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ABSTRACT
The SATMODE system provides a revolutionary low cost solution for low data rate transmission over satellite, in support of interactive television services. This low cost is achieved through the introduction of constant envelope modulation, and efficient channel coding techniques. The SATMODE system specifications will be proposed as a new Cenelec standard in Europe. The lac k of an efficient and scalable return path has always limited true interactivity over satellite TV. Remote interactivity is the key element needed for the continuation of growth of digital television through the introduction of new services. This interactivity requires a scalable, secured, always on permanent instantaneous connectivity.SATMODE answers this need, allowing the connection of TV consumers individually, both ways with their iTV content providers, with other consumers, with other infrastructures (GSM and internet) in real time, at any time, all the time. The main characteristics of SATMODE are: always on connectivity, packet transmission, ability to carry IP, bi t rate adaptability (1 to 64 kbit/s), random access scheme, flexible air-interface. Although compatible with existing satellites, SATMODE is designed to be ready for new generations of space segments. The new technology under SATMODE provides interactivity for satellite television. Previously, interactivity for satellite television was only possible through terrestrial return channels such as phone connections from a viewer's STB (set-top box) to the TV content broadcast.


1.SATMODE DEVELOPMENT AND STANDARDIZATION PROCESS
The SATMODE system is developed by a team of European companies, including:
¢ Newtec : modem (Add on Box), iLNB, antenna and hub development
¢ SES ASTRA: satellite provider and service platform developer
¢ NDS: Set Top Box Middleware and interactive application development
¢ Thomson: development of interactive Set Top Box
¢ ST Microelectronics and Spacebridge: modem ASIC development
The SATMODE development is carried out within the framework of the European
Space Agencyâ„¢s Artes 3 and 4 programmes.
First demonstrations of the system have been done in 2004 in Europe (IBC Amsterdam) and the United States (NAB Las Vegas). The first fully operational system is planned for mid 2005.
The SATMODE specification is supported by leading satellite operators such as SES ASTRA, Eutelsat and Hispasat, and is submitted as a candidate CENELEC standard.
SATMODE: Deliverables
Newtec
¢ iLNB (pre-series),
¢ Add-on-Box (pre-series)
¢ Modem Hub - Modem Validation Platform,
¢ IP blocks: MAC SW + VHDL.
¢ Thomson
¢ Regular G2 box: Dual Tuner + PVR,
¢ Interactive box: iG2s with SATMODE integrated and PVR (prototype),
¢ Interactive box: iG2+ with SMD, PVR, HDTV and DVB-S2 (prototype).
NDS
¢ iTV Mini Head-End - Middleware with SATMODE : MHP+PVR+SATMODE,
¢ Middleware for new technologies: MHP+PVR+SATMODE+HDTV+DVB-S2,
¢ Application: Push VoD in SDTV & HDTV.
ST Microelectronics / Spacebridge
¢ SATMODE ASIC.
SES
¢ ZIPMODE proof of concept: position estimation,
¢ Service Provider Platform (prototype)
¢ Application Provider Platform (prototype) - Demo Applications
2.INTRODUCTION
SATMODE is a satellite return page link system providing 'always-on' connectivity between digital TV set topboxes -- the interactive version of commercial satellite TV receivers --The SATMODE system is set to enable permanent, real time responses by millions of TV viewers to content provider's programmes. It will also allow additional services such as SMS, televoting, management of personal video recorders, access control, pay per view and other impulse transactions. ESA is committed to support developments that reduce the risk to implement commercially viable satcom innovations. In particular, the user terminal is one of the most critical factors for success in the consumer market. SATMODE is a prominent example of the special attention that ESA is devoting to user terminals and applications. Easily integrated into an existing or new, basic or DVR-powered, satellite TV set-top box, SATMODE is designed to enable broadcasters to deliver truly personalized, interactive and on-demand services directly to individual subscribers. Whether itâ„¢s in the hands of millions of voting American Idol fans, chatting friends and family members worldwide, or movie buffs ordering the latest release on-demand, the scalability of SATMODE would allow the transactions to be completed without delay. SATMODE is a low-cost always on transmission technology, designed to enable broadcasters and DBS providers to personalize the television experience for their subscribers. Services based on this technology can be easily integrated into existing or
New, basic and DVR-based set-top boxes, and will be offered with a turn-key option for service providers that prefer to leave the back office management to SATMODE. The SATMODE development consortium is led by SES GLOBAL, the worldâ„¢s largest satellite services company and the parent of both U.S.-based consortium member SES AMERICOM and Luxembourg-based member SES ASTRA, the architect in the creation of SATMODE. The development kernel of the consortium is the SATMODE program, financed by the European Space Agency (ESA), SES GLOBAL entities, and by industry partners including: Newtec, a satellite solutions provider; NDS France, the Media Highway middleware developer; NAGRA France, a conditional access developer; Thomson, a manufacturer of set-top boxes; ST Microelectronics, a chip manufacturer and Spacebridge of Canada, a chip designer. For more information about SATMODE, The interactivity enabled by the ASTRA return page link will greatly enhance future applications such as video-on-demand, messaging, gaming and growing audience interaction in various types of shows. SATMODE is a prominent example of the special attention that ESA is devoting to user terminals and consumer-friendly applications. Both ESA and SES Astra are focusing on a market driven development strategy, reflected by the projectâ„¢s phasing and partners. In phase 1, Canal+ Technologies (F) and Newtec (B) will design, assemble and integrate the end-to-end SATMODE system by December 2003, leading to a technical (phase 2) and commercial field trial in 2004
SATMODE creates a two-way satellite communications page link on top of the normal TV broadcast by simply upgrading commercial equipment. During 2004, the SATMODE consortium has developed all of the prototypes and the system required to support interactive TV via satellite. The modem specifications were made public and will soon become a standard, thereby
favoring market penetration through the easy plug-and-play of interactive communications Programme
New proposals for highly immersive interactive TV, telemedicine and medical education for travelers, tele-psychiatry, e-government for a public-administration regional service, Internet access on high-speed trains, and dissemination of information to cars using satellite and WiFi have been selected as key areas for innovationâ„¢s is progressively addressing thematic areas that require specifications to improve the uptake of commercially viable initiatives. These areas - so far Broadband Access to All, Interactive TV,Tele-Home Care, Security/Civil Protection, Broadband to Trains,Infopoverty/Capacity Building - will host mid-sized Pilot Projects in the next phase of the Telecommunications Programmed. applications. The end-to-end system is currently undergoing final integration and validation and will soon be made available to application developers. SATMODE is being developed by consortium led by SES Astra, including Newtec,Thomson, NDS, STMicroelectronics and Spacebridge.


