Abstract: In some implementations, a communication device, includes a printed circuit board comprising conductors routed to support a plurality of different configurations of modulation and/or demodulation functionality. The printed circuit board can have multiple analog output interfaces and one or more analog input interfaces, multiple digital network interfaces, and sockets for components including a controller, multiple processors, digital-to-analog converters (DACs), and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). Various processor sockets are interconnected to support the processors in different sockets selectively being used for different functions, e.g., as a modulator, burst processor, channelizer, etc.

Abstract: An antenna pedestal including: a body having an inner cavity defined by a wall and a top ledge; a Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system to provide climate control for the inner cavity; and a door to access the inner cavity of the body, wherein the top ledge supports a mechanical steering.

Abstract: In some implementations, a satellite gateway includes a set of modulators comprising (i) a first modulator to modulate signals for transmission using a first of multiple polarizations, and (ii) a second modulator to modulate signals for transmission using a second of the multiple polarizations. The satellite gateway includes a set of upconverters comprising at least one upconverter for each of the multiple polarizations, wherein each of the upconverters is configured to generate a radiofrequency output by concurrently upconverting multiple intermediate frequency inputs to different frequency ranges. The satellite gateway includes an intermediate frequency distribution network configured to distribute the multiple intermediate frequency output signals from each of the modulators to the inputs of the upconverters. The satellite gateway includes a set of radiofrequency switches that are operable to selectively provide the radiofrequency outputs of the upconverters to antenna feeds for the multiple polarizations.

Abstract: An antenna pedestal including: a body having an inner cavity defined by a wall and a top ledge; a Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system to provide climate control for the inner cavity; and a door to access the inner cavity of the body, wherein the top ledge supports a mechanical steering.

Abstract: In some implementations, methods, systems, and apparatus, including machine-readable media storing executable instructions, are provided for switching radio frequency chains. For example, a gateway for a satellite communication system can include a first radiofrequency chain, a second radiofrequency chain, and a third radiofrequency chain configured to operate in a standby mode. The gateway includes radiofrequency switches configured to (i) switch between coupling the first radiofrequency chain and the third radiofrequency chain to a first antenna feed for the first channel, and (ii) switch between coupling the second radiofrequency chain and the third radiofrequency chain to a second antenna feed for the second channel. The gateway also includes a controller configured to monitor the status of the radiofrequency chains and, based on the monitored status, instruct the radiofrequency switches to switch between different connections of the radiofrequency chains with the antenna feeds.

Abstract: In some implementations, a communication device, includes a printed circuit board comprising conductors routed to support a plurality of different configurations of modulation and/or demodulation functionality. The printed circuit board can have multiple analog output interfaces and one or more analog input interfaces, multiple digital network interfaces, and sockets for components including a controller, multiple processors, digital-to-analog converters (DACs), and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). Various processor sockets are interconnected to support the processors in different sockets selectively being used for different functions, e.g., as a modulator, burst processor, channelizer, etc.

Abstract: An approach is provided for distributing multi-media information from a satellite broadcast system. A hub receives a signal from the satellite broadcast system, wherein the signal represents video information and audio information associated with multiple broadcast channels. The hub centrally demodulates and decodes the received signal for distribution to one of a number of access point devices. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the decoded signal represents uncompressed video and audio information corresponding to one of the broadcast channels. The access point devices convert the received decoded signal for output respective displays (e.g., television sets). The hub can also be equipped with an interface to provide access to a public data network, such as the global Internet. Further, the hub can be supplied with a digital video recording capability.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing content signals received from a plurality of different, and possibly dissimilar, signal sources, such as different satellite networks, and providing a display based on the content of those signals. The apparatus includes a tuner/demodulator for receiving content signals and demodulating the received content signals as programming bitstreams, and one or more access control devices for descrambling any conditional access present in the demodulated programming bitstreams. The apparatus further includes a processor, such as a system chip, which is responsible for all command and control functions. The system chip evaluates conditional access to determine whether the bitstream needs decryption, descrambling, or both, and processes a bitstream from one of the multiple signal sources for display on a suitable output device.

Abstract: An approach is provided for distributing multi-media information from a satellite broadcast system. A hub receives a signal from the satellite broadcast system, wherein the signal represents video information and audio information associated with multiple broadcast channels. The hub centrally demodulates and decodes the received signal for distribution to one of a number of access point devices. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the decoded signal represents uncompressed video and audio information corresponding to one of the broadcast channels. The access point devices convert the received decoded signal for output respective displays (e.g., television sets). The hub can also be equipped with an interface to provide access to a public data network, such as the global Internet. Further, the hub can be supplied with a digital video recording capability.

Abstract: An antenna alignment apparatus and alignment method is used to effectively position an antenna used in a satellite communication system on the satellite orbital arc, and to ensure that a proper antenna polarization is achieved during installation or alignment of a remote station antenna. The apparatus includes a secondary receiving device mounted on the feed arm of the antenna at a specified distance from the primary receiving device located on the primary plane of the antenna. An antenna using this system and method may be properly aligned on the orbital arc using only simple receiving equipment.