Satellite Communications (SATCOM)

Satellite Communications (SATCOM)

Earth stations require an accurate, low-phase-noise frequency reference to support high data rates and complex digital modulation.

Earth stations require an accurate, low-phase-noise frequency reference to support high data rates, carrier frequencies, and complex digital modulation.

Satellite Communications (SATCOM)

Satellite Communications (SATCOM)

Earth stations require an accurate, low-phase-noise frequency reference to support high data rates and complex digital modulation.

Time & Frequency Standards

We can reliably provide you the most precise and stable GPS-derived time & frequency equipment in the world.

Distribution

Our distribution amplifiers create multiple isolated copies of pulse, frequency and time code signals.

Satellite communication (SATCOM) systems, much like terrestrial systems, are pressured to increase bandwidth to support modern, triple-play services.  SATCOM is challenged as they must provide higher data rates within a confined, licensed, radio spectrum.  To provide high-reliability services to mission-critical applications, reference frequencies to earth-station equipment must be accurate, stable and have ultra-low phase noise.  A GPS-based time and frequency standard is the optimal solution.
 

Complex Digital Modulation Requires Low Phase Noise

The continued quest for maximum spectral efficiency has resulted in new digital modulation techniques such as QPSK, 8-PSK and 16-PSK. These complex techniques support higher data rates but are noise sensitive due to the small phase shifts. To ensure sufficient signal-to-noise ratios, an ultra-low phase noise reference is required.

GPS Time and Frequency Standard

A GPS time and frequency standard locks to the atomic-clock-based, GPS satellite signals to produce a frequency reference with excellent accuracy and stability. When equipped with a special, oven-controlled-crystal-oscillator (OCXO), reference frequencies are generated with ultra-low phase noise. The GPS time and frequency standard provides a common reference to the up-converters, down-converters, modems, and encryption devices to ensure they operate to earth station frequency specifications.

High Reliability Frequency Reference for Large Earth Stations

Large earth stations support require a higher level of reliability and redundancy. For a high-reliability frequency reference, redundant GPS time and frequency standards are combined with a distribution system. The distribution system monitors the status of the GPS references and automatically switches to the healthy system when a fault is detected. The distribution system supplies multiple "copies" of the selected frequency reference to earth station equipment to meet quality of service requirements.