Harmonic presents a DVB-SIS solution for satellite distribution

Harmonic’s new SIS (Single Illumination System) solution aims to ensure greater interoperability and provide cost savings to broadcasters with DTT and DTH services.

Based on the DVB-SIS standard, Harmonic’s new solution aims to reduce multiplex distribution costs by approximately 50% compared to the dual lighting method. In this way, broadcasting operators will be able to offer regional channels “with greater efficiency”.

Stephane Cloirec, vice president of video equipment products at Harmonic, provides more details of the solution: “Our new SIS solution optimizes the distribution of DTT and DTH by satellite and offers a comprehensive solution for DVB-SIS, including transmission and reception . Our software solution provides operators with a flexible, scalable and cost-effective approach to increase viewer engagement by including regional channels in DTT offerings.”

Harmonic’s DVB-SIS offering is available as a software license on the ProStream X Video Stream Processor and XOS Edge Advanced Media Processor. Those users interested in migrating to DVB-SIS only need to activate the software at the headend and at the transmitter. Similarly, with Harmonic’s DVB-SIS solution, operators can individually tune the bandwidth of regional channels, “improving distribution efficiency and flexibility.”

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Aicox Soluciones participates as a speaker at the XIV Seminar held in Santander

Aicox Soluciones participates as a speaker at the XIV Seminar “Satellites as a key element for security and defense and government applications” held in Santander on September 7, 8 and 9.

Carlos Laborda, president of the company, participated as a speaker at the 4th round table held on Thursday 8 with the theme SATCOM Programs and the Participation of the National Space Industry.

 

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Integrasys Solutions for Government Applications in 2021 EDF Proposals: NAUCRATES and RFSHIELD

Aicox is part of the consortium of companies led by Integrasys to coordinate the “RF Interference Removal for Military Services based on Spaces Link”

The European Commission is supporting R&D projects through the program European Defence Fund (EDF) 2021, with almost €1.2 billion for Defence and R&D projects. INTEGRASYS has been selected as one of the companies for obtaining multiple EDF programs, and two projects, thanks to its defence expertise acquired over the years.

Integrasys will be coordinating RFSHIELD “RF Interference Removal for Military Services based on Spaces Link”. The project will take up to 30 months, until June 2025. RFSHIELD will ensure the protection of the SatCom services from intentional and non-intentional interferences, increasing the availability and performance of COMSATCOM/MILSATCOM services for military users. The reason why INTEGRASYS has been designated as coordinator is due to the current expertise that the company has in Interference Removal solutions, with its available CLEANRF product. The consortium of the project is formed by 5 companies, AICOX, MBS, and INGESPACE as INTEGRASYS’ partners, who are also specialized in defence capabilities.

The company has also been awarded NAUCRATES project, which is focused on microsatellites for Geostationary Orbit Surveillance and Intelligence. The project duration will be until December 2025, and the main goal is to design and demonstrate a microsatellite with less than 100kg mass, positioned in a stable orbit outside the GEO belt, as an in-orbit optical sensor with the capability to approach other objects in GEO to take centimetre level resolution images.

Integrasys is highly-oriented to defence solutions as the company is committed to contributing to innovation in this dynamic sector, so EDF 2021 is one of the multiple defence initiatives. “‘’We are very honoured to support defence with the rising threats from more allies nations and we look forward to supporting more missions in the future’’, says Alvaro Sanchez.

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Gallium Nitride (GaN) Amplifiers in Multiple Carrier Operation

GaN amplifier technology has had a real impact on Block Upconverter and SSPA design for Satcom applications. And it’s a hot buzzword in the industry.

Terrasat have implemented GaN into several IBUC models where it is perceived to deliver benefits for customers. It brings advantages:

  • higher power density– delivering higher power in a smaller, lighter enclosure.
  • Reduced power consumption.
  • Cost reduction in some frequency band–output power combinations.

Terrasat Engineers have implemented techniques to compensate for the inherent nonlinearity of GaN devices. This has resulted in a significant reduction in the amount of output power back-off required to meet the MILSTD definition of Linear Power (PLin) which is the useable output power and standard for comparing BUC/SSPA output power performance.

Graph A

 

…significant reduction in the amount of output power back-off required to meet the MILSTD definition of Linear Power (PLin)…

 

 

 

 

 

Limitations that Deserve Respect

All technologies have their strengths and limitations. It is as important to understand the limitations as it is to know the advantages. With GaN devices, limitations can become evident in operations using more than one carrier. This is not to say that it cannot be used with multiple carriers. But GaN performs differently than GaAs or TWTA amplifiers with respect to multicarrier operation. There are two situations where this limitation should be respected.

