Abstract: A system and method for providing upstream adaptive modulation. Burst parameters associated with a range of data interval usage codes (IUCs) are defined. Each of the data IUCs has a different modulation order and forward error correction (FEC). The SNR and codeword error rate for each satellite modem in the network are monitored. The data IUCs are dynamically assigned to different satellite modems within an upstream channel based on SNR and/or codeword error rate to enable each of the satellite modems in the upstream channel to achieve maximum bandwidth efficiency during upstream data transmissions. Bandwidth requests are received from the satellite modems and granted. The grant includes the assigned data IUC. The data bursts received in the upstream channel are each processed using the parameters from the assigned IUC for each of the satellite modems sending data in the upstream channel.

Abstract: An active splitter circuit arrangement includes a first amplification module having a number of first input ports and first output ports. The first amplification module is configured to provide first stage amplification to a received input signal and produce from the amplified input signal a number of output signals, each substantially matching the input signal. Also included is a first gain control device configured to control a gain of the first amplification module. Next, a number of second amplification modules corresponding to the number of output signals has a number of second input ports respectively coupled to the first output ports. Each second amplification module is configured to receive a control signal from the second gain control device, provide second stage amplification to a corresponding one of the number of output signals based upon the control signal and produce an amplified output signal.

Abstract: An active splitter circuit arrangement includes a first amplification module having a number of first input ports and first output ports. The first amplification module is configured to provide first stage amplification to a received input signal and produce from the amplified input signal a number of output signals, each substantially matching the input signal. Also included is a first gain control device configured to control a gain of the first amplification module. Next, a number of second amplification modules corresponding to the number of output signals has a number of second input ports respectively coupled to the first output ports. Each second amplification module is configured to receive a control signal from the second gain control device, provide second stage amplification to a corresponding one of the number of output signals based upon the control signal and produce an amplified output signal.

Abstract: An active splitter circuit arrangement includes a first amplification module having a number of first input ports and first output ports. The first amplification module is configured to provide first stage amplification to a received input signal and produce from the amplified input signal a number of output signals, each substantially matching the input signal. Also included is a first gain control device having a number of gain input ports respectively coupled to the first output ports and a gain output port coupled to at least one of the first input ports. The first gain control device is configured to control a gain of the first amplification module. Next, a number of second amplification modules corresponding to the number of output signals has a number of second input ports respectively coupled to the first output ports.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product for generating and processing upstream channel descriptor (UCD) messages in a DOCSIS-based broadband communications system, such as a DOCSIS-based two-way satellite communications system, is provided. A satellite modem termination system (SMTS) generates a UCD message that includes one or more standard parameters pertaining to an upstream channel of the two-way satellite communications system, wherein the one or more standard parameters are defined in accordance with the DOCSIS protocol, and one or more satellite application-specific parameters pertaining to the upstream channel, wherein the one or more satellite application specific parameters are not provided for by the DOCSIS protocol. The UCD message is transmitted to a satellite modem that extracts both the standard and satellite application-specific parameters for use in managing communication over the upstream channel.

Abstract: A system and method for providing upstream adaptive modulation. Burst parameters associated with a range of data interval usage codes (IUCs) are defined. Each of the data IUCs has a different modulation order and forward error correction (FEC). The SNR and codeword error rate for each satellite modem in the network are monitored. The data IUCs are dynamically assigned to different satellite modems within an upstream channel based on SNR and/or codeword error rate to enable each of the satellite modems in the upstream channel to achieve maximum bandwidth efficiency during upstream data transmissions. Bandwidth requests are received from the satellite modems and granted. The grant includes the assigned data IUC. The data bursts received in the upstream channel are each processed using the parameters from the assigned IUC for each of the satellite modems sending data in the upstream channel.

