Power control on satellite uplinks
Abstract
Abstract A system for controlling the output power of a transmitter which communicates with a remotely positioned receiving station through a "linear" transponder such that the power level of the input signal to the transponder is substantially constant is disclosed. The output signal of the transmitter and the input signal to the transponder includes two carriers having predetermined relative power levels with respect to each other. Typically, one carrier will be 10 dB below the other. Since all linear transponders are slightly non-linear, intermodulation distortion products are generated by the transponder. The intermodulation products and the two carriers are retransmitted to the receiving station by the transponder. The power level of the intermodulation distortion products relative to the low power carrier is measured at the receiving station. From the power level of the intermodulation distortion products and the intermodulation distortion characteristics of the transponder, the power level of the input signal arriving at the transponder is determined and a signal generated to control the power output of the transmitter so that the input signal arriving at the transponder has the desired power level. The carrier having the highest power level is modulated with the data to be transmitted using any convenient modulation technique. The low power carrier is not normally modulated. Its only purpose is to generate the intermodulation products which are used to determine the power level of the input signal to the transponder.
Inventors
- 👤 Leslie D. Thomas
Bibliographic Details
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-07-25 | 1981-01-24 | 1981-07-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-07-25 | 1985-01-24 | 1985-07-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-07-25 | 1989-01-24 | 1989-07-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |