Satellite data unit

Abstract: The objective of this paper is to present the development and implementation of new architecture for robust satellite data unit (SDU) using software defined radios (SDRs) able to transport binary data between an aircraft (A/C) and a ground station (GS) including capabilities to operate into an airborne network (AN). The data to transmit basically comprises multimedia files as well as streaming video. For this, the development of different decision algorithms must be proposed. These algorithms are based on parameters such as flight phase, geographic location, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), latency, channel capacity, type of modulation and frequency availability. The idea is to develop an SDR-based data communication network capable of establishing an optimal link for sending and receiving data from an A/C to a ground station by hops and using different frequencies. This means that each SDR will be considered as an SDU on board an A/C capable of sending data via satellite or through the air-to-air (A/A) links until reaching a GS. Early results, not only in simulation but also in real time, have helped us to progressively implement the algorithms mentioned in the SDUs for data transmission and reception and using adaptive coded modulation at the L-band into an AN. These results will allow us in future to implement this solution in real A/C. The performance is expected to be competitive against terrestrial networks in terms of speed and capacity.

Abstract: The objective of this paper is to present a Simulink model–based approach for simulation and optimization of a robust satellite data unit (SDU) able to deliver safety and nonsafety aeronautical mobile satellite services, including capabilities to operate in an airborne network. For this purpose, analysis and modeling of the main avionics system signals and data traffic to be treated in an SDU were performed. The main contribution here is the design of the SDU data traffic model, which integrates different simulation models in avionics systems, such as automatic dependent surveillance—broadcast, aircraft communications addressing and reporting system, and in-flight connectivity for future implementation and optimization, thus allowing the characterization of a device onboard in a modular framework. To conclude, this paper describes a modeling and analysis tool aimed at providing the aviation industry with the means to reduce the amount of equipment onboard (and thus the weight of aircraft to reduce fuel co...

Abstract: The objective of this paper is to present a Simulink model–based approach for simulation and optimization of a robust satellite data unit (SDU) able to deliver safety and nonsafety aeronautical mob...

Abstract: In an example, a method for communicating over a satellite network is described. The method includes determining a first availability score for a first satellite data unit (SDU) of an aircraft based on first operational parameters comprising whether the first SDU is (i) reporting valid data, (ii) capable of providing data-link services, and (iii) capable of providing voice services, determining a second availability score for a second SDU of the aircraft based on second operational parameters comprising whether the second SDU is (i) reporting valid data, (ii) capable of providing data-link services, and (iii) capable of providing voice services, comparing the first availability score for the first SDU with the second availability score for the second SDU, and based on comparing the first availability score with the second availability score, controlling one of the first SDU and the second SDU to be an active SDU.