Abstract: A system and method for providing upstream adaptive modulation. Burst parameters associated with a range of data interval usage codes (IUCs) are defined. Each of the data IUCs has a different modulation order and forward error correction (FEC). The SNR and codeword error rate for each satellite modem in the network are monitored. The data IUCs are dynamically assigned to different satellite modems within an upstream channel based on SNR and/or codeword error rate to enable each of the satellite modems in the upstream channel to achieve maximum bandwidth efficiency during upstream data transmissions. Bandwidth requests are received from the satellite modems and granted. The grant includes the assigned data IUC. The data bursts received in the upstream channel are each processed using the parameters from the assigned IUC for each of the satellite modems sending data in the upstream channel.

Abstract: An active splitter circuit arrangement includes a first amplification module having a number of first input ports and first output ports. The first amplification module is configured to provide first stage amplification to a received input signal and produce from the amplified input signal a number of output signals, each substantially matching the input signal. Also included is a first gain control device having a number of gain input ports respectively coupled to the first output ports and a gain output port coupled to at least one of the first input ports. The first gain control device is configured to control a gain of the first amplification module. Next, a number of second amplification modules corresponding to the number of output signals has a number of second input ports respectively coupled to the first output ports.

Abstract: Satellite communications are carried out using the Data Over Cable Interface Specification (DOCSIS). Satellite modems are notified of upstream channel congestion by inserting a congestion notification message in a medium access protocol (MAP) message for the upstream channel. Specifically, the congestion notification message is inserted in an unused field of the MAP message, such as the explicit congestion notification (ECN) field. The MAP message can also carry other characteristics of the upstream channel, including priority threshold, multicast access burst availability, and available bandwidth.

Abstract: An active splitter circuit arrangement includes a first amplification module having a number of first input ports and first output ports. The first amplification module is configured to provide first stage amplification to a received input signal and produce from the amplified input signal a number of output signals, each substantially matching the input signal. Also included is a first gain control device having a number of gain input ports respectively coupled to the first output ports and a gain output port coupled to at least one of the first input ports. The first gain control device is configured to control a gain of the first amplification module. Next, a number of second amplification modules corresponding to the number of output signals has a number of second input ports respectively coupled to the first output ports.

Abstract: A system and method for providing upstream adaptive modulation. Burst parameters associated with a range of data interval usage codes (IUCs) are defined. Each of the data IUCs has a different modulation order and forward error correction (FEC). The SNR and codeword error rate for each satellite modem in the network are monitored. The data IUCs are dynamically assigned to different satellite modems within an upstream channel based on SNR and/or codeword error rate to enable each of the satellite modems in the upstream channel to achieve maximum bandwidth efficiency during upstream data transmissions. Bandwidth requests are received from the satellite modems and granted. The grant includes the assigned data IUC. The data bursts received in the upstream channel are each processed using the parameters from the assigned IUC for each of the satellite modems sending data in the upstream channel.

Abstract: A system and method for minimizing the frequency error of satellite modem signals at a satellite gateway. The gateway downstream baud (symbol) clock and the elements that control the upstream frequency (i.e., local oscillators in the conversion chain, A/D sample clocks) are locked to a common frequency reference. The gateway sends upstream satellite frequency offset information, such as satellite ephemeris data from which to calculate Doppler offset, to the satellite modem. The satellite modem locks the frequency of the satellite modems master oscillator to the recovered baud rate using a frequency locked loop. The satellite modem uses its master oscillator as the carrier reference for the upstream frequency up conversion. The satellite modem uses or calculates the upstream satellite frequency offset and compensates for this offset by shifting its center frequency.

Abstract: A system and method for providing upstream adaptive modulation. Burst parameters associated with a range of data interval usage codes (IUCs) are defined. Each of the data IUCs has a different modulation order and forward error correction (FEC). The SNR and codeword error rate for each satellite modem in the network are monitored. The data IUCs are dynamically assigned to different satellite modems within an upstream channel based on SNR and/or codeword error rate to enable each of the satellite modems in the upstream channel to achieve maximum bandwidth efficiency during upstream data transmissions. Bandwidth requests are received from the satellite modems and granted. The grant includes the assigned data IUC. The data bursts received in the upstream channel are each processed using the parameters from the assigned IUC for each of the satellite modems sending data in the upstream channel.

