Abstract: A thin film circuit, particularly desirable for satellite communications, mixes RF and an LO giga-hertz-range input signals to yield an IF signal by splitting the LO and RF signals into two, with a 180 degree phase shift introduced into one of the resulting signals. The LO and RF signals are then each mixed in parallel mixers. The outputs of the mixers have the IF signal with spurious (spur) signals in frequencies that are multiples of the frequencies of the RF or LO signals. The outputs are mixed together so that some of the spur signals cancel each other out and the IF signals are added in phase.

Abstract: A signal repeater includes a port, an amplifier, and an adaptive device. The port is configured to connect to an electrical line of an electrical grid between devices. Communication over the electrical line and between the devices includes transmission of a first signal. The port is configured to receive the first signal from the electrical line. An amplifier is configured to receive a second signal based on the first signal, and amplify the second signal. The port is configured to receive the amplified second signal, and provide the amplified second signal to the electrical line. An adaptive device is configured to, based on the first signal, adjust an output impedance of the signal repeater to match a first impedance of a load on the signal repeater. The first impedance is seen by the signal repeater at the port, and wherein the first impedance includes an impedance of the electrical line.

Abstract: An evanescent wireless network system for space equipment items integrated, or intended to be integrated, in a satellite, and including a set of smart couplers, integrated or not with said space equipment items, said smart couplers including wireless communication means, forming an embedded wireless network; and a computer configured for wireless communication, which can be connected to said embedded wireless network, and including software enabling access to the embedded wireless network, in order to at least collect information relating to the operation of said space equipment items in a non-intrusive manner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing broadband signals to a portable user device is disclosed. Broadband signals, such as satellite radio signals, are received at a base station having a plurality of antennas. The content of the broadband signals are then encoded using space time coding (STC), and the STC encoded broadband content is transmitted from the plurality of antennas via a first wireless network protocol. The STC encoded broadband content can be received at a portable user device having a plurality of antennas or at a wireless access point having a plurality of antennas, which then transmit the broadband signals via a second wireless network protocol.

Abstract: The invention provides a computer-implemented system (and corresponding method) arranged and configured to manage, manipulate or monitor a plurality of devices provided in association with a unit. The unit may be a vehicle or structure, such as an automotive vehicle, a boat, a trailer or building. The vehicle or structure may be an incident command unit. The invention enables a user to monitor or manage the plurality of devices via a consolidated interface. The plurality of devices may include a satellite support mechanism supporting satellite-related equipment provided in association with the unit; and the system may comprise a satellite controller component to enable a user to manipulate and/or re-orientate the satellite support mechanism via the consolidated interface.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for robust scheduling of beam switching patterns in satellite communications systems. Embodiments operate in context of a hub-spoke satellite communications architecture having a number of gateway terminals servicing large numbers of user terminals over a number of spot beams. The satellite includes switching subsystems that distribute capacity to the user beams from multiple of the gateway terminals in a shared manner according to a beam group switching pattern. The beam group switching pattern is robustly formulated to continue distributing capacity during gateway outages (e.g., when one or two gateway terminals are temporarily non-operational due to rain fade, equipment failure, etc.). For example, the beam group switching pattern can be formulated to minimize worst-case degradation of capacity across user beams, to prioritize certain beams or beam groups, etc.

Abstract: A signal processing technology for allowing a repeater to transmit a signal received from an external apparatus to a terminal is provided. In a satellite system, a signal transmitted from a satellite or transmitted to a satellite is subject to a low order modulation, and a terrestrial repeater performs a high order modulation on signals and retransmits the signals.

Abstract: An architecture and protocol enables signal communications between either a frequency translation module and a decoder within a dwelling, or between an antenna and a decoder within a dwelling. According to an exemplary embodiment, the decoder comprises a switch 33 between the low noise block converter power supply, and a transceiver and output coupling. The switch 33 generates a high impedance during operation of the frequency translation module and the LNB power supply 38, thereby isolating the transceiver and the output coupling from the LNB power supply. The switch generates a low impedance between the LNB power supply and the transceiver and output coupling during operation of the LNB power supply.