3.SATMODE WORKING
The SATMODE network consists of the terminals installed at the users homes, and a hub station installed at the broadcasters site.
SATMODE users need:
¢ an antenna
¢ the SATMODE interactive LNB (iLNB), which includes a low power transmitter (in addition to the normal low noise block converter function)
¢ a digital television receiver and decoder (Set-Top-Box) with interactive application software (interactive application client)
¢ the SATMODE satellite modem (Add On Box)
The SATMODE modem function can also be build into the set top box (interactive Set Top Box or iSTB).
The installation at the broadcasterâ„¢s site consists of:
¢ an antenna
¢ the SATMODE hub which receives the radio signals from the terminals and extracts the data and which transmits the digital television signals the broadcast centre where television programmes and associated data are distributed interactive application servers that process the data send by the terminals
Figure 1: The SATMODE Concept

For example in Ka band an antenna with a diameter of 60cm and a power of 100mW are sufficient. The Aloha protocol used in SATMODE is ideally suited for the bursty, sporadic traffic generated by interactive TV applications (for example voting, SMS messages). With these applications the data packets send by the terminals are typically very short (<100bytes) and send with long time intervals in between. With the Aloha protocol no connection setup is required, data are send immediately when available, minimising delay and are acknowledged (ACKâ„¢ed) by the hub when received. If data are available, the terminal selects the next slot in time and a random frequency for transmission. In cases that two terminals select the same slot (collision), data are lost and will not be ACKâ„¢ed by the hub. After a period without ACK, the terminals will retransmit the lost packet.
The SATMODE hub station can be scaled according to the number of users in the networks, by adding capacity blocks. These capacity blocks are called Ëœbladesâ„¢. Typical capacity for the return channel is presented in Table 1.
Return Channel Traffic Capacity of SATMODE Hub


