum data rates are 149 kbps in the Ka‐band and 86 kbps in the Ku‐band when the user terminal antenna is non‐tracking (gain at the satellite direction is 7.1 dBi) and the frequency bandwidth per beam is 30 MHz. Required bandwidth per channel for a certain data rate is large, e.g. in Ka‐band, 20.9 MHz for 64 kbps, 125 MHz for 384 kbps, and 326 MHz for 1 Mbps. In the return link, the maximum data rates are 44 kbps in the Ku‐band and 13.6 kbps in the Ka‐band when the user terminal antenna gain in the satellite direction is 7.1 dBi and transmit power is 2 W. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

TVRO Antenna Size, Ku Band Versus C Band

At this point in time, with the advent of high powered Ku band direct broadcast satellites (DBSs) and the ever increasing requirement for TV via satellite, it is safe to say that satellite rooftop receiving antennas will soon shrink in size. This will be true for DBS systems operating in the Ku DBS band, since Ku band EIRP has been increased considerably over C band EIRP. It will not necessarily be true for Ku band satellite systems operating in the broadcast satellite service band, where maximum power flux density, and therefore EIRP, is limited.     

Onboard switching for ATM via satellite

This article presents an architecture for onboard ATM switching. The constraints of the space environment and the associated delays (especially with geostationary satellites) create often conflicting requirements for the implementation of ATM via satellite. These requirements must be considered when designing onboard equipment. The article suggests that the use of MF-TDMA framing and of physical-layer scheduling as a preswitching stage allows for the use of standard switch fabrics onboard with additional fault tolerance and buffer mechanisms. The details of the scheduler and of the RF front end, including demodulation and demultiplexing, are presented as well as suitable switch fabrics and their performance/implementation impact. ATM is now widely considered the delivery medium for the broadband services of the future. This fact has also attracted the attention of the satellite community. Current satellite ATM trials have concentrated on trunking applications using available broadcast satellites. However, the US FCC filings for Ka band satellites, as well as Canadian W and European initiatives, have focused on a new generation of digital regenerative multibeam onboard processing satellites     

A mixed satellite TV channel transmission scheme to enhance frequency bandwidth utilization

In the recent past, television (TV) industry has started to provide users with ultra high definition (ultra‐HD) and/or 3‐dimensional TV programs, which on the one hand, can bring users greatly enhanced viewing experience, while on the other hand, considerably increases the transmission bandwidth requirements and may lead to bandwidth shortage situations in many different types of TV systems. In particular, this bandwidth shortage poses a serious challenge in the current satellite TV broadcasting systems because of the strictly limited bandwidth available in C and Ku frequency bands. Aiming at mitigating the bandwidth shortage problem, this paper proposes an innovative mixed channel transmission scheme for the next generation satellite TV systems. The proposed scheme integrates the merits of using both broadcast and multicast methods, both Ku and Ka frequency bands, as well as both wide‐shaped and spot antenna beam types. According to the conducted comprehensive simulation experiments, this mixed scheme is able to effectively enhance the frequency bandwidth utilization with still providing users affordable quality of experience. Moreover, to cope with the impact brought by ever increasing number of provided TV channels, this paper enhances the proposed scheme by using multicast method to transmit those least popular global channels, which can efficiently reduce the quality of experience degradation up to 90% in Ku‐ and Ka‐band frequency resource restricted scenarios.     

On the protection of fixed service receivers from the interference generated by non‐GSO satellite systems operating in the 3.7‐4.2 GHz band

In this work, the current power‐flux density limits in Article 21 of the ITU‐R Radio Regulations for non‐geostationary satellite orbit (GSO) systems operating in the 3.7‐4.2 GHz band are analyzed. These limits aim the protection of fixed service receivers, operating in the same frequency band, from the interference produced by non‐GSO satellite systems. The analysis was motivated by Resolution 157 of the World Radiocommunication Conference 2015, that recognized the need for a revision of Article 21 with a view to enabling non‐GSO systems to operate in these fixed‐satellite service frequency bands while ensuring that existing primary services are protected. In the analysis, 5 different circular Walker Delta type satellite constellation structures, adequately chosen, are considered, and the results show that the current power‐flux density (pfd) limits may impose undue constraints to non‐GSO systems operating in this band. Therefore, a methodology to investigate a more adequate pfd limiting mask is presented and used to generate an alternative mask. An evaluation of the proposed pfd mask shows that it does not impose unnecessary constraints to the non‐GSO satellite systems. This, along with other facts, indicates that the proposed pfd limits are, indeed, much more adequate than the current ones.     