Abstract: Provided are a method and an apparatus for transmitting a frame in a wireless communication system including a relay station. A base station sets a frame including a downlink (DL) access zone for transmitting a signal to the relay station and a DL relay zone for transmitting the signal to the relay station or a terminal, and transmits the frame. The DL access zone comprises a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) midamble for the terminal and the DL relay zone comprises an R-amble as an additional MIMO midamble.

Abstract: A communications method for retransmission of at least one fragment of a lost or erroneous message from a terminal to a gateway over a communications network comprising a plurality of terminals, communicating over a demand assignment multiple access and comprising a control center allocating the communications resource to the terminals, comprises: detection, by the gateway, of fragments of lost or erroneous messages and, when at least one fragment is detected, notification via the gateway to the control center of the loss of at least one fragment; calculation, by the control center, of a second allocation plan taking into account a new transmission of the fragment; notification by the gateway to the terminal of the loss of the fragment and notification by the control center to the terminal of the second allocation plan; transmission by the terminal of the lost fragment according to the second allocation plan to the gateway.

Abstract: A transceiver receives linearly polarized signals from two geostationary satellites. The transceiver includes a first and second waveguide to form two receiving beam patterns with a maximum gain in angular directions different from each other. At one end of each waveguide, two receiving elements orthogonal to each other are provided. Four converting units convert, using a common local oscillator, the carrier frequency of the four signal components received from the two pairs of receiving elements into an intermediate frequency. A combining unit linearly combines the converted signal components, based on weights representing phase shifting and/or amplification of signal components. A weight input unit receives the weights to be used in the combining unit.

Abstract: A method for providing satellite communications coverage for a geographical area includes operating a plurality of gateways including a first gateway and a second gateway. The first gateway is configured to utilize at least one first spot beam associated with at least one first coverage area, and the second gateway is configured to utilize at least one second spot beam associated with at least one second coverage area. As part of a phased deployment, the at least one second coverage area is expanded to include at least one third coverage area, and the second gateway is configured to provide relayed satellite communications to the plurality of second subscriber terminals located in the at least one second coverage area and to a plurality of third subscriber terminals located in the at least one third coverage area.

Abstract: A system for protecting a power unit on a spacecraft may include a ground station. The ground station may include a power unit loading estimation and monitoring module for estimating a power loading level on a power unit of the spacecraft power unit. The ground station may also include a ground station power limiter to regulate a power of a signal for transmission from the ground station to the spacecraft to prevent overloading the spacecraft power unit. The power of the signal for transmission to the spacecraft may be regulated based at least in part on an estimated power loading level on the power unit of the spacecraft.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling communication between a satellite transceiver and a ground transceiver, where the satellite transceiver is configured to receive concurrently a plurality of messages at substantially the same carrier frequency from a plurality of ground transceivers. The satellite transceiver transmits a priority threshold indicative of a priority rating of a message that authorizes the ground transceiver to transmit the message to the satellite transceiver. The ground transceiver receives the priority threshold transmitted by the ground transceiver, and determines if the message is authorized to be transmitted based on a comparison of the priority threshold and the priority rating of the message to be transmitted.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling communication between a satellite transceiver and a ground transceiver, where the satellite transceiver is configured to receive concurrently a plurality of messages at substantially the same carrier frequency from a plurality of ground transceivers. The satellite transceiver transmits a time reference signal. The ground transceiver receives the time reference signal, and determines a transmit time that the ground transceiver is authorized to transmit a message based on an identification number of the ground transceiver.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling communication between a satellite transceiver and a ground transceiver, where the satellite transceiver is configured to receive concurrently a plurality of messages at substantially the same carrier frequency from a plurality of ground transceivers. The satellite transceiver transmits a priority threshold indicative of a transmit power that a ground transceiver is authorized to use to transmit a message. The ground transceiver receives the priority threshold transmitted by the ground transceiver, and determines a transmit power of the transmitter to transmit a message based on a comparison of the priority threshold and a priority rating of the message.

