The roll out of 5G terrestrial telecommunications networks continues across the globe. But to provide truly ubiquitous network coverage to remote locations and emergency situations will require support from non-terrestrial networks (NTN), using satellite links as well as high altitude platform systems (HAPS). 

The complex kinematics of satellite networks, including the Doppler shift of satellites moving at around 27'000 km/h, satellite cross links and atmospheric fading, is something that should be concidered in the design and testing of devices before they are put into orbit. To do this requires specialised tools and methods.

Satellite system performance can be significantly impacted by signal distortion. Component testing typically relies on a test station for narrowband measurements such as S-parameter, IMD, IP3, then further testing at an additional test stand using a signal source and signal analyser for wideband characterisation. It is now possible to simplify your test flow by performing both narrow-band and wide-band measurements at a single process step.

The accelerated deployment of new technologies coupled with a requirement to reduce operational risk has pushed the space industry to adopt digital transformation techniques that build accurate system models, based on physics and accurately measured system parameters. These model-based engineering methods can speed up development time, reduce costs whilst ensuring confidence in operational success.  

Generating and analysing modulated signals for modern satellite communications brings challenges, as the signals are customised proprietary modulation schemes. A flexible custom modulation software tool reduces time spent on signal simulation and provides a setup file for configuring demodulation analysis.