Abstract: A secondary payload interface for payload communications using a primary payload communications channel is provided. The secondary payload interface may include a plurality of input/output couplers which may connect the primary payload communications channel to a secondary payload. The plurality of input/output couplers may establish an isolated secondary payload communications channel within the primary payload communications channel. The secondary payload interface may be designed such that control and telemetry interactions with the operators of the communications satellite are limited.

Abstract: A secondary payload interface for payload communications using a primary payload communications channel is provided. The secondary payload interface may include a plurality of input/output couplers which may connect the primary payload communications channel to a secondary payload. The plurality of input/output couplers may establish an isolated secondary payload communications channel within the primary payload communications channel. The secondary payload interface may be designed such that control and telemetry interactions with the operators of the communications satellite are limited.

Abstract: A method of designing a power line communication system networks is provided. One embodiment of the present invention may include identifying a position of a backhaul point on a medium voltage power line, identifying positions for a plurality of bypass devices on the medium voltage line that are configured to communicate with the backhaul point, determining an anticipated attenuation for a communication link associated with each of the bypass devices, and comparing the anticipated attenuations with a link budget value. If the anticipated attenuation of any of the communication links is greater than the link budget, the method may include further improving the network by changing the coupling conductor or employing lower through loss couplers for select devices.

Abstract: A secondary payload interface for payload communications using a primary payload communications channel is provided. The secondary payload interface may include a plurality of input/output couplers which may connect the primary payload communications channel to a secondary payload. The plurality of input/output couplers may establish an isolated secondary payload communications channel within the primary payload communications channel. The secondary payload interface may be designed such that control and telemetry interactions with the operators of the communications satellite are limited.

Abstract: An apparatus determines a characteristic of a portion of a power line. The apparatus comprises a coupling device in communication with a processor. The coupling device receives a signal from a power line and the processor receives the signal from the coupling device and determines a characteristic of a portion of the power line based on the received signal.