First, with a GaAs amplifier, you typically see a relatively linear and continuous IMD3 improvement with output power back-off. Below in Graph A is an IMD3 plot for a 200W C IBUC R GaAs amplifier. (The purple line is the -22 dBc IMD3 part of the MIL-STD linearity definition).

Graph B

 

 

GaN performs differently than GaAs or TWTA amplifiers with respect to multicarrier operation.

 

 

 

 

 

GaN & GaAs Challenges

You can see from this plot that IMD3 with a GaAs amplifier decreases rapidly and in a fairly strong correlation to an increase in output power backoff.

With a GaN unit there is a different result. Please see the IMD3 plot below of a 200W Full Ku IBUC G GaN unit. Things start out fine, but the curve quickly starts to flatten. Then at about 6 dB back-off it hits a “floor”. It doesn’t get any better. This is a characteristic of GaN devices that cannot be overcome.

What this means is that there is a limitation to the quantity of carriers that can be accommodated.

The second limitation is a bit scarier. It only shows up in situations with widely separated carriers. By the MIL-STD definition, all manufacturers measure IMD at a 5 MHz offset for specifications shown on the data sheet. Graph C shows IMD products at wider offsets.

The red line is the defined -22 dBc IMD level. The other lines plot IMD above and below the test channels at saturated power and then with 1 dB of output power back-off. At the 5 MHz offset there is clearly no problem meeting the -22 dBc requirement. However, this shows how the intermodulation products are increasing in intensity as the carrier offset increases. Whereas logic from working with amplifiers would say that the further two carriers are from each other, the less they will interact, it turns out that the opposite is true with GaN devices. With carriers spaced more than 25 MHz apart, there will be intermodulation products that may interfere with other services.

Graph C

GaN technology, when implemented well, can provide many benefits in terms of size, weight, and power consumption

At Terrasat we strive to enable our customers to make informed decisions. One thing we do not want is for any of our customers to learn the facts only after they install and commission their terminal. As a general statement Terrasat Engineering advises caution in planning carrier spacing greater than 20 MHz.

In summary, GaN technology, when implemented well, can provide many benefits in terms of size, weight, and power consumption. It is prudent to take the multi-carrier limitations into consideration when determining what BUC to invest in for a site.

Please note that the manufacturers of the GaN devices are working on a next generation of devices that will mitigate these limitations. This information is applicable to GaN amplifiers available as of this writing and we look forward to improvements.

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NewTek unveils CaptureCast™, world’s first NDI®-native, fully automated, lecture capture solution

The turnkey micro-broadcast solution captures, streams, enriches and shares video, to empower and engage.

Newtek-CaptureCast

NewTek, the leader in IP-based video technology and part of the Vizrt Group, announces today the latest in its innovative portfolio, CaptureCast; a ground-breaking multi-input, multi-room recording and live streaming technology to drive active participation, engagement, and experience for remote and hybrid learning.

The IP-based lecture capture and micro-broadcasting system will connect teachers in any room across campus to their students tuning in from anywhere in the world – powered by NDI®, the globally standardized video-over-IP technology. Easy to implement and fully autonomous, CaptureCast doesn’t require a dedicated operator leaving teachers more time, attention, and energy for their students.

 

“Video is embedded in every area of society and in today’s world anyone can get on camera and connect to an audience. Micro-broadcasting has become a ‘must have’ in education to meet the growing need of servicing distance learners, and outfitting rooms for flex/hybrid instructions to deliver an enhanced experience for remote students.”

William Waters, Head of Product Management, NewTek

Connect, globally.

CaptureCast is the first solution on the market to harness the power of NDI® by connecting camera apps on mobile, software screen capture, and thousands of compatible devices like PTZ cameras. Using NDI, CaptureCast also incorporates direct connection with video communication applications including Microsoft® Teams, Zoom, among others.

Record, automatically.

Schools are challenged with delivering high quality, impactful videos to keep remote learners engaged and provide accessible class materials and the means to replay missed sessions if needed. CaptureCast allows remote learners to access content in real-time and rewatch and review on-demand.

The innovative automation inside CaptureCast records any live devices such as cameras, mics, tablets, document cameras, and nearly any digital teaching device offering HD video out, enabling remote learners to interact with video content more dynamically.

Stream, seamlessly.

Furthermore, CaptureCast takes any live capture and instantaneously replicates it across education and streaming platforms to empower remote learners to switch between viewpoints, cameras, or screens to completely personalize, and take control of their learning experience.

Enrich, education.

All student’s learning gaps are unique, and video must be curated around unique learning needs. CaptureCast ensures every single session is enriched with metadata; tagging keywords, pulling data from slide decks, and spoken word which is made available to learners to better access the content and jump straight to what they are looking for.

