Software Defined Radios For Space

Software defined radios, as the name suggests, are radios that use software and computers to control certain aspects of the radio. Typically, radios are designed to receive and transmit at fixed frequency ranges. However, in software defined radios, or SDRs, signals are sent through a processor that can change the frequency range of the radio. Therefore, a single SDR could operate in several frequency range, such as S-Band, K-Band, and UHF.

SDRs have garnered a great deal of attention for many ground based and aircraft applications. One of the most exciting arenas for SDR use is satellites and other spacecraft. Satellites and other spacecraft must transmit information over several frequency bands. For example, a satellite might communicate command and control data to a ground station in one frequency while transmitting user data via a satellite phone in another frequency band. A third frequency band may be used to communicate with other spacecraft or another ground station. A typical satellite has communication links in several bands. Traditionally, such operation requires the satellite to carry a separate radio for each link.

SDRs for space, however, offer many advantages. The most obvious is that a single SDR could operate across several frequency bands, and therefore the satellite would only require one radio. Additionally, since SDRs are reconfigurable via software, the radio abilities could be remotely upgraded to meet future mission needs. Currently, that would require physically servicing a satellite or launching an entirely new mission. With an SDR, it is as simple as upgrading the software. If you have any inquiries with regards to exactly where and how to use Satellite Receiver, you can get hold of us at the site.

Of course, challenges to the implementation of SDRs in space exist. In any space system, mass, volume, and power are critical. While mass and size is generally reduced compared to typical radio systems, SDRs still require a great deal of power to operate. Reducing the power consumption is essential for satellite operations.

One of the largest barriers to using SDRs on spacecraft is the effects of radiation on electronics. Radiation in space can be damaging to electronics and cause data errors. Due to their reconfigurable nature and the electronics commonly employed, SDRs are particularly susceptible to the damaging effects of space radiation. This not only affects their operational reliability. Errors due to radiation are very important and troubling if the radio is transmitting sensitive data, precise instructions or coordinates, or other critical information.

New technology and creative engineering is addressing these issues. Advanced chip technologies can help reduce power consumption, for example. Proper testing and design will decrease the overall SDR size. Several modern radiation mitigation techniques can be implemented that will allow for radiation hardened SDRs. Radiation hardening, or radhard, is the process of mitigating the negative effects of radiation in space. Research into all of these solutions is being sponsored by many agencies and companies with interests in space, such as NASA.

Space qualified SDRs offer general benefits. Improved spacecraft capabilities increase the capacity for satellite communications, internet, GPS, phones, video, and many other technologies. Also, new technology will allow for the development of SDRs on Earth that are lighter, faster, and require less power.