Perform and Test Satellite Link Emulation
Engineers designing the next generation of satellite communication systems must be able to emulate, design, and test real-life conditions prior to launch in order to model and evaluate system performance. Often, engineers face challenges when evaluating different channel emulator parameters. To guarantee deterministic, repeatable results, it’s more effective to combine model-based simulations with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing.
- Test and validate next generation satellite datalinks by connecting 3rd party simulation software with real-time hardware-in-the-loop test.
- Emulate satellite orbit and payload characteristics such as the antenna model and beam configuration.
- Emulate ground system settings such as the antenna configuration, visibility area and downlink characteristics.
Satellite Emulation Application Example
- The software IP provides the capability to independently control 3 electromagnetic channel properties on each of 2 emulated channels/paths (i.e., time delay, frequency shift, attenuation/gain).
- The NI satellite link emulation (SLE) IP combines these paths into one signal and allows the user to add noise and carrier wave (CW) interference to output the emulated signal.
- Supported on off-the-shelf products such as the modular PXI platform, PXI Vector Signal Transceiver (VST), and FlexRIO instruments.
- Leverages commercially available 3rd-party or customer IP to efficiently integrate and provide scenario generation as well as orbital simulation.
Solution Advantages
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Test and validate next generation satellite datalinks efficiently for faster satellite integration, expediting satellite entry to service.
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Emulate complex space environments prior to launch, providing a cost-effective solution to mitigate risks of satellite failure.
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Evaluate system performance for different channel emulator parameters, such as Doppler, delay, losses, impairments, and interference.
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Easily integrate with most commercially available 3rd-party or customer software to provide scenario generation and orbital simulation.
Test and Validate Satellite Links
Watch a Satellite Link Emulation (SLE) Demo
In this demo, NI’s SLE is implemented on the NI PXI platform, including the PXI Vector Signal Transceiver (VST). See how integration with with 3rd party scenario generation software, such as Ansys STK, allows for channel model parameters to be updated in real time based on simulated links between the satellite and ground station.
BUILDING YOUR SOLUTION WITH NI ECOSYSTEM
NI offers a variety of solution integration options customized to your application-specific requirements. You can use your own internal integration teams for full system control or leverage the expertise of NI and our worldwide NI Partner Network to obtain a turnkey solution.
The NI Partner Network is a global community of domain, application, and overall test development experts working closely with NI to meet the needs of the engineering community. NI Partners are trusted solution providers, systems integrators, consultants, product developers, and services and sales channel experts skilled across a wide range of industries and application areas.
NI works with customers throughout the life of an application, delivering training, technical support, consultation and integration services, and maintenance programs. Teams can discover new skills by participating in NI-specific and geographic user groups and build proficiency with online and in-person training.
Overcoming the Challenges of Satellite Link Testing Webinar
Satellite communication datalinks require a hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) approach. Our solution shows how SLE can address the challenges of datalink validation.