Abstract: A portable memory device and method comprises a data storage component; and a wireless receiver operatively connected to the data storage component, wherein the wireless receiver is adapted to receive mobile TV signals. The portable memory device further comprises an interface component adapted to connect to a host computing device. The wireless receiver is adapted to receive radio signals. The wireless receiver is adapted to receive satellite signals. The wireless receiver comprises an antenna; a matching network operatively connected to the antenna; and a radio frequency (RF) receiver chip operatively connected to the matching network. The portable memory device further comprises a demodulator operatively connected to (or integrated in) the RF receiver chip. The data storage component comprises a flash memory unit comprising software code adapted to interface with a host computing device and process data on the host computing device.

Abstract: Satellite communications are carried out using the Data Over Cable Interface Specification (DOCSIS). Satellite modems are notified of upstream channel congestion by inserting a congestion notification message in a medium access protocol (MAP) message for the upstream channel. Specifically, the congestion notification message is inserted in an unused field of the MAP message, such as the explicit congestion notification (ECN) field. The MAP message can also carry other characteristics of the upstream channel, including priority threshold, multicast access burst availability, and available bandwidth.

Abstract: Satellite communications are carried out using the Data Over Cable Interface Specification (DOCSIS). Satellite modems are notified of upstream channel congestion by inserting a congestion notification message in a medium access protocol (MAP) message for the upstream channel. Specifically, the congestion notification message is inserted in an unused field of the MAP message, such as the explicit congestion notification (ECN) field. The MAP message can also carry other characteristics of the upstream channel, including priority threshold, multicast access burst availability, and available bandwidth.

Abstract: A receiver comprises a first Variable Gain Amplifier (VGA) that amplifies an input signal in accordance with a first gain to produce a first amplified signal. The first gain is controlled based on the first amplified signal. The receiver includes a second VGA that produces a second amplified signal responsive to the first amplified signal. The second VGA has a second gain controlled based on the second amplified signal.

Abstract: Provided is a system for implementing gain control in an amplification module comprising a first stage amplifier having a number of first stage input and output ports. The first stage amplifier is configured to provide first stage amplification to a received input signal and produce from the amplified input signal a number of output signals. Also included are a number of second stage amplifiers, each having second stage input and output ports, the second stage input ports being respectively coupled to the first stage output ports and being configured to receive the number of output signals. A gain control device is coupled to at least one from the group including the first stage input ports, the first stage output ports, and the second stage output ports. The gain control device is also configured to control a gain of at least one of the first stage amplifier and one or more of the number of second stage amplifiers.

Abstract: Provided is a method and system for producing a drive signal for a current steering amplifier. An exemplary method comprises receiving a supply voltage signal and a differential input signal as a circuit input. A differential amplifier drive signal is produced in response to the received supply voltage signal, the received differential input signal, and the received differential control signal. The received differential input signal is adjusted to a value where magnitudes of negative and positive components of the differential control signal become equal to one another and are within a predetermined amount of a magnitude of the supply voltage signal.

Abstract: Provided is a system for implementing gain control in an amplification module comprising a first stage amplifier having a number of first stage input and output ports. The first stage amplifier is configured to provide first stage amplification to a received input signal and produce from the amplified input signal a number of output signals. Also included are a number of second stage amplifiers, each having second stage input and output ports, the second stage input ports being respectively coupled to the first stage output ports and being configured to receive the number of output signals. A gain control device is coupled to at least one from the group including the first stage input ports, the first stage output ports, and the second stage output ports. The gain control device is also configured to control a gain of at least one of the first stage amplifier and one or more of the number of second stage amplifiers.