BASEBAND PROCESSOR DEVELOPMENT FOR SS-TDMA COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS

Abstract

An on-board baseband processor concept developed for commercial communications satellite systems planned for the 1990s is described. The baseband processor, which operates in a time-division multiple access mode, provides significant advantages in improved link margins and system flexibility in accommodating varying demands from a large number of users because of its ability to route and control message traffic on an individual basis. This concept is currently being implemented in a proof-of-concept model with the main objective of developing the technology required to support detailed design and fabrication for an experimental satellite to be launched in 1987. This technology development includes serial MSK modems, Clos-type baseband routing switch, a singlechip custom CMOS maximum-likelihood convolutional decoder, and custom LSI implementation of high speed, low power ECL building blocks.