4.INTERNAL STRUCTURE

Understanding modem's work is to look at its internal structure. A block diagram of a generic satellite modem is shown on the image. Almost all parts are optional. After a digital-to-analog conversion in the transmitter the signal passes through a reconstruction filter Then its frequency is converted if needed. The purpose of the analog tract in the receiver is to convert signal's frequency, to adjust its power via an automatic gain control circuit and to get its complex envelope components.
The input signal for the analog tract is at the intermediate frequency or in the L-band in the second case it must be firstly converted to IF. Then the signal is either sampled or processed by the four-quadrant multiplier which produces the complex envelope components (I,Q) through multiplying it by the heterodyne frequency.
See Super heterodyne receiver
At last the signal passes through an anti-aliasing filter and sampled (digitized).
Main article: Digital demodulator title
A digital modulator transforms a digital stream into a radio signal on Intermediate frequency (IF). A modulator is generally a much simpler device than a demodulator, because it doesn't have to recover symbol and carrier frequencies.
A demodulator is one of the most important parts of the receiver. The exact structure of the demodulator is defined by a modulation type. However, the fundamental concepts are similar. Moreover, it is possible to develop a demodulator which can process signals with different modulation types.
Digital demodulation implies that a symbol clock (and, in most cases, an intermediate frequency generator) at the receiving side have to be synchronous with those at the transmitting side. This is achieved by the following two circuits:
¢ timing recovery circuit determining the borders of symbols;
¢ carrier recovery circuit which determines the actual meaning of each symbol.
There are modulation types (like frequency shift keying that can be demodulated without carrier recovery (noncoherent) demodulation but this method is generally worse
There are also additional components in the demodulator such as the Intersymbol interference .If the analog signal was digitized without a four-quadrant multiplier, the complex envelope has to be calculated by a digital complex mixer.Sometimes a digital automatic gain controlcircuit is implemented in the demodulator
FEC coding
Error correction techniques are essential for satellite communications, because, due to satellite's limited power a signal to noise ratio at the receiver is usually rather poor. Error correction works by adding an artificial redundancy to a data stream at the transmitting side, and using this redundancy to correct errors caused by noise and interference.
A FEC encoder applies an error correction code to the digital stream, adding redundancy.
A FEC decoder decodes the Forward error correction code that is used in the specific signal. For example, Digital video broadcasting standard defines a concatenated code consisting of inner convolutional (standard NASA code, perforated, with rates 1 / 2, 2 / 3, 3 / 4, 5 / 6, 7 / 8), interleaving and outer Reed-Solomon code (block length: 204 bytes, information block: 188 bytes, can correct up to 8 bytes in the block).
Differential coding
Main article: Differential coding
There are several modulation types (such as PSK and QAM that have a phase ambiguity that is, a carrier can be restored in different ways. Differential coding is used to resolve this ambiguity.When differential coding is used, the data are deliberately made to depend not only on the current symbol, but also on the previous one.
Scrambling
Main article: Scrambler (randomizer)
Scrambling is a technique used to randomize a data stream to eliminate long '0'-only and '1'-only sequences and to assure energy dispersal. Long '0'-only and '1'-only sequences create difficulties for timing recovery circuit. Scramblers and descramblers are usually based on linear feedback shift registers
A scrambler randomizes the data stream to be transmitted. Descrambler restores the original stream from the scrambled one.
Scrambling shouldn't be confused with encryption, since it doesn't protect information from intruders.
Multiplexing
A multiplexer transforms several digital stream into one stream.
Generally, a demultiplexer is a device which transforms one multiplexed data stream to several streams which it consists of. Satellite modem doesn't have so many outputs, so a demultiplexer here performs a [[drop and insert|drop] operation, allowing to choose channels that will be transferred to output.
A demultiplexer achieves this goal by maintaining a frame synchronization.
a.SATMODE Return Link Technical Features
The SATMODE return page link is highly programmable and has the following main technical features:
¢ continuous phase modulation (GMSK, MSK and quaternary MSK are supported),
¢ symbol rate from 4 ksymbols/s to 128 ksymbols/s
¢ MF-TDMA burst transmission
¢ performing channel coding for data protection (supports several types of turbo-coding and coding rates)
¢ code rates ½ to 5/6
¢ Medium Access Protocol (MAC) = Aloha protocol, with selective repeat retransmission
¢ MAC packet size of 66 bytes
¢ MAC protocol is transparent to
network layer protocols
¢ rain fade mitigation by adaptive rate and coding, algorithm resides in terminal
¢ compatible with transmission in Ka band, Ku band or other bands
¢ low transmit powers (100 to 300mW).small antennas (~60cm)

