EP2605431B1 - Satellite transmission unit, satellite reception unit, method for the generation and/or transmission of an output data stream and method for receiving and decoding a broadband signal - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a satellite transmitting unit, a satellite receiving unit, a method for generating and / or sending an output data stream and a method for receiving and decoding a wideband signal.

The broadcasting of digital broadband digital signals (DVB: Digital Video Broadcasting) via satellite is known. Here, high data transmission rates for the transmission of television and radio programs and for additional services are provided. With the satellite-based transmission of DVB one resorts to the DVB-S standard as well as to the newer DVB-S2 standard. A detailed description of the technology used and the terminology used in this field is, inter alia, from the European standard ETSI EN 302 307 (eg, Version 1.2.1 of August 2009) entitled "Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB); Second Generation Framing Structure," channel coding and modulation system for Broadcasting, Interactive Services, News Gathering and other broadband satellite applications (DVB-S2) ". Furthermore, the patent applications with the no. WO 2010/128420 A2 and WO 2010/049858 A2 known. It is a constant concern in communication technology to increase the transmission bandwidths, to offer more services and the To optimize the reliability of the system. Furthermore, better transmission technologies are trying to provide consistent quality services with lower bandwidth. Also, it is endeavored to provide a high operator comfort (for example, fast station change) with the lowest possible computing power.

However, as technology advances, it is a particular problem that older devices must be compatible with the new systems and / or be easily convertible, allowing for the operation of old devices within a modernized system.

Starting from this prior art, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved satellite transmitting unit and receiving unit. Furthermore, corresponding methods for generating and / or sending an output data stream or a method for receiving and decoding a wideband signal should be specified. The procedures should be geared in particular to use in satellite communications.

The above object is achieved by the devices according to claim 1 and 7 and by the method according to claim 8 and 12.

• eine Paketaufteilungseinrichtung zur Erzeugung von Nutzdatenpaketen mit einer vorzugsweise konstanten Nutzdatenpaketlänge aus einem Eingangsdatenstrom ;
• eine Piloterzeugungseinrichtung zur Erzeugung von Pilotdatenpaketen;
• eine Kopfdatenerzeugungseinrichtung (15) zur Erzeugung von Kopfdatenpaketen mit Informationen bezüglich des Eingangsdatenstroms, insbesondere bezüglich des verwendeten Modulationsverfahren und/oder Codierungsverfahren;
• eine Verknüpfungseinrichtung zum Zusammenfügen der Nutzdatenpakete, des Kopfdatenpakets und der Pilotdatenpakete zu einem Ausgangsdatenstrom, wobei mindestens ein Paar von Pilotdatenpaketen eine Vielzahl von Nutzdatenpaketen und mindestens ein Kopfdatenpaket umschließt.

In particular, the object is achieved by a satellite transmission unit, comprising:

• a packet division means for generating user data packets having a preferably constant payload packet length from an input data stream;
• a pilot generation device for generating pilot data packets;
• header data generating means (15) for generating header data packets with information regarding the input data stream, in particular with regard to the modulation method and / or coding method used;
• a linking device for combining the payload data packets, the header data packet and the pilot data packets into an output data stream, wherein at least one pair of pilot data packets encloses a multiplicity of payload data packets and at least one header data packet.

An essential aspect of the present invention may be to include in header packets information regarding the input data stream so that unnecessary payload data packets can be quickly recognized and discarded.

• eine Paketaufteilungseinrichtung zur Erzeugung von Nutzdatenpaketen mit einer konstanten Nutzdatenpaketlänge aus einem Eingangsdatenstrom;
• eine Piloterzeugungseinrichtung zur Erzeugung von Pilotdatenpaketen;
• eine Verknüpfungseinrichtung zum Zusammenfügen der Nutzdatenpakete und der Pilotdatenpakete zu einem Ausgangsdatenstrom, wobei vorzugsweise die jeweiligen Pilotdatenpakete einen konstanten Abstand zueinander aufweisen und paarweise eine Vielzahl von Nutzdatenpaketen umschließen.

Alternatively, the object is achieved by a satellite transmission unit comprising:

• a packet division means for generating payload data packets having a constant payload packet length from an input data stream;
• a pilot generation device for generating pilot data packets;
• a linking device for combining the payload data packets and the pilot data packets into an output data stream, wherein the respective pilot data packets preferably have a constant distance from one another and in pairs enclose a plurality of payload data packets.

Conventional DVB-S2 systems receive data streams, package them in baseband packets (BB Frame: Base Band Frame), which in turn are encapsulated in FEC packets. The FEC packets or FEC frames use Forward Error Correction (FEC) to provide secure data transmission. Individual FEC packets are then packaged in PL packets (PL Frame: Physical Layer Frame) packaged on a carrier signal and sent by satellite.

It proves to be a problem of the conventional DVB-S2 system that the relevance of a data stream, in particular of an output data stream for a specific receiving unit, can only be determined if an almost complete decoding with preceding demodulation has taken place. This requires massive computing power on the receiver side.

The Fig. 1 shows the bit layer or physical layer structure of a raw data stream according to the DVB-S2 standards. The length of a data stream depends largely on the type of modulation and / or coding used (eg QPSK, 8PSK, 16APSK, 32APSK, 64xxx) and / or the length of the baseband data packet and other parameters.

According to the prior art, there is no regular grid structure, so that a synchronization on the receiver side is very computationally expensive. Furthermore, a complete demodulation and decoding must be done until individual output data streams can be detected.

In contrast, the output data stream of the satellite transmitting unit according to the invention already at bit transmission level (= "Physical Layer") are taken from a clocking, since the pilot data packets have a constant distance from each other and thus include the user data packets at regular intervals and mark. Therefore, early demultiplexing can be done at the bit-transfer level, initially only extracting the data relevant to a selection of signal portions and / or data streams. Furthermore, a rapid initialization of the satellite receiver unit can take place, since the synchronization is preferably easy to image at the signal level.

The pilot data packets are also recognizable after a modulation on a carrier signal. The modulating of the carrier signal can take place in a modulator device.

The linking device can be designed so that when generating the output data stream in each case a pair of pilot data packets a predetermined number of data packets, in particular two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve data packets and / or Multiples of the numbers, two, three and / or five enclose. It can be advantageous if the pilot data packets each encapsulate a constant number of data packets, in particular user data packets and header data packets. Thereby, the decoding and demodulating process can be further simplified.

Furthermore, the satellite transmission unit may comprise a header data generating device for generating a header packet (eg PL Header: Physical Layer Header) having a header length preferably corresponding to the payload packet length, wherein the linkage means is for merging the payload packets, header packets and the pilot data packets. wherein at least one pair of pilot data packets includes a plurality of payload packets and at least one header packet.

Between two pilot data packets, therefore, a header data packet and several user data can be included. On the other hand, only user data packets can be arranged between two pilot data packets. It is preferable if the individual data packets, in particular the header data packets and the user data packets have the same length, so that it can be easily ensured that the pilot data packets have the same distances from each other. For example, the already mentioned number of data packets between the pairs of pilot data packets makes sense. It is obvious that according to the invention a pilot data packet can mark both the beginning of a first sequence of data packets and the end of a second sequence of data packets. It is not necessary for the pilot data packets to differ depending on their function - marking the end and / or marking the beginning. The transmission unit according to the invention thus provides a uniform slot grid or data slot grid.

The header data generating device for generating header data packets is designed to include information relating to the input data stream, in particular with regard to the modulation methods used. For example, the Input Stream Identifier (ISI) may be included in the header packet to allow early demultiplexing through this information.

The payload packet length and / or header packet length may be unequal or equal to 90 symbols, preferably an integer multiple or integer divided of 90 and / or 270 symbols. Alternatively or additionally, the payload packet length and / or header packet length may be an integer multiple of the numbers 2, 3, 5, 10, 30, 45, 90, 180 or 270.

According to the invention, the term symbols can be understood as defined in the ETSI EN 302 307 standard. The selected number of symbols allows you to transmit significantly more data, while maintaining high compatibility with the DVB-S2 system.

The pilot generating means for generating the pilot data packets may select pilot patterns from a predetermined set of pilot patterns, wherein the set preferably comprises a cardinality of pilot patterns that is less than or equal to 10, in particular less than or equal to 8, in particular less than or equal to 4. In this respect, the satellite transmitting unit can store various pilot patterns used to generate the pilot data packets. For a quick and easy communication between a transmitting unit and a receiving unit, it is preferable to specify pilot patterns. In particular, it is possible to dispense with scrambling in the pilot data packets. Furthermore, a small number of differing pilot patterns may be preferable, since a high signal margin can be achieved depending on the number of bits used.

When selecting the pilot pattern, the pilot generation device can take into account the presence of at least one header data packet in the data packets following the generated pilot data packet. For example, the pilot generation device can distinguish between two cases: a) The data packets following a pilot data packet (up to the next pilot data packet) comprise a header packet and b) the data packets following a pilot data packet (up to a next pilot packet) do not include a header packet. Depending on which case, another pilot pattern can be selected. Preferably, at N positions or slots between a pair of header data packets, N + 1 pilot patterns are used.