Abstract: Described herein are methods, systems, apparatuses and products for managing location services in wireless networks. One aspect provides for broadcasting an identifier from a terrestrial wireless device in a determinable position; repeatedly changing the identifier broadcast from the terrestrial wireless device; and associating a current identifier broadcast from the terrestrial wireless device with a physical location. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for a satellite communication system comprising: a processor to determine at least one out of a phase offset for a frequency channel of a plurality of frequency channels demultiplexed from a carrier to compensate for group delay variation within the carrier and a gain offset for the frequency channel to compensate for gain variation within the carrier, wherein the processor is further configured to apply the at least one out of the determined phase offset and gain offset to the frequency channel before the carrier is reformed from said plurality of frequency channels. The invention therefore provides a way of digitally compensating for any undesired gain and group delay introduced by, for example, analogue components such as filters in the satellite communication system.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for managing and coordinating the delivery of information content in a manner that makes efficient use of the bandwidth of satellite based transponders being used to relay the information content to the mobile platforms. The apparatus makes use of a content management coordinator system having a graphical user interface (GUI). The GUI interfaces with one or more mobile platform operators to allow each of the operators to define the criteria by which various types of information content to be supplied to the mobile platforms. The apparatus further includes a file spaced storage monitoring subsystem which allows the file storage space available on each mobile platform to be monitored, and files deleted therefrom if necessary, to ensure that newly requested information content can be stored by the mobile platform.

Abstract: A multi-band low-profile, low-volume two-way mobile panel array antenna system is described. Operation of the antenna may automatically switch between bands based on various user-entered parameters.

Abstract: A satellite receive unit for receiving a plurality of satellite signals from a plurality of satellites, the satellite receive unit including: a plurality of low noise blocks each for receiving one or more of the satellite signals and providing a received signal, at least one of the low noise blocks receiving a plurality of the satellite signals; and a satellite signal processing unit including a plurality of branches each arranged to receive a corresponding one of the received signals from the plurality of low noise blocks, each branch having a multiplier arranged to weight the received signal by multiplying by a corresponding coefficient; and an adder arranged to add the weighted signals of each branch to generate an output satellite signal.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention includes a controller to process a criterion for selecting a point-of-interest (POI). The criterion can be based on historical trip data. Data related to a POI, including a community-of-interest rating, for example, can be accessed through a satellite and terrestrial mobile communication network. Multiple POIs can be graphically represented for user selection based on the criterion and/or other data. Once a POI is selected, data related to the selected POI, including navigation data, can be displayed. In another embodiment, the controller can access navigation data to a specified destination. The navigation data can be based on historical trip data such as route segments and destination areas. The navigation data can be accessed from an in-vehicle system or from a navigation service provider and can be displayed to assist a user in reaching the specified destination.

Abstract: An observation satellite is used for obtaining information about electromagnetic energy emitted from the earth. The observation satellite orbits the earth in an orbit having an inclination larger than 90° and smaller than 270°. Further, the observation satellite comprises at least one receiving antenna, the at least one receiving antenna having a receiving pattern directed towards the earth, and suitable for receiving electromagnetic energy in the radio frequency range as the observation satellite is orbiting relative to the surface of the earth. The observation satellite also comprises a transmitter configured for at least one of: (i) retransmitting the received electromagnetic energy, (ii) transmitting information representing the received electromagnetic energy, and (iii) transmitting information derived from the received electromagnetic energy. The invention also relates to systems and methods therefor.

Abstract: Satellite communications methods include receiving communications signals including co-channel interference at a space-based component from a plurality of wireless terminals in a satellite footprint over a satellite frequency band and reducing interference in the communication signals by (a) performing co-channel interference reduction on the communications signals to generate a plurality of interference reduced signals and (b) performing multiple access interference cancellation on the interference reduced signals. An interference reducing detector for a satellite communications system includes an interference reducer configured to perform co-channel interference reduction on communications signals to generate a plurality of interference reduced signals, and a detector configured to perform multiple access interference cancellation on the interference reduced signals. Satellite communications systems and satellite gateways including interference reducing detectors are also disclosed.

Abstract: A satellite communication system for providing communications between user terminals and gateways constituted with m primary satellites. In one embodiment, n back up satellites are also provided. Further, each satellite, primary or back-up, is equipped to project N/m beams onto and across an area in a loosely-packed array manner. M of the m primary and n back-up satellites collectively create N beam spots to cover the area. Moreover, each sub-area is covered by a beam spot separated from another sub-area covered by another beam spot by one beam width. Each satellite is also equipped to facilitate communication over 1 of m band of frequencies on one beam. AS a result, any of the m primary satellites may be efficiently replaced on demand by a selected one of the n back-up satellites. The gateways and user terminals are configured to communicate signals through or with both or either the primary and back-up satellites.