To reach that goal and nevertheless keep full interoperatibility of terminals, SATMODE uses a fully specified waveform toolbox.
Each building block has a well-defined space of operation and can be used without limitation in this space.
b.The building blocks of the SATMODE toolbox


¢ Binary or quaternary CPM.
¢ Symbol Rate: 2 kHz to 128 kHz
¢ Programmable phase filter for CPM modulations (GMSK being a specific case)
¢ Flexible Turbo or Turbo-like
¢ Programmable interleavers (3)
¢ Programmable constituent codes with bypass possibilities (2)
¢ Programmable Unique Word structure
¢ Tables extraction from a DVB TS (DVB-S or DVB-S2 broadcast)
All the parameters are sent by the HUB through DVB tables, even allowing changes during operation:
¢ FCT: Sprectrum organisation in Carrier Groups
¢ FAT: Spectrum Allocation to services
Signalisation information sent to specific terminals is also embedded in DVB tables (SMT tables).
The terminal is fully defined: it must be able to play the complete waveform space. The HUB usually only implements one scheme and sends the tables to the terminals to instruct them to play that scheme.

SATMODE is a joint program to develop a low-cost two-way communication channel by satellite for the satellite TV users
Connecting TV consumers individually, both ways:
¢ With their content providers,
¢ With other consumers, on TV,
¢ With other infrastructures (GSM, internet),
¢ In real time,
¢ At any time,
¢ All the time.
5.FEATUREâ„¢S OF SATMODE

The continuous phase modulation technique has been selected in SATMODE because it allows using saturated power amplifiers and frequency multiplication in the iLNB. This means no automatic level control or phase locked loops are necessary in the iLNB and the cost of the iLNB can be kept very low.
The flexible channel coding provided by SATMODE allows to profit from the latest technical developments in this field. Turbo-codes are available, that allow to operate with very low signal to noise ratios (for example required Eb/N0 = 3.7dB for code rate ½). This means that very small antennas and very low transmit powers can be used which again allow to keep the cost of the terminal down.
SATMODE main design drivers are:
Ultra low cost satellite return page link for short & frequent interactions
Always-on , responsive, always connected, stand-alone and dedicated;
¢ For both Pay-TV and FTA (Free-To-Air) mass markets;
¢ Cheapest CPE and cost of ownership possible; < 50 Euros extra;
¢ Low and flexible bit rate; average: few bit/s; short packets;
¢ Compatibility with next generation space segment;
¢ Replacement of the PSTN modems for targeted iTV applications;
¢ Allow for shared ODUs (SMATV),
¢ User-friendly installation (= 'regular' digital DTH installation),
¢ Inter-working with existing terrestrial return channel solutions,
¢ Compliance to environmental, legal & regulatory framework,
¢ MHP support.
6.MODEM LAYERS
A "modem" stands for "modulator-demodulator". A satellite modem's main function is to transform an input bit stream to a radio signal and vice versa. There are some devices that include only a demodulator (and doesn't comprise any modulator) that are also referred to as "satellite modems". These devices are used in satellite Internet access
There is a wide range of satellite modems from cheap devices for home internet access to expensive multifunctional equipment for enterprise use.
A satellite modem is not the only device needed to establish a communication channel. Other equipment that is essential for creating a satellite link. Data to be transmitted are transferred to a modem from Data terminal equipment .
The modem usually has Intermediate frequency IF) output (that is, 50-200 MHz), however, sometimes the signal is modulated directly to L-band .In most cases frequency has to be converted using an up converter before amplification and transmission.
Modulated signal is a sequence of symbols, pieces of data represented by a corresponding signal state, e.g. a bit or a few bits, depending upon a modulation. Recovering a symbol clock (making a local symbol clock generator synchronous with the remote one) is one of the most important tasks of a demodulator. Similarly, a signal received from a satellite is firstly down converted this is done by a Low-noise block converter ( LNB)then demodulated by a modem, and at last handled by data terminal equipment. The LNB is usually powered by the modem through the signal cable with 13 or 18 V DC
The modem layer is specified by a proposed CENELEC standard (prEN50478).
The SATMODE design having led to this specification was optimized for the iTV case.The choice of constant envelope modulations was made to minimize the terminal cost. Thanks to this property, very low cost ODUs operating at full saturation and in non-linear mode can be used.
The moderate bit rates of SATMODE allow to use very low power transmitters (typically 100 mW), keeping the cost compatible with the mass-market.The selected access scheme -slotted ALOHA- is efficient on iTV traffic and very easy to scale up to a very high number of terminals only sending a few packets from time to time.
The SATMODE modem specification aims at fully specifyinspecifying the behavior SATMODE modem function used in a terminal.To increase the applicability and the probability of commercial success of SATMODE, it was decided to design SATMODE as a system usable with existing space segments and ready for future satellites improved for point-to-point application



