Software-defined radio (SDR) payloads offer cost-effective and flexible solutions compared to traditional satellite hardware implementations. They are utilized in various low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite applications, including smaller CubeSat satellites. This article aims to explain why these satellites opt for SDR payloads, highlighting the differences between SDR payloads and traditional hardware implementations, and enumerating their advantages. 

The Difference Between Software-defined Radio Payload and Traditional Hardware Implementation 

Traditional satellite communication systems are predominantly hardware-based, often customized to specific communication needs, including communication protocols and frequency bands. This hardware-centric architecture lacks upgradability and reconfigurability, limiting its utility. In contrast, SDR payloads benefit from a software-centric architecture, enabling reconfiguration and even remote updates. This enables the payload to adapt to different missions. Take YTTEK’s Y.LOAD S as an example: it is an SDR-based X-band satellite payload that can be easily reconfigured via software, thus catering to various communication requirements in LEO satellites.  

Information About Y.LOAD S 

• Operation frequency band is 8.0~8.4GHz for downlink and 14.0~14.5GHz for uplink 
• Compact size for CubeSat (11cmx10cmx3cm) 
• Designed with Xilinx Zynq UltraScale+ XCZU9EG reprogrammable FPGA​ 
• Includes ARM CPU core: Cortex A53, Cortex R5, and Mali-400 MP2​ 

3 Advantages of Software-defined Radio Payload 

Here we enumerate the advantages of SDR payloads to understand this type of device further: 

1. Reconfiguration: The reconfigurable nature allows for multiple communication scenarios to operate using the same hardware. A general-purpose processor enables efficient reuse of circuit elements, reducing the time and cost associated with hardware redesign. 
2. Remote Configuration and Flexibility: SDR systems offer the capability for remote configuration or updates, facilitating convenient bug fixes, upgrades, or optimizations. This functionality allows for in-flight re-tasking and mission repurposing, providing optimal flexibility during actual mission execution. A well-designed software-defined radio payload can be considered an off-the-shelf system component, significantly reducing mission development time and risk. 
3. Simplified Space Qualification: All systems and components must undergo environmental condition testing to ensure satellites operate smoothly in the harsh space environment. The SDR approach simplifies the challenge of space qualification by enabling a shift in focus towards using space-qualified devices instead of costly qualification processes for each customized device. 

These advantages streamline the development time and effort required for new systems and applications, making satellite communication systems more readily available as off-the-shelf products and enhancing overall efficiency in satellite development. 

Software-defined Radio Payload for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

In addition, SDR payloads also find utility in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). YTTEK’s Y.LOAD stands out as a purpose-built payload tailored for UAV applications. Similar to Y.LOAD S, it offers pre-built point-to-point and point-to-multipoint communication software functionalities, meeting the needs of users seeking ready-made solutions for swift deployment.  

LEARN MORE ABOUT Y.LOAD S 

In a report issued by market research firm ABI Research, projections indicate that by the year 2030, the global connections for Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) are anticipated to surge to 175 million, accompanied by a corresponding expansion in the global market size for satellite services, expected to reach $124.6 billion within the same timeframe. The introduction of the 3GPP NTN (Non-Terrestrial Network) standard has injected fresh momentum into the application of satellite communications in the B5G/6G era. Thus, what factors contribute to the escalating significance of satellite communication in the B5G/6G epoch? Let’s scrutinize its paramount importance and indispensability. 

Meeting the Rising Demands of Emerging Applications in the B5G/6G Era  

The demand for higher data traffic and bandwidth is rapidly increasing because of the emergence of new applications such as the Internet of Things (IoT), autonomous driving systems, and emergency communications. Satellite communications are gaining prominence due to their global coverage and stability, which can overcome the limitations of ground-based infrastructure and provide reliable communication support, particularly in remote areas. During special circumstances such as disasters or wars, satellite communications can serve as crucial emergency networks, offering vital communication links. 

Overcoming Challenges and Implementing Solutions in B5G/6G Satellite Testing

Every stage of the development of new satellites, from design to validation and manufacturing testing, is crucial. In the satellite communications development lifecycle, YTTEK offers comprehensive support, from design conception to testing and deployment.

Within the SPACELINK series, YTTEK offers the Y.LOAD S satellite communication payload, a highly flexible X-Band SDR satellite communication device capable of meeting various communication needs and scenarios. The Y.FORCE S is a high-speed satellite modem compliant with CCSDS standards. Its SDR architecture provides high communication adaptability and software upgradeability. Through collaboration with the Taiwan Space Agency, we successfully utilized Y.FORCE S to receive signals from Taiwan’s Forsat-5 and decode signals from the U.S. Landsat-8 and Landsat-9 satellites, validating its performance and reliability.

The satellite testing phase is a crucial and exciting part of the development lifecycle, where satellite communication payloads like Y.LOAD S and satellite modems like Y.FORCE S play vital roles. They provide reliable satellite communication systems, ensuring stable signal connections for tasks including satellite command and control and data transmission during satellite testing.

YTTEK’s Y.FORCE series offers a highly flexible software-defined radio platform in the development and testing scenarios, providing high-bandwidth options. It can serve as a development platform, allowing for quickly constructing a wide-band full-function wireless communication system through MATLAB or C/C++ code. It can also be utilized as a performance tester on the production line to test the RF performance of products.

YTTEK provides a suite of potent resources to facilitate satellite communication development, supporting satellite operators and equipment manufacturers in developing efficient satellite communication systems, and gaining a competitive edge in 3GPP NTN systems. This includes accelerating the design, testing, and manufacturing processes with our powerful instruments and solutions.