Automate video.

Every teacher, course, and classroom can have varying issues operating classroom recording and live streaming on an ongoing basis. To solve this challenge, CaptureCast automates the entire record-stream-enrichment process. It moves between different set-ups for any given class, to a pre-programmed schedule or timetable, and intelligently maps the captured content to common learning or content management systems – all without any input from teaching or IT staff. Each set-up can be customized to any style of lecture, speaker, or for totally exceptional and out-of-the-box learning experiences.

 

“Quality, easy to use video tools are a necessity for educational institutions to engage the needs of all students, whether in the classroom or at home. Expanding our solutions into this market is incredibly exciting and a testament to the success and growth of NewTek over the past few years, due, in no small part to its strong channel partner program. The introduction of CaptureCast provides opportunities for our existing partners, as well as new partners across the education ecosystem.”

Barbara Spicek, President and GM of NewTek.

 

For more information, please visit https://www.newtek.com/capturecast/

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Hughes Successfully Tests 5G Satellite Backhaul, Verifies Interoperability

Hughes JUPITER System Ground Platform is 5G Ready for Mobile Network Operators Today

Hughes Network Systems, LLC an innovator in satellite and multi-transport technologies and networks for 50 years, today announced the successful testing of 5G satellite backhaul with the company’s JUPITER™ System ground platform. Over a series of tests at its Germantown, MD, gateway, Hughes engineers connected 5G smartphones to the internet with JUPITER System infrastructure – including a very small aperture terminal (VSAT), gateway and high throughput satellite. The tests validated the compatibility of the Hughes technology with a 5G open radio access network (O-RAN) system, representative of any 3GPP standards-based, standalone 5G deployment.

“These interoperability tests confirm the suitability and ease of employing the JUPITER System for 5G cellular backhaul,” said Bhanu Durvasula, vice president, international division at Hughes. “We’ve built our ground platform to be future-proof, so customers have a roadmap to transition from LTE traffic today to 5G tomorrow, with the ease of a software update.”

Around the world, mobile network operators currently employ JUPITER System equipment to power thousands of backhaul sites for 2G, 3G and LTE traffic – now with a clear path to 5G.

“In our ever-connected world, satellite plays an essential role in helping mobile network operators serve customers everywhere, even in places where terrestrial solutions are not feasible,” continued Durvasula. “Satellite provides resiliency for terrestrial networks during peak hours and emergencies and, as part of the 5G network of networks, will also fill the gaps in terrestrial systems.”

The tests were conducted across the deployable, standards-based 5G Open RAN-compliant system from COMSovereign (NASDAQ: COMS), a U.S.-based developer of 4G LTE advanced and 5G communication systems and solutions. The same system is in use by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (“NIST”) for evaluation and demonstration of 5G systems.

“We look forward to potential opportunities to work with Hughes and to assist the entire satellite communications industry in harnessing state-of-the-art 5G and beyond technology,” said Dr. Dustin McIntire, CTO of COMSovereign. “Satellite and mobile operators can deploy our 5G solution on their existing hardware without disrupting their architectures, along with excellent quality of experience and maximum utilization of available bandwidth.”

In use on more than 75 satellites worldwide, the JUPITER System is the most widely used ground platform, setting the de facto standard for conventional and high-throughput implementations such as satellite internet, enterprise networking, community Wi-Fi hotspots and cellular backhaul.

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C-COM RECEIVES SIGNIFICANT ANTENNA ORDERS FROM HUGHES

C-COM Satellite Systems Inc., a leading global provider of commercial grade mobile auto-deploying satellite antenna systems, announced today, that it received multiple antenna system orders from Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES), an innovator in satellite and multi-transport technologies and networks for 50 years. The antennas, manufactured by C-COM, are designed and approved to integrate seamlessly with the Hughes JUPITER™ System, the most widely used satellite ground system in the world and the de facto industry standard for satellite broadband implementations.

This multi-unit order for the C-COM manufactured iNetVu® 98G Ka-band Vehicle Mount antenna and the iNetVu® MP-100-MOT Manpack antenna has recently been delivered to a Hughes customer in Africa.

 

 C-COM iNetVu® 98G Vehicle Mount Antenna

 

The 3-axis, fully motorized Ka-98G auto-pointing antenna system, designed to be mounted on the roof of vehicles or transportable structures, is one of C-COM’s best-selling Ka-band manufactured products. These antennas have been integrated to work seamlessly with the Hughes JUPITER System (HT2500) modems. This fully automatic antenna can be transported on a vehicle or a trailer to any location where no connectivity exists and with a press of a button the antenna can locate the desired satellite and deliver Broadband Internet connectivity.

