Digital data transmission over non-linear satellite channels

Abstract

PSK signals that are transmitted through transponders of satellite systems must contend with co-channel and inter-channel interference. The source of this interference could include a cross-polarized signal emanating from the satellite or adjacent satellites, side-lobe interference from the ground station transmitting to a nearby satellite, inter-modulation products and Gaussian noise. Since the satellite transponders operate in saturation mode to ensure maximum radiated power, the transponder behavior is essentially non-linear exhibiting both AM/AM and AM/PM conversions. Both these non-linear effects can lead to significant signal distortion and system performance impairment. Because of the limited availability of bandwidth this leads to significant inter-symbol interference. The purpose of this project is to investigate the performance of M-ary PSK system as used for transmission over the non-linear satellite channels in the presence of an arbitrary number of interferers and additive Gaussian noise on the uplink and downlink path.