Furthermore, the pilot generation device can take into account the position of the header data packet in the subsequent data packets in the selection of the pilot pattern for the pilot data packets. For example, assuming that the three data packets each are included between a pair of pilot data packets, the pilot pattern may vary depending on the position of the header packet relative to the position of the pilot data packet. Thus, a first / second / third pilot pattern may indicate that the header data packet is at first, second, and third positions, respectively, from the corresponding pilot data packet. In this respect, a correlation method can be used on the side of the receiving unit in order to draw conclusions as to whether and at which point within the slots or position after the pilot a header data packet can be found. This then allows for the beginning of an output data stream already at the signal level draw conclusions. The subsequent next header packet may then signal that the output data stream is over.

Numerous selections can be made on the receiver side with analog components according to the invention.

• eine Empfangseinrichtung zur Bereitstellung eines Rohdatensignals;
• eine Demodulatoreinrichtung zur Dekodierung zumindest von Abschnitten des Rohdatensignals;
• eine Multiplexereinrichtung, wobei die Multiplexereinrichtung dazu ausgebildet ist, auf der Bit-Übertragungsschicht (z.B. gemäß dem OSI-Referenzmodell) die Position von mindestens einem Kopfdatenpaket in dem Rohdatensignal zu identifizieren und der Demodulatoreinrichtung zuzuführen.

The object mentioned at the outset can furthermore be achieved by a satellite receiving unit for digital broadband signals. The satellite receiving unit may be formed corresponding to the described satellite transmitting unit. The satellite receiving unit should therefore be designed such that it can receive the signals output by the described satellite transmitting unit and decode and / or demodulate quickly. In particular, the satellite digital broadband signal receiving unit may include:

• a receiving device for providing a raw data signal;
• a demodulator device for decoding at least portions of the raw data signal;
• a multiplexer device, wherein the multiplexer device is designed to identify on the bit transmission layer (eg according to the OSI reference model) the position of at least one header data packet in the raw data signal and to supply it to the demodulator device.

Thus, according to the invention, a partial demodulation of the raw data signal takes place, which makes it possible to select (larger) sections of the raw data signal which are relevant for the respective satellite receiving unit. Not all received data and signal need to be demodulated and / or decoded. It is possible to first decode some (short) signal sections and to determine from this which further data must be demodulated and decoded.

The demultiplexer may include a synchronization device that correlates the raw data signal with at least one pilot pattern to identify portions of payload data packets. By this correlation, for example, pilot data packets or signal sections with Pilot data packets are recognized, which identify the beginning and end of the user data packets or signal sections with the user data packets. The correlation may be further used to detect clocking of the modulated signal. In this respect, it is possible to significantly reduce the computational effort for the synchronization and the recognition of the relevance of specific data streams. A synchronization can be ensured by analog components.

The demultiplexer may be configured to correlate the raw data signal with at least a first pilot pattern and at least one second pilot pattern to determine whether a portion of the raw data stream includes header data packets. The pilot patterns may be bit patterns, spectral patterns, frequency patterns, etc. Multiple pilot patterns may be used in the correlation to obtain more detailed information regarding individual portions of the raw data signal. For example, further pilot patterns can be used to find out the position of the header packet or the signal section with the header packet after the detection of a section containing several data packets.

The satellite receiving device may comprise a descrambler device for decoding scrambled data packets, wherein the demultiplexer device decides, based on information obtained from the header data packets, whether a specific data packet and / or a specific signal section is supplied to the descrambler device for further processing. For example, it is therefore possible to determine in advance whether a particular signal section having a specific output data stream is relevant for the respective receiving unit, so that only the output data streams must be decoded by means of the demodulator device and the descrambler, which are classified as relevant.

Preferably, the data of the header data packet is not scrambled, so that the demultiplexer device is able to recognize on the basis of a pilot packet and / or pilot pattern that certain packets (eg the header data packet) need not be decoded or descrambled.

1. a) Aufteilen eines Eingangsdatenstroms in eine Vielzahl von Nutzdatenpakete mit einer vorzugsweise konstanten Nutzdatenpaketlänge;
2. b) Erzeugen einer Vielzahl von Pilotdatenpakete;
3. c) Erzeugen mindestens eines Kopfdatenpakets mit einer Kopfdatenpaketlänge, die vorzugsweise der Nutzdatenpaketlänge entspricht, wobei das Kopfdatenpaket Informationen bezüglich des verwendeten Modulations- und/oder Codierungsverfahrens umfasst;
4. d) Verknüpfen zumindest der Nutzdatenpakete, des Kopfdatenpakets und der Pilotdatenpakete zu einem Ausgangsdatenstrom derart, dass die Pilotdatenpakete paarweise eine Vielzahl von Nutzdatenpaketen umschließen.

The stated object is further achieved by a method for generating and / or sending an output data stream, the method having the following steps:

1. a) splitting an input data stream into a plurality of user data packets having a preferably constant payload data packet length;
2. b) generating a plurality of pilot data packets;
3. c) generating at least one header data packet having a header packet length which preferably corresponds to the payload packet length, wherein the header packet comprises information relating to the modulation and / or coding method used;
4. d) linking at least the payload data packets, the header data packet and the pilot data packets to an output data stream such that the pilot data packets in pairs enclose a plurality of payload data packets.

1. a) Aufteilen eines Eingangsdatenstroms in eine Vielzahl von Nutzdatenpakete mit einer konstanten Nutzdatenpaketlänge;
2. b) Erzeugen einer Vielzahl von Pilotdatenpakete;
3. c) optionales Erzeugen mindestens eines Kopfdatenpakets;
4. d) Verknüpfen zumindest der Nutzdatenpakete und der Pilotdatenpakete zu einem Ausgangsdatenstrom derart, dass die jeweiligen Pilotdatenpakete einen konstanten Abstand zueinander aufweisen und paarweise eine Vielzahl von Nutzdatenpaketen umschließen.

In a further embodiment, said object can be achieved by a method for generating and / or sending an output data stream, the method comprising the following steps:

1. a) splitting an input data stream into a plurality of payload data packets having a constant payload packet length;
2. b) generating a plurality of pilot data packets;
3. c) optionally generating at least one header data packet;
4. d) linking at least the payload data packets and the pilot data packets to an output data stream such that the respective pilot data packets have a constant distance from each other and in pairs enclose a plurality of payload data packets.

This results in the same or similar advantages as have already been described in connection with the satellite transmitter unit. In particular, a correspondingly generated output data stream from the corresponding satellite receiver unit can be used to detect the timing of the bit signal and to filter out relevant data packets.

According to the invention, the output data stream can be supplied to a modulator device in order to modulate the data stream to a carrier signal. With the output data stream according to the invention, it is possible to perform a synchronization and a determination of relevant signal sections on the signal level.

The step d) can take place such that a pilot data packet is followed by a predefined number of data packets, in particular user data packets and / or header packets, before another pilot data packet is inserted, the number of data packets preferably being two, three, four, five, six, seven , eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, and / or a multiple of the number two, three, and / or five.

• e) Erzeugen mindestens eines Kopfdatenpakets mit einer Kopfdatenpaketlänge, die vorzugsweise der Nutzdatenpaketlänge entspricht, wobei der Schritt c) derart erfolgt, dass jeweils einer Sequenz von Nutzdatenpaketen mindestens ein Kopfdatenpaket vorangestellt wird, das Informationen bezüglich der Sequenz von Nutzdatenpaketen, z.B. Länge und/oder verwendetes Modulationsverfahren, enthält.

The method may further include the following step:

• e) generating at least one header data packet having a header packet length, which preferably corresponds to the payload packet length, wherein step c) is such that in each case a sequence of user data packets at least one header data packet is preceded, the information regarding the sequence of user data packets, eg length and / or used Modulation method contains.

The payload packet length and / or header packet length may be unequal or equal to 90 symbols, preferably an integer multiple or integer division of the numbers 90 and / or 270.

• ein Auswählen eines Pilotmusters aus einem vorgegebenen Satz von Pilotmustern, wobei der Satz vorzugsweise eine Kardinalität von Pilotmustern umfasst, die kleiner oder gleich 10, insbesondere kleiner oder gleich 8, insbesondere kleiner oder gleich 6, insbesondere kleiner oder gleich 4 ist,
• ein Einfügen des ausgewählten Pilotmusters in das jeweilige Pilotdatenpaket.

Step e) may further include:

• selecting a pilot pattern from a predetermined set of pilot patterns, the set preferably comprising a cardinality of pilot patterns that is less than or equal to 10, in particular less than or equal to 8, in particular less than or equal to 6, in particular less than or equal to 4,
• an insertion of the selected pilot pattern into the respective pilot data packet.

The pilot pattern can thus make up a part of the pilot data packet or fill it in total.