Abstract: A payload switching architecture for LEO satellite networks minimizes processing and storage requirements of payloads for deployment as small primary or secondary payloads, payloads perform only forwarding functions. Forwarding rules are provisioned in the payloads enabling them to reroute in case of failures or congestion without intervention from a ground station. Configuration rules are provisioned in the payloads enabling them to dynamically establish and remove interplane crosslinks without intervention from a ground station. The central network operations center on the ground computes forwarding rules and configuration rules for payloads and uploads the rules to the payloads.

Abstract: A technique for configuring, in real time, an equipment item receiving and processing primary signals which are transmitted to it by satellite link, the technique including transmitting secondary signals with frequencies spread over a band at least partially overlapping a frequency band occupied by the primary signals, the secondary signals including signalling parameters which are used, in real time, by the equipment item to configure processing applied to the primary signals. The technique is applicable to dynamic switching of beams in a multi-beam satellite and to dynamic switching of frames, for example in a time-division multiple access system.

Abstract: A multimedia information receiving apparatus receives multimedia information which is transmitted by a broadcast system and receives multimedia information which is simultaneously transmitted by another transmission system such as IP communications, and generates one received information by selecting elements having a few errors from elements of demodulated broadcast system information and elements of demodulated other transmission system information and then arranging the selected elements.

Abstract: The performance of a repeater path may be predicted by identifying the parameters of a transmitting earth, a receiving earth station, and the component performance parameters of at least one of the gain, loss and noise figure of at least one of repeater components in the repeater path. The component performance parameters, the transmitting and receiving earth station parameters, and the predicted repeater performance may be communicated and/or displayed via a graphical user interface.

Abstract: A method of provisioning a communications link between remote terminals within a hub-spoke network comprising receiving, by a first remote terminal, information about a second remote terminal from a hub, selecting, by the first remote terminal, a modulation factor, coding rate, symbol rate, center frequency, and power level based on the information received about the second remote terminal, transmitting, by the first remote terminal, a signal using at least one of the selected modulation factor, coding rate, symbol rate, center frequency, and power level, to the second remote terminal such that a communications link is created, and adjusting the modulation factor, coding rate, symbol rate, center frequency, or power level of the transmitted signal such that performance of the link is increased while maintaining a presence of the link.

Abstract: A method is described for controlling a data unit receiver or a data unit sender. The data unit receiver or sender comprise a gap response procedure for responding to gaps in the sequence of data units received at the receiver. A reordering detection procedure S12 is provided for detecting a reordering indication indicative of a potential re-ordering of data units in the course of a transmission from sender to receiver, and the gap response procedure is adapted in response to detecting a re-ordering indication.

Abstract: According to an aspect of this disclosure, a mobile communication device is provided comprising a positioning circuit configured to determine the geographical position of the mobile communication device; a requester configured to generate a request for information about the geographical position of the mobile communication device; a location management circuit configured to receive an indication of the determined geographical position of the mobile communication device from the positioning circuit; receive the request from the requester, process the request and provide information about the geographical position of the mobile communication device based on the result of the processing of the request and based on the indication of the geographical position of the mobile communication device to the requester.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods relating to synchronization of communication equipment are disclosed. Synchronization information received from a bonded communication link can be used to synchronize local and/or remote communication equipment, such as femtocell sites coupled to nodes in a ring network. This may involve isolating a frequency reference signal from a DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) communication link which is a constituent link of a bonded communication link, for example. In a ring network, received synchronization information could be used in synchronizing a locally connected installation of communication equipment, and passed for transmission in the ring network for synchronizing other communication equipment. Such dropping and passing of an analog frequency reference signal could be applied in networks having other topologies as well. At least some embodiments of the invention are applicable to optical links.