7. SATELLITE CAPACITY
Typically a wide downlink coverage area in Ku band is used for DTH TV broadcast. The return channel can be implemented with a wide uplink coverage (Ku band) or spot beams (Ka band)
The satmode return channel is a Aloha system with typical spectral efficiency of about 8Hz/data bit.
Required return channel transponder capacity is mainly driven by applications such as televoting, where a large number of users need to send data in a short period.
For example in a network with 300000 users participating to a televoting that spans 5 minutes the required transponder bandwidth is calculates as follows:
¢ nr of votes per second = 300000/300 = 1000
¢ nr of data bytes = 64
¢ aggregated bit rate in kbits/s = 64 x8 x1000/1000 = 512
¢ required transponder bandwidth in kHz = 8 x 512 = 4096
Forward page link data generated by the satmode network are multiplexed into the TV multiplex (DVB-S), required bandwidth is typically 10% of the required return page link bandwidth
8.BENEFITS OF SATMODE
SATModeâ„¢s expected main benefits:
1. Scailability
SATMODE is very scalable to address a mass market of several
Millions of users,Among them, the messages are sent through SATMODE without any establishment time with a total transmission time lower than a few seconds.The system is scalable up to the complete DTH market and is designed to minimize the terminal cost.The system is scalable up to the complete DTH market and is designed to minimize the terminal cost. Major Benefits Scalable addressing for a market of several millions of users per national market Availability to all users within the satellite footprint Always-on, permanent and instantaneous connectivity Minimal costs of terminals and communication Enhanced security "Simple to install Services Transactional (Push or Pull VOD, Music, Betting) Personal Communication: Chat, SMS, e-mail Tele-Voting, Polls, Play-along, Quiz Games: standalone or multiplayer Interactive advertising Home Shopping Personal Data Consultation/banking Internet Services
2. Flexibility
Considering this objective, it was considered as mandatory to have built-in flexibility in terminals deployed today and ready for the future.
This flexibility allows SATMODE to be used in extreme scenarios by adjusting the modem parameters:
¢ Very power limited scenarios (it™s the case for most VSAT Ku-band satellites)
¢ Aggressive multi-beam space segment, targeting high spectral efficiency.
3. Interactivity
SATMODE represents a significant innovation in the support of a new tier of interactive applications via DTH and places these services on par with the growing interactive services offered via cable, The lack of an efficient return path has always limited true interactivity over satellite TV, SATMODE will remove this major obstacle and will help accelerate wide deployment of interactive television. This is good news for the consumer, for the advertiser, and for the content creator. Remote interactivity is the key element needed for the continued growth of digital television. Indeed, there is a strong demand for TV enhancements using interactivity to allow the introduction of new services. This interactivity requires a secured, always-on, permanent, instantaneous connectivity, scalable to millions of viewers. The purpose of SATMODE is to connect TV consumers individually, both ways with their content providers, with other TV consumers and with other infrastructures, in real time, at any time, all the time. SATMODE is an ultra low cost interactive TV solution via satellite, targeting the mass-market through consumer products.
4.Real-time voting
SATMODE, an innovative technology designed to support real-time voting, chatting, messaging, commerce, video-on-demand, and other exciting applications at the remote control fingertips of DBS consumers worldwide,
¢ The SATMODE system is set to enable permanent, real time responses by millions of TV viewers to content provider™s programmes. It will also allow additional services such as SMS, televoting, management of
personal video recorders, access control, pay per view and other impulse transactions.