1. a) Empfangen eines Rohdatensignals mit einer Vielzahl von darin codierten Ausgangsdatenströmen;
2. b) Auswählen jeweils eines Abschnitts des Rohdatensignals, der sich auf jeweils einen Ausgangsdatenstrom bezieht, vorzugsweise auf der Bit-Übertragungsschicht;
3. c) Demodulieren des ausgewählten Abschnitts zur Ermittlung von Informationen, die sich auf den jeweiligen Ausgangsdatenstrom beziehen;
4. d) Verwerfen mindestens eines Signalabschnitts, der sich auf einen ersten Ausgangsdatenstrom bezieht, in Abhängigkeit von den ermittelten Informationen;
5. e) Demodulieren mindestens eines zweiten Ausgangsdatenstroms, der nicht verworfen wurde.

Furthermore, the stated object is achieved by a method for receiving and decoding a wideband signal, which is preferably carried out by the described satellite receiving unit. The method may include the following steps:

1. a) receiving a raw data signal having a plurality of output data streams encoded therein;
2. b) selecting a respective portion of the raw data signal relating to one output data stream, preferably on the bit transmission layer;
3. c) demodulating the selected portion to obtain information relating to the respective output data stream;
4. d) discarding at least one signal portion relating to a first output data stream in dependence on the determined information;
5. e) demodulating at least one second output data stream that has not been discarded.

Again, there are similar advantages, as they have already been described in connection with the satellite receiving device. In particular, the premature discarding of signal portions can rapidly process the relevant data (e.g., second output data).

Step b) may comprise correlating the raw data signal with predetermined pilot patterns to divide the raw data signal into sections of data packets and / or header packets.

Further advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims.

The invention will be described by means of several embodiments, which are explained in more detail with reference to figures.

Fig. 1

ein beispielhafter Aufbau eines Rohdatenstroms gemäß dem Standard ETSI EN 302 307;

Fig. 2

ein beispielhafter Rohdatenstrom gemäß der Erfindung;

Fig. 3

eine Satelliten-Sendeeinheit; und

Fig. 4

eine Satelliten-Empfangseinheit.

Hereby show:

Fig. 1

an exemplary structure of a raw data stream according to the standard ETSI EN 302 307;

Fig. 2

an exemplary raw data stream according to the invention;

Fig. 3

a satellite transmitting unit; and

Fig. 4

a satellite receiving unit.

In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for the same and like parts.

Fig. 1 shows a raw data stream 8 according to the standard ETSI EN 302 307. Here, an XFECFRAME as input data stream 1 with a length of S x 90 symbols on a raw data stream 8 comprising an output data stream 3 is mapped. The XFECFRAME was first split into S slots, namely the slots labeled "Slot-1", "Slot -...", "Slot-16", ..., "Slot-S". Thereafter, a standard header packet 56 (referred to as "PLHEADER") was created and prefixed to the first slot. The individual slots thus correspond to user data packets which carry the reference numbers 4 to 4. According to the standard, each slot has space for a user data packet 4, 4 ', 4 "of length 90 symbols. Pilot data packets 7 to 7 '"were optionally inserted at intervals of 16 slots each. Specifically, the user data packet 4 "with the designation" slot 16 "is followed by an optional pilot data packet with the designation" pilot block "and the reference symbol 7. The optional pilot data packets 7 to 7 '" are always spaced apart from the previous header data packet 56 Because of the possible different lengths of the data streams and the fact that the data streams do not comprise an integer multiple of 16 slots, the optional pilot data packets 7 to 7 '''within the overall data stream do not occur at a uniform spacing Fig. 1 allows an initial synchronization, which mainly by a in the header data 56th uniform pattern (SOF) is ensured. For this, however, it is necessary to find the header data packet 5 and further header data packets 5, 5 ', 5 ". Whether an output data stream should continue to be used can not be decided until, after demodulation and decoding, the data is evaluated in header data packet 56 of a higher transmission penalty (BBHEADER) In the end, therefore, starting from a modulated carrier signal 9, the entire signal must be demodulated and decoded.

Fig. 2 shows a raw data stream 8 according to the invention, wherein a plurality of output data streams 3 are included. According to the embodiment of Fig. 2 Here, several XFECFRAMEs were split into equal-size slots or packages with a size of 270 symbols. A first output data stream 3 extends from a first header data packet 5 to a second header data packet 5 '. A second output data stream 3 extends from the second header data packet 5 'to the third header data packet 5 ", which in turn marks the beginning of a third output data stream 3.

The header data packets 5, 5 ', 5 ", referred to as" PLHEADER ", each have the same length of, for example, 270 symbols, as well as the individual payload data packets 4, 4', 4" which fill the individual slots.