Abstract: System and methods provide tracking capabilities by one or a plurality of satellites for a mobile terrestrial terminal. A user requests that a satellite track a particular mobile terrestrial terminal. If the user privilege level allows for this level of control, the satellite adjusts to track the identified terminal. One method for tracking involves the use of a steerable antenna in which the antenna steers to maintain a footprint over the identified mobile terminal. Another method for tracking involves moving the satellite itself to maintain a footprint over the identified mobile terminal. The tracking functionality may utilize a closed loop tracking method.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are described for managing satellite communications through the deployment of a fleet of multi-beam satellites serving overlapping and non-overlapping spot beams. In these methods, systems, and devices, a first communication service associated with a relatively wider spot beam of a first satellite is provided to a first coverage area having multiple terminals. A second communication service associated with a relatively narrower spot beam (e.g., high-gain spot beam) of a second satellite is provided to a second coverage area located within the first coverage area. A subset of terminals located within the second coverage area is identified, and the terminals of the identified subset are transitioned from the first communication service of the wide spot beam of the first satellite to the second communication service of the high-gain spot beam of the second satellite.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a satellite communications system includes first and second receivers, splitters, and combiners. The first receiver is configured to receive a first microwave communications signal; and the first splitter is coupled to the first receiver and configured to split the first microwave communications signal into at least first and second channels. The second receiver is configured to receive a second microwave communications signal; and the second splitter is coupled to the second receiver and configured to split the second microwave communications signal into at least third and fourth channels. The first combiner is coupled to the first and second splitters and configured to combine the first and third channels to form a third microwave communications signal; and the second combiner is coupled to the first and second splitters and configured to combine the second and fourth channels to form a fourth microwave communications signal.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed to enable a fixed or a mobile ground based slave stations (VSAT: Very Small Aperture Terminal) in a communication network to receive TDM transmissions from and transmit TDMA burst transmissions to one or more ground-based gateway stations in a networking system that employs one or more geosynchronous satellites. Each gateway station transmits on one or more forward TDM channels to the slave stations; however, one primary gateway acts as the master station at any given time which transmits the network control messages to the slave stations (VSATs) that control their TDMA transmission behavior on the network.

Abstract: A method (50) for detecting broadcast signals, transmitted by terrestrial sources (40) and received by a satellite (20), in individual signals obtained respectively from different individual antennas (24) of an antenna array (22) of the satellite, includes a first detection iteration (51a) and a second detection iteration (51b), each of the first and second detection iterations including a step (52) of forming, from the individual signals, virtual beams of different respective main radiation directions, and a step of searching for the presence of broadcast signals in the virtual beams. Furthermore, for at least one broadcast signal detected during the first detection iteration, the respective contributions of the at least one detected broadcast signal to the different individual signals are attenuated, relative to the first detection iteration, for all or part of the virtual beams formed during the second detection iteration. A system (10) for detecting broadcast signals is also described.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are disclosed for determining link performance metrics for satellite communication terminals. Using link performance metrics and link performance difference metrics, signal modulation and coding may be decided. Link performance metrics may be determined for individual terminal uplinks and downlinks. Fixed and dynamic link adaptation mechanisms are also disclosed that utilize link performance metrics and link performance difference metrics determined under clear sky and dynamic conditions.

Abstract: Satellite broadcasting methods include providing a cellular satellite communications system configured to transmit information separately to a plurality of different geographic locations defined by a respective plurality of cellular satellite spotbeams, and concurrently transmitting a program signal on a plurality of different spotbeams. The plurality of different spotbeams may include less than a total number of spotbeams of the cellular satellite communications system. The plurality of different spotbeams may be selected adaptively from an available pool of spotbeams based on locations of users requesting the broadcast program signal. Corresponding satellite gateways, broadcast controllers and wireless user terminals are also provided.

Abstract: A method for providing wireless communication services via efficient management of frequency bands includes transmitting uplink communications to a first system on a first frequency. The method also includes receiving downlink communications from the first system on a second frequency. The method may also include transmitting uplink communications to a second system by re-using the second frequency. The method further includes receiving downlink communications from the second system by re-using the first frequency.

