Abstract: A system for providing real-time television broadcasts to aircraft 4 via satellite 2 is described. The broadcast signal 11 is transmitted to the aircraft 4 together with a communications signal 10, forming part of an existing communications network air interface. The system separates the communications signal 10 from the broadcast signal 11 and enables the real-time broadcast to be displayed on-board the aircraft.

Abstract: An OFDM communications system comprises broadcast providers 400, earth stations 100, repeater satellites 200, and receivers 300 (for example mobile receivers). The size of the multiplex can be increased by adding extra channels. Two channels are provided, on the in phase and quadrature components of each subcarrier.

Abstract: A network station receives a principal signal and data. When the principal signal is present or contains information it is transmitted to a receiving station through a communications channel. When the principal signal is absent or does not have a significant information content, the network station transmits the data through the same communications channel in a format such that the data is received and output by a further receiving station.

Abstract: A communication system for communication with a plurality of mobile terminals. A plurality of earth stations are arranged to communicate with mobile users via a plurality of orbiting satellites. A plurality of gateway stations interconnect terrestrial equipment with the earth stations and a store stores access data for the mobile terminals. The mobile terminals are divided into first and second categories, the store retaining corresponding different status information and both the first and second categories communicating with the satellites. Also provided are first and second different communication channels between the gateway stations and the earth stations, and a route control system for selecting one of the first and second channels, in dependence upon the category of a mobile terminal.

Abstract: An interface between a data terminal and a digital communications link implements protocols and frame formats designed to reduce delays in a data communication with a remote terminal. The interface overcomes the need to send or receive an HDLC SABME or UA control signal for establishing an asynchronous balanced mode, and allows data to be sent over the digital communications link as soon as the communication parameters are established. In a non-ARQ (error correction) mode, the interface sends control signals and data over the communications link in frames subdivided into many small subframes of fixed length, each subframe having a length code indicating an amount of valid information but without CRC, address or control information. The interface, when arranged for connection to the data terminal through a telephone network, encodes call progress signals from the telephone network for sending over the digital communications link.

Abstract: A satellite communications system comprises satellites 9A-C, earth stations 7A-E, user terminals 11 and controlling gateways 3 in the form of mobile satellite switching centers 5A-E. Access with a user terminal 11 may be gained to a terrestrial telephone system 1 by earth stations 7A-E contacting the satellites 9A-C and by the satellites contacting the user terminals 11. The satellites 9A-C periodically broadcast messages indicative of the earth station 7A-E with which they are instantly in contact. The user terminal 11 listens to and logs these broadcasts to keep a list of the relative number of times each earth station 7A-E can be heard. When calling into the system, the user terminal pages earth stations in descending order of number of entries in the log. When in contact, the user terminal 11 sends the log to the system. When subsequently trying to contact the user terminal 11, the system uses earth stations in descending order of number of entries on the log, last received from the user terminal.

Abstract: Data is transmitted in a signal comprising a data signal D.sub.m at a frequency within a range B of discrete frequency tones D.sub.0 to D.sub.m-1 representing a predetermined range of digital values, and a pilot signal (36, 37). The signal is received by a circuit comprising a transformer (44 to 54) which transforms the received signal into a set of frequency samples of the pilot signal and a set of frequency samples of the data signal. The samples are input to a correlator (58) which correlates the set of frequency samples of the pilot signal with the set of frequency samples of the data signal at each of the discrete frequency tones in order to identify the discrete frequency tone to which the frequency of the data signal corresponds. In this way, the digital value represented by the data signal can be identified. The circuit is suitable for use in a radio pager for receiving data signal transmissions from a distant source which may be transmitted from a satellite.

Abstract: A folded dipole microstrip antenna is disclosed herein. The microstrip antenna includes a dielectric substrate for defining a first mounting surface and a second mounting surface substantially parallel thereto. A folded dipole radiative element is mounted on the second mounting surface. The microstrip antenna further includes a microstrip feed line, mounted on the first surface, for exciting the radiative element in response to an excitation signal. In a preferred implementation of the microstrip antenna an excitation signal is applied to the microstrip feed line through a coaxial cable. In such a preferred implementation the folded dipole radiative element includes a continuous dipole arm arranged parallel to first and second dipole arm segments separated by an excitation gap. The feed element is mounted in alignment with the excitation gap and is electrically connected to the continuous dipole arm.

Abstract: A folded dipole microstrip antenna is disclosed herein. The microstrip antenna includes a dielectric substrate for defining a first mounting surface and a second mounting surface substantially parallel thereto. A folded dipole radiative element is mounted on the second mounting surface. The microstrip antenna further includes a microstrip feed line, mounted on the first surface, for exciting the radiative element in response to an excitation signal. In a preferred implementation of the microstrip antenna an excitation signal is applied to the microstrip feed line through a coaxial cable. In such a preferred implementation the folded dipole radiative element includes a continuous dipole arm arranged parallel to first and second dipole arm segments separated by an excitation gap. The feed element is mounted in alignment with the excitation gap and is electrically connected to the continuous dipole arm.