According to the invention, the raw data stream 8 is structured in such a way that pilot data packets 7, 7 ', 7 ", 7''' are inserted at regular intervals Fig. 2 shown embodiment, a first pilot data packet 7 three data packets, namely the first header data packet 5, the first user data packet 4 and the second user data packet 4 '. This is followed by the second pilot data packet 7 'and further user data packets, for example the user data packet 4 "." After three data packets, the third pilot data packet 7 "follows. This pattern with regular pilot data packets 7, 7 ', 7 ", 7"' continues over the entire raw data stream 8. Preferably, the pilot data packets 7, 7 ', 7 ", 7''' have a constant pilot data packet length, eg of 20 symbols , The generated raw data stream 8 can be modulated onto a carrier signal for generating a modulated carrier signal 9.

According to the invention, it is possible, based on a correlation already at the frequency level, before the demodulation, the individual pilot data packets 7 to 7 '''in to identify modulated carrier signal 9 and thus to determine the position of the carrier signal 9.

According to the invention, different types of pilot data packets 7 to 7 '' 'can be stored and used.

The following is an example table of possible pilot data packets: Pilot data packet type importance T0 No header data within the next three slots T1 The header data packet is in slot no. 1 T2 The header data packet is in slot no. 2 T3 The header data packet is in slot number 3

This results in four types of pilot data packets, which are distinguished by their bit pattern. Preferably, these bit patterns are tuned to the transfer layer. The four different pilot data packets indicate whether there is a header data packet 5, 5 ', 5 "in the subsequent slots or the following data packets Fig. 2 that the first header data packet 5 is in the first slot, ie immediately after the first pilot data packet 7. The second pilot data packet 7 'indicates that the subsequent slots do not contain header data packets 5, 5', 5 ". The third pilot data packet 7" indicates that the second header data packet 5 'is located in the second slot after the third header data packet 5 " another pilot data packet 7 '''indicates that the third header data packet 5 "is in the third slot, that is, in the third data packet position after the pilot data packet 7'".

According to the invention, the type of pilot data packets 7 to 7 '''can also be determined on the basis of a correlation, preferably at the frequency level, so that the individual header data packets 5, 5', 5 "within the raw data stream 8 and / or a signal section 9a of the modulated carrier signal 9 can be determined very quickly and easily.

Preferably, the header data packets 5, 5 ', 5 "contain information relating to the associated output data streams 3. For example, the earlier input data information field (ISI) may be included in the header packets 5, 5', 5". In this respect, it is sufficient to evaluate individual bits, bytes or symbols from the header data packets 5, 5 ', 5 "in order to determine whether a particular output data stream 3 is relevant According to the invention, these bits, bytes or symbols can be demodulated without the entire output data stream 3 or raw data stream 8 must be demodulated.

The Fig. 3 shows a satellite transmitting unit 10 according to the invention in this an input data stream 1, for example, an XFECFRAME, is entered. This input data stream 1 arrives at a packet splitting device 12, which splits this input data stream 1 into a plurality of user data packets 4, 4 ', 4 "with a constant user data packet length. It also receives at least one header data packet 5 relating to the input data stream 1 and containing information in this respect. By way of example, the header data packet 5 can specify an applied coding and / or modulation method and the membership of a specific part of the overall data stream. Furthermore, suitable pilot data packets 7, 7 ', 7 ", 7" are provided to the linking device 18 by a pilot generation device 17. The linking device 18 links this data to an output data stream 3, as already described with reference to FIG Fig. 2 was explained. Sequentially or in parallel, the satellite transmission unit 10 can generate a plurality of output data streams 3 and link these together to form a raw data stream 8. The output data stream 3 and / or raw data stream 8 is then forwarded to a scrambler 16 (scrambler) which at least partially scrambles the output data stream 3 and / or raw data stream 8. It may be advantageous if certain sections, for example the header data packet 5 and / or the pilot data packets 7, 7 ', 7 ", 7''' are not scrambled, since these can then be located more easily. , 5 "and / or the pilot data packets 7, 7 ', 7", 7''' are selected such that scrambling or scrambling is unnecessary, resulting in an output data stream 3 or raw data stream 8 based on a transmitter 11 with associated modulator device 19 can be transmitted.

The transmitted signals can be received as modulated carrier signals 9 from a satellite receiving unit 40. The Fig. 4 shows an exemplary embodiment of a corresponding satellite receiving unit 40. A modulated carrier signal 9 is received by a receiving device 41 and processed. The receiving device then supplies the modulated carrier signal 9 which contains the / a raw data stream 8 to the demultiplexer device 42 according to the invention. This determines the positions of the pilot data packets 7 to 7 "'using correlation methods, wherein the individual sections with the pilot data packets 7 to 7 preferably at signal level Inherently, this also results in the beginning and the end of data packets included between the pilot data packets 7 to 7 '''.