The rapidly advancing field of modern wireless communication systems, whether in the context of 5G or satellite communication, has generated an urgent demand for software-defined radio (SDR). The flexibility and reconfigurability of SDR provide significant benefits in dealing with various aspects of modern communication systems, such as handling multiple standards, rapid prototyping, system upgrades, quick deployment, and cost-effectiveness. 

Unveiling the Power of SDR in Modern Wireless Communication Systems

SDR is a communication technology that has revolutionized how wireless transmission devices are designed and implemented. In the past, most components of these devices were created using hardware. However, with the rapid development of various software and hardware technologies, many hardware modules’ functionalities can now be fully realized through software. This means that modules implemented with software can dynamically adjust various transmission technologies or parameters, providing greater flexibility. The use of software-based modules enhances adaptability and proves to be more efficient for developing new technologies compared to traditional hardware approaches. 

SDR showcases exceptional adaptability in a range of fields. It is particularly efficient in military operations, where it supports various communication standards and plays a pivotal role in tasks like wireless spectrum monitoring. In RF testing, its reconfigurable nature provides engineers with a flexible toolset to analyze signals across multiple bands, which ultimately helps in ensuring optimal device performance. 

SDR Technology Paving the Way for Seamless Wireless Development 

YTTEK has developed various products that utilize SDR technology, among which the Y.FORCE series is a wireless platform built on SDR technology. It is designed for wireless system development and research, making constructing a fully functional communication system easy. With Y.FORCE, users can conveniently transmit and receive raw In-Phase/Quadrature (I/Q) data. The platform can work as an arbitrary waveform generator, spectrum analyzer, network analyzer, and signal analyzer, and can be programmed using C++ or Matlab code. 

Y.FORCE SDR Platform in Satcom Application

In satellite communication applications, the high-speed satellite modem Y.FORCE S from the Y.FORCE series has successfully received signals from Taiwan’s Formosat-5 satellite and the U.S. Landsat-8 and Landsat-9. A highly flexible satellite communication payload is crucial in the rapidly evolving landscape of diverse and dynamic communication demands. YTTEK’s Y.LOAD S, an X-Band satellite payload, addresses this need by integrating a SDR architecture and a high-performance FPGA. This innovative design allows for customization to meet the unique communication requirements of our clients, facilitating faster deployment of comprehensive communication systems.  

Satellite / iStockphoto

YTTEK also offers Y.LOAD, a communication payload designed for applications such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). It is equipped with rapid frequency hopping technology, achieving a rate of 1000 hops per second. This capability effectively mitigates signal interference during transmission, proving particularly crucial in applications related to national defense and security. 

YTTEK excels in providing versatile SDR solutions, leveraging adaptability and programmability to enhance communication across diverse domains. Our solutions offer tailored benefits, streamlining development and providing flexible communication solutions. 

The emergence of LEO (Low Earth Orbit) satellites has created exciting possibilities for communication and observation, heralding a new era for technology and business. However, the development of LEO satellites poses numerous challenges, including the rigorous environmental testing and standardization of communication protocols. This article aims to explore and explain the complexities of these specific factors.

Environmental Testing Illusion / PIXABAY

Rigorous Environmental Testing

The testing process of space technology in the LEO satellite domain is crucial to ensure its reliability and resilience in harsh space conditions. As LEO satellites launch into space, they must endure extreme temperature variations and vibrational stress. The term “extreme temperature variations” refers to the sudden shift of the satellite’s temperature from room temperature on Earth’s surface to the extremely low temperatures of space, and the potential for high temperatures when exposed to direct sunlight. These rapid temperature changes can cause stress on the satellite’s structure and materials, which require designs that can withstand such fluctuations.

A satellite being launched into space / PIXABAY

Vibrational stress refers to the intense mechanical vibrations that occur during a satellite launch. These vibrations can affect different satellite parts, making it necessary to conduct detailed vibration testing during the design and manufacturing stages. Exposure to radiation in space is another critical consideration in the rigorous testing of satellites. The space environment is characterized by high levels of radiation, including both solar and cosmic radiation. This can potentially impact the functioning and performance of satellite components.

Standardized Communication Protocols

The absence of standardized communication protocols for LEO satellites poses a current challenge in their development. Some satellite operators, such as SpaceX and Amazon, adopt a vertically integrated approach and develop their own communication protocols. On the other hand, companies like OneWeb and Telesat follow a collaborative strategy by entrusting satellite and terminal designs to traditional satellite manufacturers and terminal system integrators. They adhere to the DVB protocol standard, which is similar to synchronous satellites currently in orbit. It is noteworthy that 3GPP entered the satellite broadband communication domain relatively late. They incorporated NR NTN in R17 and anticipated its practical implementation in R19.

YTTEK’s Advanced Solutions for Satellite Communication

YTTEK offers a range of comprehensive solutions for satellite communication. These include satellite communication payloads, UT-terminal array antennas, and high-speed modems for ground stations. YTTEK’s Y.FORCE S is an X-Band ground station modem that operates using the CCSDS protocol. Distinguishing itself with dual transmit and dual receive RF paths, each capable of supporting a 400MHz bandwidth. This modem will play a pivotal role in receiving communication signals from Taiwan’s domestically developed LEO satellite this year.

YTTEK is enthusiastic about the revolutionary potential of LEO satellites. We aim to leverage these advancements to enhance connectivity, expand communication capabilities, and contribute to the evolution of satellite technology. Through our innovative solutions, we strive to play a crucial role in maximizing the positive impact of LEO satellites on satellite communication.

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