C-COM iNetVu® MP-100-MOT Manpack Antenna

The iNetVu® MP-100-MOT Manpack antenna is a fully motorized auto-acquire 100 cm carbon fibre antenna that can be carried by one person and can be deployed within minutes without any tools. It can automatically connect to any satellite within seconds, with just the press of a button, and has also been integrated to work with the Hughes HT2500 modem.

“This significant order from Hughes, a global leader in satellite communications, is a testimony to the quality, reliability and the worldwide acceptance of the iNetVu® series of antennas,” said Leslie Klein, President, and CEO of C-COM.  “The ability for C-COM to rapidly deliver a large number of antennas, despite worldwide supply chain issues, is validated by large orders like these,” Klein continued.

“The C-COM antennas approved for operation on the Hughes JUPITER System augment our own antennas in meeting our customers’ needs for on-the-move and on-the-pause satcom solutions,” said Francis Selvadoss, Vice President, International Division, Hughes. “This latest order of antennas will enable on-demand connectivity for public security and news gathering applications for our customers in Africa.”

 

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Ultra Launches New Portable SATCOM Terminal Certified for the Inmarsat Global Xpress Network

New GigaSat ULV-950mp represents a leap forward in manpack satellite terminals

 

The Global Xpress network is the world’s first and only, globally available, seamless mobile wideband service. In U.S. government operation since July 2014, Global Xpress has established itself as the gold standard for reliable communications across land, air and sea for assured mobile connectivity and interoperability with government satellite systems.

The new Ultra GigaSat ULV-950mp terminal is a leader in size, weight, power and enhanced performance requirements. The terminal’s robust (MIL-STD-810G certified), compact and ultra-light design allow troops to establish a communications capability in the field of operation, facilitating mission-critical communications between soldiers in the field and command and control.

The Ultra GigaSat ULV-950mp terminal allows a single individual to set up and operate the terminal with no tools or special equipment required. Featuring an auto-assist display, the terminal can be up and running in less than five minutes, making it ideal for high-pressure and harsh environments. In addition to the built-in iDirect 950mp modem, the solution includes additional external RF ports, making it modem agnostic for maximum deployment flexibility. Its Tri-band (Ka, Ku and X-band) capability allows terminal operators to change frequency bands in the field, maximising modularity mission performance.

Trevor Vizard, Deputy Global Sales Director for Ultra’s SATCOM solutions, commented, “The Ultra GigaSat ULV-950mp satellite terminal is the most compact and powerful multi-certified, multi-bearer, multi-frequency solution we’ve launched to date and certification for Inmarsat’s Global Xpress network is a strategically important milestone for Ultra’s SATCOM GigaSat solutions. The addition of the Inmarsat GX network provides flexibility and delivers the world’s most advanced mobile satellite communication services for our global customer base.

”Matt Wissler, Chief Technical Officer, Inmarsat Government commented, “We are pleased to add the Ultra GigaSat ULV-950mp satellite terminal to our rich portfolio of highly reliable user terminals for Global Xpress. With ULV-950mp, land expeditionary users now have access to Inmarsat’s always-on, secure wideband connectivity anywhere they need to operate.”

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Here you can see the Webinar “Adapting to the New Space War”

If you missed the WEBINAR “Adapting to the New Space War” here you can watch it again.

 

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NSR & Integrasys Joint Webinar – Adapting to the New Space War

Register now to join NSR & Integrasys in this joint webinar exploring the challenges of the new space war, from infrastructure concerns to cybersecurity.

Date: Tuesday, May 10th 2022
Time: 10:00AM ET / 4:00PM CEST

Jamming and spoofing capabilities are becoming essential on the battlefield. In the military domain, the need to protect mission-critical systems, as well as the full satellite network infrastructure, has led to the development of new technologies capable of canceling, avoiding, and coexisting with intentional interferences, as well as managing cyber threats.

In this webinar, the panelists will explore the challenges of the new space war, and the growing segments within these types of technology to attack, defend, and improve the resilience of communications. Also, how these technologies are evolving to meet current military requirements. The discussion will focus on advanced RF defense techniques, as well as exploring situations where threats can endanger the full mission.

PRESENTER:

Introduction and moderation:

Brad Grady , President & COO, Northern Sky Research (NSR)

Panel Speakers:

  • Integrasys: Alvaro Sanchez, CEO
  • ST Engineering, iDirect: Tim Winter, Vice President, Global Accounts
  • Aicox Solutions: Carlos Felix Laborda, Business Development Director
  • Communications & Power Industries: Tim Shroyer, CTO
  • EXATEL: Andrzej Szyszkiewicz, Senior Architect of Voice Networks and Service Layer
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