Time diversity evaluation for attenuation mitigation method using attenuation data in Thailand and Japan

In order to support future satellite broadcasting and communication in the Ka band and above, the time diversity method provides a novel attenuation mitigation technique for maintaining satellite service availability at levels between 99.9 and 99.99%. In this paper, the time diversity method is analyzed using various time delays from between 1 min and 1 h in an effort to mitigate convective rain attenuation by using various beacon signal transmission delays. For comparison purposes, receiver beacon data from Japan and Thailand are presented to highlight tropical and non‐tropical zone regional differences, and the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) R P.618‐12 standard is used for scaling up the Thaicom beacon frequencies from 12.57 and 12.59 GHz in the Ku band to 19.45 GHz, which is the Ka band frequency used by Japan's communication satellite (CS) beacon. We found that the time diversity method is very useful for mitigating the effects of rain attenuation. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Fixed satellite service frequency allocations and orbit assignmentprocedures for commercial satellite systems

The international regulatory framework which resulted form the 1988 International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Conference on Space Services (ORB-88) and its potential effect on the implementation of US satellite systems are discussed. The impact of several significant results of ORB-88 on the ability of the FCC to assign geostationary satellite orbital positions within the US and to secure international protection for these assignments is reviewed. A table of fixed satellite service frequency allocations in North, Central, and South America is given     

一种Ka/Ku双波段双极化共口径阵列天线

由于运载能力及卫星平台的限制,星载雷达要求雷达天线具有重量轻、功耗低、体积小、效率高等特点,尤其是对天线口径面积限制较为苛刻,双频段天线要想适用于星载条件,就必须考虑全新的结构形式。介绍了一种适应于星载条件的Ka/Ku双波段双极化共口径阵列天线,其中Ku波段天线双极化工作、Ka波段天线单极化工作。Ku波段天线阵采用了具有两阶零点滤波性能的微带耦合馈电辐射缝隙单元,这种天线单元具有易实现双极化、工作频带宽等优点。Ka波段天线阵采用侧馈微带帖片天线单元,其优点是易于实现与Ku波段天线共孔径。     

Satellite communications at KU, KA, and V bands: Propagation impairments and mitigation techniques

This article surveys the alternative fade mitigation techniques for satellite communication systems operating at Ku, Ka and V frequency bands. The specific phenomena influencing the propagation of radiowaves on Earth-space links are also overviewed. Emphasis is placed on modeling, experimental work carried out in the past, and practical implementations related to each mitigation technique.     

Can satellites unblock the Internet?

Anyone who has surfed the Internet knows how slow it can be. Some have even suggested that it could become entirely gridlocked early in the next millennium. The author explains how satellites could help avert such a catastrophe. The primary advantage of a satellite system for Internet delivery is the same as it is for other types of communication: coverage area. A single satellite in geostationary orbit can serve approximately one third of the planet's surface, so three can cover most of the world's population. For regions where terrestrial infrastructure is limited or nonexistent, satellite coverage may be the only option. The author discusses the proposed Teledesic broadband low Earth satellite system operating in the Ku band, which is backed by Microsoft, and its only direct competitor SkyBridge which is backed by Alcatel and Loral. The author also discusses the geosynchronous Earth orbit broadband satellite systems. The commercial viability of these systems is discussed     

Total CNIDR degradation during rain fade conditions of a dual polarized satellite link suffering from double adjacent satellite interference