¢ home shopping
¢ impulse pay-per-view
¢ SMS, chat and emails from the TV interface, either synchronized with a show or as one TV to TV or GSM phone connections
¢ Interactive games and gambling.
¢ tele-voting
5.Low cost
ASTRAâ„¢s ability to provide satellite-based interactivity on a large scale, and at a low cost, will further encourage the development of additional interactive services.
Due to the nature of iTV traffic, SATMODE is also very competitive in terms of communication costs and thus in terms of total cost of ownership. Viewers will need SATMODE enabled set-top boxes and a transmit/ receive feed in order to use SATMODE services. This equipment will be made available by the pay-TV provider, or acquired at attractive prices. The antenna equipped with the new feed will be easy to install and will use the existing cable and 60 cm reflector. Market research shows that viewers who have ASTRA satellite dishes are statistically more interested in new technologies than other TV viewers and so can bring high growth
6. SATMODE provides 100% coverage (this is not the
case for xDSL or ISDN or Mobile Phone),
7.SATMODE performance closely matches end-user
requirements,
8. SATMODE performance closely matches the interactive provider
and TV bouquet provider requirements:
¢ Always-on,
¢ Sufficient QoS,
¢ Provide very low communication cost for the service provider,
¢ Enable the generation of new 'Telco' revenue,
¢ Enable the generation of premium rate fee,
9. Allows the bypassing of existing expensive Telecommunication
companies,
10. potential to improve the security of CA system
11. The installation of the ODU is as simple as the installation ofcurrent dishes.
From the end user's point of view, the following benefits can be derived from SATMODE
12. The main functions of a satellite modem are modulation and demodulation. .
Popular modulation types being used for satellite communications:
¢ Quadrature phase shift keying
¢ Orthogonal quadrature phase shift keying (
¢ 8PSK
¢ Quadrature amplitude modulation (especially 16QAM. )
¢ Binary phase shift keying
13. Error correction codes and formats.
¢ Convolution codes
¢ constraint length(less than 10, usually decoded using a Viterbi algorithm
¢ constraint length more than 10, usually decoded using a Fano algorithm
¢ Reed-Solomon codes usually concatenated with convolutional codes with an interleaving
¢ New modems support superior error correction codes (turbo codes )
Satellite communication standards also define error correctioncodes and formats
SATMODE gets rid of the need to connect the Set-Top-Box to a PSTN line, thus removing an obstacle to using interactive applications,
SATMODE eliminates the conflict between simultaneous voice and interactive TV connections,
SATMODE provides an 'always on' connection.
From the broadcaster's point of view, such a return channel leads to substantial revenue increase: churn reduction, incomes from new services, interactive advertisement, piracy control, etc. SATMODE provides a scalable, universal solution, integrated with the TV satellite infrastructure. It also provides access to the end user Set-Top-Box for statistics, audience measurement and Personal Video Recorder management, etc.
9.APPLICATIONS
a. Interactive TV - SATMODE network - NTC/0530
The satmode network provides a return channel for interactive television to a large audience of DTH TV viewers. Supported interactive television applications are:
¢ Televoting
¢ Interactive quiz shows and games
¢ Telebanking and teleshopping
¢ SMS messaging services
¢ Betting
¢ Camera view selection
¢ Browsing (closed garden)
¢ Music selection
¢ Interactive advertisement
¢ Security exchanges (conditional access, authentication)
SATMODE is a star based network (see also the related whitepaper that is implemented as an extension of existing or planned DTH broadcast networks.
Satellite modems are often used for home internet access
There are two different types, both employing the Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) standard as their basis:
¢ One-way satmodems (DVB-IP modems) use a return channel not based on communication with the satellite, such as telephone or cable
¢ Two-way satmodems (DVB-RCS modems, also called astromodems) employ a satellite-based return channel as well; they do not need another connection. DVB-RCS is ETSI EN 301 790.
There are also industrial satellite modems intended to provide a permanent link. They are used, for example, in the telephone network.
b. Low Cost and High Performance - Best in Class New PSM-500
Modem Series offering exciting new features like 8PSK, 16QAM and higher data rates
Datum modems are unmatched by any other satellite modem manufactured. Lower cost, better performance and smart features - these are the best modems you can buy.
kbps (BPSK rate 1/2) to 4.92 Mbps (QPSK rate 3/4or 7/8) variable data rate, 70 MHz IF or L-band IF programmable satellite modem.
This modem is famous for higher data rates, faster DSP signal acquisition (315msec at 9.6kbps QPSK), more features (like built-in BERT and 1:1 redundancy) and at an amazing low cost