In one embodiment, the satellite receiver unit 40 uses correlation methods to determine, based on the different pilot data packet types with corresponding pilot patterns, the exact position of the header data packets 5, 5 ', 5 ", as described, for example, in US Pat Fig. 2 are shown to determine. A found signal section or section 9a of the modulated carrier signal 9 with the header data packet 5 can then be forwarded to a demodulator device 43 which decodes the header data packet 5 and determines whether the output data stream 3 belonging to the header data packet 5 is relevant. Accordingly, a feedback 6 is output to the demultiplexer 42 according to the invention. Depending on whether the output data stream 3 has been classified as relevant or irrelevant, a larger portion 9b is forwarded to the demodulator device 43 with the output data stream 3 of the modulated carrier signal 9 for further processing. If the output data stream 3 is not relevant, the associated section 9b is rejected by the demuliplexer 42. It is also possible that the demodulator 43 receives the decoded header data packet 5 and decides how to proceed with the associated output data stream 3. Also, at the signal level without demodulation, eg by correlation, a corresponding decision can be made.

In order to give the demodulator device 43 sufficient time to process the data, the satellite receiver unit 40 can have a suitable data buffer which buffers the output data stream 3 until it is either discarded or further processed.

It is possible to reconstruct the input data stream 1 from the output data stream 3 and to pass this on to a suitable output device, for example the television 50. For this purpose, a decoder 44 is used.

In one embodiment, it may be necessary to descramble and / or unpack individual data packets after demodulation, for example, to obtain the complete output data stream 3. Corresponding decoding may also be necessary in the preprocessing step when processing the header data packets 5, 5 ', 5 ", in which case a corresponding decoding may be initiated by the demultiplexer device 42.

It should be obvious that the assignment chosen in the figures from individual components to e.g. the satellite transmitting unit 10 or the transmitter 11 is for illustrative purposes only. According to the invention, all the components described or any subsets of these can be combined to form one unit. Also, the described, strict distribution of functionality on individual components is not mandatory. A device can perform several functions essential to the invention.

Although in at least one of the preceding embodiments, the pilot data packet 7 to 7 '''keep a constant distance from each other, so this is not absolutely necessary. Any distances between the pilot data packets 7 to 7 '"would be conceivable. Furthermore, a header data packet 5, 5 ', 5 "may contain any information relating to the input data stream 1. For example, information relating to the modulation and / or coding method used may be included In addition, information relating to the membership of the data stream may be included in a larger entity It would be conceivable to include an input current identifier (ISI) or any value (eg a hash value) of the input current identifier (ISI).

It should be noted at this point that all of the parts described above, taken alone and in any combination, in particular in the combination shown in the drawings, are claimed as essential to the invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Input data stream (e.g., XFECFRAME)

3

Output data stream

4, 4 ', 4 "

user data packets

5, 5 ', 5 "

Header packets (e.g., PLHEADER)

6

feedback

7 to 7 '"

Pilot data packet (e.g., pilot block)

8th

raw data stream

9

modulated carrier signal

9a

Section of the modulated carrier signal with header data packet

9b

Section of modulated carrier signal with output data stream

10

Satellite transmission unit

11

transmitter

12

Packet division means

15

Head data generation means

16

Scrambler (e.g., scrambler)

17

Pilot generator

18

linking device

19

modulator means

40

Satellite receiver unit

41

receiver

42

demultiplexer

43

demodulator

44

decoding

50

TV

Claims (12)

1. Satellite transmission unit, comprising:

   - a package division device (12) for producing payload/utilizable data packets (4, 4', 4") having a defined payload data packet length from an input data flow (1), namely an XFECFRAME;

   - a pilot generating device (17) for generating pilot data packets (7 - 7"');

   - a header data generating device (15) for generating header data packets (5, 5', 5"), each in the form of a PLHEADER, having information regarding the used modulation method and coding method;

   - a linking device (18) for assembling the payload data packets (4, 4', 4"), the header data packet (5, 5', 5") and the pilot data packets (7 - 7"') into an output data flow (3), wherein at least one pair of pilot data packets (7 - 7"') encloses a plurality of payload data packets (4, 4', 4") and at least one header data packet (5, 5', 5"),