Atmospheric impairments have a significant influence on the performance of modern satellite communication networks, working at Ku, Ka and potentially Q/V frequency bands. Both differential rain attenuation from an adjacent satellite system, operating at the same frequency range, and cross‐polarization phenomena on dual polarized satellite systems due to rain and ice crystals, induce a further aggravation on the already limited signal‐to‐noise‐plus‐total‐interference ratio (CNIDR), due to the frequency and orbital congestion of today's global communication satellite constellation. In the present paper, a new statistical methodology, towards the modelling of CNIDR under rain fade conditions, is proposed to include interference effects by two adjacent satellites, incorporating the impact of correlated fading channels (spatial rainfall inhomogeneity) of multiple slant paths. The method is based on a convective raincell model and the lognormal assumption for both the point rain‐rate statistics and the slant‐path rain attenuation. The obtained numerical results indicate the significant impact of the second interfering satellite on the aggravation of total interference effects. Some simple mathematical formulas for the prediction of the CNIDR, based on the derived theoretical results, and demonstrating the influence of various link parameters on the total link availability statistics, are also presented. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A Novel Mobile Antenna for Ku‐Band Satellite Communications

A mobile antenna for multimedia communications with Ku‐band geostationary satellite KOREASAT‐3 and JSAT‐2A is presented. The forward link of the satellite communication is 11.7 to 12.75 GHz, and the return link is 14.0 to 14.5 GHz. The mobile antenna is designed to be a stair structure using 24 active phased array elements in order to provide a low profile, and to be at a non‐periodic array distance using the genetic algorithm. Also, the designed antenna uses the double beam forming method for stable satellite tracking. The fabricated mobile antenna is examined using various experiments to confirm its capability for practical application. From the measured results, the fabricated mobile antenna system is confirmed to have a good performance.     

Assessment of spatial and temporal properties of Ka/Q band earth‐space radio channel across Europe using Alphasat Aldo Paraboni payload

The upcoming migration of satellite services to higher bands, namely, the Ka‐ and Q/V‐bands, offers many advantages in terms of bandwidth and system capacity. However, it poses challenges as propagation effects introduced by the various atmospheric phenomena are particularly pronounced in these bands and can become a serious constraint in terms of system reliability and performance. This paper presents the goals, organisation, and preliminary results of an ongoing large‐scale European coordinated propagation campaign using the Alphasat Aldo Paraboni Ka/Q band signal payload on satellite, performed by a wide scientific consortium in the framework of a European Space Agency (ESA) project. The main objective of this activity is the experimental characterisation of the spatial and temporal correlation over Europe of the radio channel at Ka and Q band for future modelling activities and to collect data for development and testing of fading mitigation techniques.     

A power-sharing multiple-beam mobile satellite in Ka band

This paper presents a new power-sharing multiple-beam mobile satellite system concept in the Ka band. A wide allocated bandwidth and a large amount of frequency reuse based on hundreds to thousands of small spot beams will allow us to draw a drastically new mobile satellite systems concept in the Ka band. At first, requirements for beam size on the surface of the Earth for various signal transmissions are considered. Based on these requirements, Ka band geostationary systems with 3.5 and 10 m satellite antennas are shown. If the number of beams is hundreds to thousands, it is not appropriate to assume a fixed power transmitter for each beam because the traffic in each beam is not uniform or static. In order to cope with this multiple-beam-varying traffic problem, this paper proposes a new type offset reflector antenna fed through an equal phase-shift active array. The proposed active array consists of hundreds to thousands of equal phase-shift elements. Features and simulated performances of the proposed transmitting antenna are presented. Preliminary experimental results from a 2.1 m reflector fed through 332 hollow elements are also shown. Since each beam commonly utilizes all active array elements, power sharing among beams is possible, allowing traffic variation among beams without loss of power efficiency     

Gunn-Effect Amplifiers for Microwave Communication Systems in X, Ku, and Ka Bands

This paper describes the design and performance of small-signal stable multistage Gunn-effect reflection-type amplifiers for communication systems in X, Ku, and Ka bands. A single-stage design approach is developed, based on measured small-signal Z parameters of the Gunn diodes. This technique is then applied to a microstrip medium at lower frequencies (X and Ku bands) and to a coax/waveguide hybrid structure at Ku band. Performance of a two-stage amplifier is described in the bands 11.7 to 12.2 GHz and 14.0 to 14.5 GHz. In high Ka band, performance of both a two- and a four-stage amplifier is presented.     

On the interference from space research service uplink transmissions into the inter‐satellite links of a non‐GSO system operating in the 22‐GHz band

This paper presents a compatibility analysis involving space research service lunar mission uplink transmissions and the inter‐satellite links of non‐geostationary orbit systems operating in the 22‐GHz band. Three points differentiate this analysis from the currently available studies: (1) the mathematical model used here allows for the consideration of the time varying nature of the inclination of the Moon orbital plane; (2) besides the usual unconditional interference cumulative distribution functions, this analysis also considers the conditional cumulative distribution functions given that the victim satellite is receiving interference, important to characterize the interference affecting users that, because of their location, are most of the time using satellites, which are under interference; and (3) instead of dynamic time simulation, the analytical method in Recommendation ITU‐R S.1529 is used to determine the various cumulative distribution functions involved. Four scenarios are examined in the paper. Their main differences concern the number and location of the space research service transmitting Earth stations and the strategy under which they are active (transmitting). In all scenarios, cumulative distribution functions of the ratio I/N were determined for both the in‐band and the out‐of‐band interference cases. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

COMETS experiments for advanced mobile satellite communications and advanced satellite broadcasting

The Communications and Broadcasting Engineering Test Satellite (COMETS) was developed to evaluate Ka‐band (31/21GHz) and millimetre‐wave (47/44 GHz) advanced mobile satellite communications systems, 21GHz advanced satellite broadcasting systems, and S‐band and Ka‐band inter‐orbit satellite communications systems. COMETS was launched because it was to become the new ‘bridge’ toward advanced satellite communications technologies in the next century, but the launch on 21 February 1998 regretfully failed due to premature shut down of the second stage engine of the H‐II launch rocket. After this accident, the initial low elliptic orbit of COMETS was improved by the apogee engine to a larger elliptic orbit with an apogee altitude of 17711km, a perigee altitude of 473 km, an inclination of 30.1°, and an orbital period of 319 min. Original and modified COMETS experimental plans, countermeasures in earth stations for the orbiting satellite, as well as an overview of the COMETS satellite and ground terminals are presented. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Evaluation of the guaranteed handover algorithm in satellite constellations requiring mutual visibility

Handover is one of the key subjects in maintaining the quality of service offered by non‐geostationary constellation systems. As the satellite coverage moves according to the satellite motion, the continuity of a call must be maintained from one satellite to another. In case the handover fails, the call is dropped, resulting in a quality of service degradation. This paper proposes several handover procedures that guarantee a successful handover in non‐geostationary satellite constellations requiring mutual visibility. Reservations at next satellite must be done in advance in order to avoid call drops. Several handover performance metrics (such as call blocking probability, call dropping probability and handover rate) are presented for each procedure as a function of traffic load variation. Comparisons of handover performance metrics between these procedures are presented as well. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Alphasat Aldo Paraboni,an advanced Q/V band mission space segment

This paper provides an overview of the space segment of the Aldo Paraboni mission on the Alphasat satellite and the technology programme that has developed one of the most powerful geostationary satellites in Europe. The Aldo Paraboni technology demonstration payload, funded by ASI under European Space Agency's Advanced Research in Telecommunications System Programme, was embarked as a hosted payload on the Alphasat satellite, launched on 25 July 2013. The Aldo Paraboni payload is composed of two main elements, an experimental communication payload operating at Q/V bands (COMEX) and a scientific payload formed by 2 beacons at Ka and Q bands (SCIEX). The Aldo Paraboni payload is a key technology element of the Aldo Paraboni Mission, which covers two main objectives: the communication segment of the mission aims at assessing the performance of satellite communication links at Q/V bands and investigating use Fade Mitigation Techniques (FMT, eg, Adaptive Coding and Modulation defined in DVB‐S2 standard), while the scientific segment aims at characterizing in time, space, and frequency the K and Q band radio channel over Europe to permit development and improvement of propagation channels for slant paths.     

Services, technologies, and systems at Ka band and beyond-a survey

This paper discusses system and technology aspects crucial to the development of satellite communications at Ka band (20-30 GHz) and beyond. It surveys the evolution of Ka band geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) satellite communications until the present stage of development of systems for direct-to-user (DTU) provision of interactive multimedia services worldwide. Then it discusses the attenuation problem and main technical issues of this new technology. Finally, it provides a view on experiments and technological developments at extremely high-frequency (EHF) bands