DATUM VSAT MODEM
Datum Systems specializes in satellite ground station modem design, leading the way with high performance, low cost designs for over 16 years. Datum Systems designed modems use all of Datum Systems proprietary design technology implemented with the latest available parts to achieve the best performance and reliability possible at one of the lowest costs on the market. Many companies entrusted Datum Systems to private-label the modems for them to sell under their own trade names. The Datum Systems PSM-4900 series VSAT/SCPC Satellite Modem is a microprocessor-controlled Binary Phase Shift Keyed (BPSK) or Quadrature Phase Shift Keyed (QPSK) Modulator and Demodulator for use as part of the transmitting and receiving ground equipment in a satellite communications system. The PSM-4900 uses the latest Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technology and proprietary techniques to provide unsurpassed performance at a low cost. The PSM-4900 series is currently offered with 3 main Intermediate Frequency (IF) variations designed to meet the needs of various station types: The PSM-4900 is the standard modem which has a 70 MHz transmit and receive IF which is typical for use in large stations with indoor or outdoor up and down converters. The PSM-4900H has a 70 MHz transmit IF and an L-Band receive IF, making it suitable for small or medium size stations where more than 1 modem may be required. The PSM-4900L unit features L-Band transmit and receive making it ideal for low cost one or two modem stations equipped with low-cost BUC and
LNB. The PSM-4900L contains an internal 10 MHz reference for an LNB and BUC which may be individually enabled or disabled as required. It uses internal power for standard LNB (13 or 18 Vdc up to 500 mA), and a supplied external power source which plugs into the unit rear panel for various BUC requirements. The whole family of modems is designed to be easily integrated into either a master or remote station via rack mounting. A highly integrated design allows the modem to be built into a one rack unit (1 RU, 1.75.) high mounting case, using minimal power for dense applications. The modem is an integral part of a satellite earth stationâ„¢s equipment operating between the Data Terminal Equipment
c. Beam Remote Satellite Modem: RST200
The Beam Remote Satellite Voice/Data Modem provides remote environments with data / SCADA telecommunications access via the Iridium satellite network.
The RST200 presents a DB9 serial data socket to the user, along with visual status information. The modem can also be used with an optional Intelligent handset for voice communications.
Market Applications
The RST200 is designed for all remote communications applications for mobile or fixed use. These markets include Maritime, Transport, Defense, Emergency Services, Mining, Construction, Telemetry and Security.
Specialised Applications
The RST200 can easily be adapted to be used in conjunction with specialized applications.
Alert / Tracking Interface
Ship Security Alert System (SSAS)
Voice Services
Data Services
Power Inputs / Backup Battery



d.Thuraya DSL Satellite IP Modem
Satellite IP Modem - High Speed Internet Thuraya DSL is a user-friendly service, based on a notebook-sized plug-and-play device that offers a speed up to 144 kbps on a shared channel. The Thuraya DSL, which is SIM card operated, needs to be connected via Ethernet to a notebook or a computer for a normal Internet/data usage. Thuraya DSL is a user-friendly service, based on a notebook-sized plug-and-play device that offers a speed up to 144 kbps on a shared channel. Simply, this terminal, which is SIM card operated, needs to be connected via Ethernet to a notebook or a computer for a normal Internet/data usage

e.GT&T
The GT&T IPSKY2e is a VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) system. VSAT systems provide reliable, cost effective and private communications links for both individual and corporate users.
The IPSKY2e is a compact, light-weight, low cost solution, giving the user access to a variety of applications including Broadband Internet, Intranet, email and Voice over IP.
With data speeds of up to 2MB for downloading and up to 153,6Kbps for uploading, the GT&T IPSKY2e provides high-speed, direct two way internet access. The connection is 'always on' enabling instant internet access anytime.
The satellite modem simply connects to a laptop or PC through an Ethernet port. Ultra-low power consumption makes this a very low-cost solution. VSAT networks are ideally suited for remote and widely dispersed locations, and with IPSKY2e, once installed, several units can easily be connected to include additional sites.