   - a transmitter (11) having a modulator device, wherein the output data flow (3) is supplied to the modulator device for transmission;

   characterized in that
   in the header data packet (5, 5', 5"), information regarding the affiliation of the payload data packets (4, 4', 4") to a determined total data flow and/or a certain part of the total data flow is included by inserting an input stream identifier (ISI) or a value derived from the input stream identifier (ISI).
2. Satellite transmission unit according to claim 1,
   characterized in that
   the linking device (18) is configured so that, when the output data flow (3) is generated, a pair of pilot data packets (7 - 7''') respectively encloses a predefined number of data packets.
3. Satellite transmission unit according to anyone of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the respective pilot data packets (7 - 7''') have a constant spacing from one another and enclose by pairs a plurality of payload data packets (4, 4', 4").
4. Satellite transmission unit according to anyone of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the pilot generating device (17) selects pilot patterns from a predefined set of pilot patterns for generating the pilot data packets (7 - 7"'), wherein the set preferably comprises a cardinality of pilot patterns which is less than or equal to 10.
5. Satellite transmission unit according to claim 4,
   characterized in that
   the pilot generating device (17), when selecting the pilot pattern, takes into account the presence of at least one header data packet (5, 5', 5") in the data packets following the generated pilot data packets (7 - 7''').
6. Satellite transmission unit according to anyone of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the pilot generating device (17), when selecting the pilot pattern for the pilot data packet (7 - 7'''), selects a pilot pattern which indicates the position of the header data packet (5, 5', 5") in the subsequent data packets.
7. Satellite reception unit for digital broadband signals, wherein the satellite reception unit comprises:

   - a receiving device (41) for providing a raw data signal (9),

   - a demultiplexer device (42),

   - a demodulator device (43),

   characterized in that
   the demultiplexer device (42) is configured to

   - identify, in the bit transfer layer, the position of at least one header data packet (5, 5', 5"), namely a PLHEADER, in the raw data signal (9);

   - decide, by using information contained in the PLHEADER about the affiliation to a certain part of the data flow, whether certain data packets from the raw data signal (9) and/or a signal portion of the raw data signal are/is further processed by the demodulator device (43).
8. Method for generating and/or sending an output data flow,
   comprising the steps of:

   a) dividing an input data flow (1), namely an XFECFRAME, into a plurality of payload data packets (4, 4', 4") having a defined payload data packet length;

   b) generating a plurality of pilot data packets (7 - 7''')

   c) generating at least one header data packet (5, 5', 5") in the form of a PLHEADER, having a header data length, wherein the header data packet (5, 5', 5") comprises information regarding the used modulation method and coding method of the sequence of payload data packets (4, 4', 4");

   d) linking at least the payload data packets (4, 4', 4"), the header data packet (5, 5', 5"), and the pilot data packets (7 - 7''') into an output data flow (3) such that the pilot data packets (7 - 7"') enclose in pairs a plurality of payload data packets (4, 4', 4"),

   characterized in that
   in the header data packet (5, 5', 5"), information regarding the affiliation of the payload data packets (4, 4', 4") to a determined total data flow and/or a certain part of the total data flow is included by inserting an input stream identifier (ISI) or a value derived from the input stream identifier (ISI).
9. The method according to claim 8,
   characterized in that
   step d) is performed such that a pilot data packet (7 - 7''') is followed by a predefined number of data packets before a further pilot data packet (7 - 7''') is inserted.
10. The method according to claim 8 or 9,
    characterized in that
    step b) comprises:

    - selecting a pilot pattern from a predefined set of pilot patterns, wherein the set comprises a cardinality of pilot patterns which is less than or equal to 10,

    - inserting the selected pilot pattern in the respective pilot data packet (7 - 7"'), wherein

    the selecting of the pilot pattern from the predefined set of pilot patterns takes into account whether the subsequent data packets up to the next pilot data packet (7 - 7''') comprises a header data packet (5, 5', 5") and/or at which location the header data packet (5, 5', 5") is inserted relative to the pilot data packet (7 - 7"').
11. Method according to anyone of claims 8 to 10,
    characterized by
    step e):
    scrambling of individual data packets, wherein the header data packets (5, 5', 5") and/or the pilot data packets (7 - 7"') are not scrambled.
12. Method for receiving and decoding a broadband signal,
    characterized by
    the steps of:

    a) receiving a modulated carrier signal (9) having a plurality of output data flows (3) encoded therein;

    b) selecting in each case a portion (9a) of the modulated carrier signal (9) which contains a PLHEADER and is related to an output data flow (3);

    c) demodulating the selected portion (9a) for obtaining information related to the respective output data flow (3);

    d) rejecting at least one signal portion which is related to a first output data flow (3) as a function of the obtained information;

    e) decoding and/or demodulating at least one second output data flow (3) which had not been rejected.

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