Abstract: A communications system for an aircraft carrying at least some personnel having personal electronic devices (PEDs) for wireless data communications outside the aircraft includes a satellite-based communications network that includes a plurality of satellites, at least one access point in the aircraft for providing a wireless local area network (WLAN) for data communications with the PEDs, a plurality of satellite antennas in the aircraft, and a satellite transceiver. The satellite transceiver is coupled to the satellite antennas, and cooperates with the at least one access point for data communications with the satellite-based communications network to the PEDs. At least one selection controller is for selecting a satellite among the plurality of satellites, and for selecting a satellite antenna among the plurality of satellite antennas for the selected satellite.

Abstract: A communications system for an aircraft carrying at least some personnel having personal electronic devices (PEDs) for wireless data communications outside the aircraft includes a ground-based communications network, and a satellite-based communications network. An access point is in the aircraft for providing a WLAN for data communications with the PEDs. An air-to-ground transceiver in the aircraft cooperates with the access point for data communications with the ground-based communications network. A satellite receiver in the aircraft cooperates with the access point for data communications with the satellite-based communications network to the PEDs. At least one network selection controller determines whether to send data communications to the PEDs through the air-to-ground transceiver or the satellite receiver based on a communications link metric.

Abstract: A method of scheduling a transmission with a multi-beam satellite system receives, at a dynamic pricer, a request parameter that is associated with a request to transmit data via a multi-beam satellite system. The method determines a plurality of transmission solutions that satisfy the request parameter. The plurality of transmission solutions are transmitted, from the dynamic pricer, to a transmission requesting device. An indication is received, at the dynamic pricer, as to which particular transmission solution is selected by the transmission requesting device. The multi-beam satellite system is scheduled to transmit a payload in accordance with the selected particular transmission solution. A system is provided that operates the method.

Abstract: A communication systems providing a fault-tolerant communications path for narrow and broad band communication comprising one or more self-powered satellite units each providing signal information to at least one command console through a segmented cable assembly system in operable communication with a central station that receives signal information from the at least one command console and relays signal information back to the command console wirelessly and via the segmented cable assembly system.

Abstract: A satellite communication system comprises a wireless signal transmitter to be mounted to an outdoor satellite signal receiver and an indoor signal receiver to be connected to an output appliance and to wirelessly receive signals from the wireless signal transmitter.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide a satellite communication system including a first transceiver and a second transceiver geographically fixed on the earth, and a first satellite configured to communicate with the first transceiver through a first link. The system further includes a second satellite configured to communicate with the second transceiver through a second link and communicate with the first satellite through a laser communication crosslink. The first satellite and the second satellite are at a low earth orbit or medium earth orbit below the geostationary earth orbit of approximately 36000 km.

Abstract: A satellite broadcasting system for communication between a satellite hub and a range of ground stations in which a set having a predetermined number of modulation-codings (MODCODs) is available for data transmission from the satellite hub to the ground stations. Each MODCOD in use in the hub requires additional hub resources, and the system uses a MODCOD limiter for limiting the number of MODCODs in operation at a given time to a subset smaller than said predetermined number of MODCODS, thereby reducing overall resource usage.

Abstract: A communications system for an aircraft carrying at least some personnel having personal electronic devices (PEDs) for wireless data communications outside the aircraft includes a satellite-based communications network that includes a plurality of satellites, at least one access point in the aircraft for providing a wireless local area network (WLAN) for data communications with the PEDs, and a satellite transceiver in the aircraft cooperating with the at least one access point for data communications with the satellite-based communications network to the PEDs. At least one network selection controller is for selecting a satellite among the plurality of satellites so that data communications is sent to the PEDs through the satellite transceiver based on a needed channel capacity of the data communications to be sent.

Abstract: A satellite radiotelephone system includes a space-based component, a plurality of ancillary terrestrial components, and a plurality of radiotelephones. The space-based component is configured to provide wireless radiotelephone communications using satellite radiotelephone frequencies. The plurality of ancillary terrestrial components include a plurality of ancillary terrestrial component antennas configured to provide wireless radiotelephone communications using at least one of the satellite radiotelephone frequencies in a radiation pattern that increases radiation below the horizon compared to above the horizon. The plurality of radiotelephones are configured to communicate with the space-based component and with the plurality of ancillary terrestrial components. Each radiotelephone also includes a GPS signal processor and a GPS mode filter that is configured to suppress energy at (1575.42??) MHz, where 0<??16.42 MHz. Related radiotelephones and methods are also discussed.