¢ Instant, high speed, two way internet access
¢ Low power consumption, less than 50Watt
¢ Very small unit and antenna
¢ Quick, easy installation
¢ Several units can be used together across multiple locations
10.COULD SATMODE BE SATELLITE "KILLER APPLICATION"?
SES Global has plans afoot to dramatically improve how viewers talk back to broadcasters. They are working on 'SatMode', an 'always on' two-way return path that send messages directly from the set-top box up to the satellite, and onto the broadcaster. The intention is to develop an ultra-low cost two-way satellite modem and interactive LNB and to have the devices on the market in 18 months time. The technology completely eliminates the need to have the set-top box connected to messy telephone lines. The concept is simple, hence the low cost. Viewers with the kit will be able to use their remote controls to take part in quiz shows, respond to adverts and vote during Big Brother-type reality shows. Crucially, and of vital interest to players in the Middle East like Star TV, the technology will work seamlessly across regions. Viewers will also be able to send e-mails and forward photo images and MP3 music files.
Broadcasters will still have to overcome the resistance of certain Middle East countries as well as India and China to see DTH's benefits fully exploited. China, for example, is committed to full digital distribution by 2015, and this technology could give every user basic e-mail connectivity via the TV set
The clever thinking behind the concept uses the set-top box's built-in power supply and cabling to send the low-power outbound message. A viewer's existing Low Noise Block (LNB) will need to be replaced with a new two-way LNB in order to send messages back to the satellite. Upstream capacity is 64 kb/s per second, and SES will use satellite's Ka-band for upstream traffic.
The target cost of components, says the team behind the planning, will be less than $50, plus installation. SES' Christopher Duplay, VP of services development, says the consortium's aim is to eventually have SatMode fitted into every set-top box and for this reason they will use a wholly open standard for its implementation. He added that the SatMode partners are committed to publish the open system parameters and technical interfaces Duplay says this is an important project for Direct To Home (DTH), and is the natural extension for improved set-top boxes. "Satellite is the driver, we can all see that. And this [device] will help satellite keep the competitive advantage." With its 'always on' appeal, SES says that SatMode eliminates the need for any telephone link.
11. FUTURE
New features Enhanced conditional access Audience metering Statistics gathering Hard disk drive content management .Non broadcast applications may include tele-surveillance and process monitoring .Interactivity enabled by the ASTRA return page link will greatly enhance future applications such as video-on-demand, messaging, gaming and growing audience interaction in various types of shows. Interactive television is a way to increase revenue for broadcasters of both pay-TV and free-to-air programming. Revenues are generated through the use of votes, games, messages, gambling and impulse pay-per -view. Interactive television also increases the quality of the entertainment experience by inviting individual involvement. This, in turn, attracts new viewers and reduces churn. To maximize these revenues, permanent connection between the set-top box and the provider is essential. ASTRA is a leading partner in the development of such connectivity: the SATMODE project, a satellite return system for interactive TV that connects individual TV viewers with their content providers. It is planned that SATMODE will be implemented in ASTRA homes as an additional revenue generation tool.
12. CONCLUSION
SATMODE is currently in the latter stages of development The SATMODE system is set to enable permanent, real time responses by millions of TV viewers to content providerâ„¢s programmes.The system could also be exploited for anonymous statistic gathering, and especially for management of content on the set-top boxes equipped with a Personal Video recorder (PVR). SATMODE program comprises the development of an ultra low cost satellite interactive system, which includes all required activities, including commercial field trial .Although compatible with existing satellites; SATMODE is designed to be ready for new generations of space segments. SATMODE is a low cost interactive TV solution via satellite, targeting the mass-market through consumer products


13.REFERANCE

wikipedia.org
ses-astra.com
satellites.co.uk
spacenewsfeed.co.uk
wotsat.com
CONTENTS
1. SATMODE DEVELOPMENT AND STANDARDIZATION PROCESS
2. INTRODUCTION
3. SATMODE WORKING
4. INTERNAL STRUCTURE
5. FEATURES OF SATMODE
a. SATMODE Return Link Technical Feature
b. The building blocks of the SATMODE toolbox

6. MODEM LAYERS
7. SATELLITE CAPACITY
8. BENEFITS OF SATMODE]
9. APPLICATIONS
10. COULD SATMODE BE SATELLITE "KILLER APPLICATION
11. FUTURE
12. CONCLUSION
13. REFERANCE