KR100231511B1 - Satellite transponder channel test device and method - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a transponder channel test apparatus and a method in a satellite communication system for remotely checking whether any transceiving transponder channel is normally operated in a plurality of transponders equipped with a satellite and transmitting and receiving data. A satellite having a transponder for transmitting and receiving traffic and control data, a plurality of base stations each coupled with a plurality of subscribers, a network management system for controlling a satellite communication system, and communication between each base station based on control signals of the network management system A satellite communication system having a network control unit and a central control station having a matching board capable of forming an independent call with a base station, comprising: a test data storage unit for storing predetermined test data; and a received test Data for analyzing the data and outputting the result And a retrieval means, wherein the matching board outputs the test data to a satellite transponder or loops from the transponder according to a predetermined control signal, and receives the test data outputted from the transponder. Is characterized in that for outputting a result output from the data searching means to a predetermined output means.

Description

Transponder Channel Test Apparatus and Method in Satellite Communication System

The present invention relates to a communication system using satellites, and in particular, whether or not any transmission / reception channel (hereinafter referred to as 'the corresponding transponder channel') is normally operated in a plurality of transponders provided in the satellite to transmit and receive data. The present invention relates to a transponder channel test apparatus and method in a satellite communication system for remote inspection.

Recently, with the rapid development of communication technology, satellite communication, which enables subscribers who are located at remote sites to make calls through satellites, is becoming increasingly common. Such satellite communication is mainly used as a long distance communication between countries, or a communication method in a mountainous country such as Korea, because a separate signal line is not required for a call.

In the above-mentioned satellite communication, a PAMA (Pre-Assignment Multiple Access) method for allocating communication channels for each subscriber according to the channel allocation method and DAMA (Demand Assignment Multiful Access) for allocating communication channels in real time according to a subscriber's request. There are two types of methods. In general, in the satellite communication system for communication between subscribers, many DAMA methods are adopted in consideration of the cost and effectiveness of communication channels.

1 is a block diagram showing the overall system configuration of a general satellite communication system according to the DAMA method.

In Fig. 1, reference numeral 1 is a satellite having a plurality of communication channels, 2 is a central control station for controlling the entire satellite communication system, and 3 (3A, 3B) is an exchanger (11A, 11B) or a telephone (12A, 12B). And interface functions for terminals such as data terminals 13A and 13B and facsimile 14A and 14B, such as a computer, and communication between the various terminals through data transmission and reception with the central control station 2. It provides a base station.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral S denotes a service channel for transmitting and receiving control data, and T denotes a traffic channel for transmitting and receiving data or voice.

In the above-described configuration, the central control station 2 transmits a control message through a service channel in a normal state and then, based on a response message sent from the base station 3, that is, communication It performs a polling function to check the available capacity or the utilization status of the communication channel. When there is a call request from a specific base station 3A to a terminal in the jurisdiction of another base station 3B, it is determined whether the corresponding base station 3B is in a state in which communication is possible based on the information obtained in the polling process. In the case of a communicable state, the available traffic channels T of the satellites are allocated to both base stations 3A and 3B so that both base stations 3A and 3B can directly communicate with each other.

Subsequently, when the communication between the base stations 3A and 3B is terminated and the communication termination signal is applied through the service channel S from the base station 3A, which has been requested for communication, the central control station 2 is applied to both base stations. By executing the communication termination process, the traffic channel T which has been provided to both base stations 3A and 3B is released.

2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the central control station 2 described above.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 21 is an antenna for transmitting and receiving satellite 1, an uplink signal, and a downlink signal, and 22 is an antenna 22 through the antenna 22 using a polarization property of frequency. An Orthogonal Mode Transducer (OMT) for separating and transmitting and receiving signals, 23 is a low noise amplifier for low noise amplifying 12.25 to 12.75 GHz downlink frequency signals inputted through the Orthogonal Mode Transducer 22 ( Low Noise Amplifier (LNA), 24 is a frequency down converter (DC) for converting a frequency signal applied through the low noise amplifier 23 into an intermediate frequency signal IF of 70 MHz, for example.

In addition, reference numeral 25 separates and outputs the intermediate frequency signal IF applied from the frequency down converter 24 into a plurality of intermediate frequency signals, and also describes a Single Channel Per Carrier (SCP) channel unit to be described later. SCU: an intermediate frequency combiner / distributor (IF C / D: IF combiner / distributer) which combines and outputs an intermediate frequency signal applied from 31), and 26 is an intermediate applied from this intermediate frequency combiner / distributer 25 An SCPC channel unit that demodulates, decodes, and outputs a frequency signal, wherein the intermediate frequency combination / distributor 25 is employed for system scalability when using a plurality of SCPC channel units.

Further, reference numeral 31 denotes an SCPC channel unit for encoding, modulating and outputting a message output from the network controller 40 to be described later, and 32 denotes an IF of 70 M 70 applied from the IF combination / distributor 25. A frequency upconverter (UC) for converting a signal into microwaves of 14.0 to 14.5 GHz to generate an uplink frequency signal, and 33 is a high output for amplifying an uplink frequency signal output from the frequency upconverter 32. Amplifier (HPA: High Power Amplifier).

Reference numeral 40 denotes a polling function for checking the status of each base station 3 based on a response message transmitted from the base station 3 after transmitting a control message to each base station 3 through the SCPC channel unit 26. If there is a call request from a specific base station, the other base station determines whether the other base station can communicate with each other based on the information obtained during the polling process. ) Is a network control unit that performs system control such as assigning a modem to both base stations so that both base stations can directly communicate with each other.

In addition, reference numeral 50 is a network management system for the system manager to manage the network control unit 40 to manage the overall network of the satellite communication system, reference numeral 60 has the same configuration as the base station operation and maintenance of the system Other wire terminal used for voice and data communication for sharing and sharing the RF (Radio Frequency) part of the central station, which is combined with the network management system 50, the order wire of the operator and the terminal station (Otherwire) It performs the function of connecting a call.

Next, the operation of the device having the above configuration will be described.

In the normal state, the network controller 40 of FIG. 2 performs a polling operation to check the state of each base station.

That is, the processor (not shown) of the network control unit 40 generates packet data for checking the state of each base station, generates a message of the TDM stream from the packet data, and outputs it to the SCPC channel unit 31.

Then, the SCPC channel unit 31 converts the message into an intermediate frequency signal of 70 MHz by encoding and modulating the message, and outputs the intermediate frequency signal. The intermediate frequency signal is combined by frequency in the IF combination / distributor 25 and then. The frequency rising converter 32 converts the uplink frequency signal of, for example, 14.5 GHz. The uplink frequency signal is output through the high power amplifier 33, the quadrature mode converter 22, and the antenna 21, and then transmitted to each base station 3 through the satellite 1 in FIG.

On the other hand, the response message received by the antenna 21 from each base station 3 via the satellite 1, that is, the downlink frequency signal of 12.25 GkHz is frequency down through the orthogonal mode converter 22 and the low noise amplifier 23. It is applied to the converter 24 and converted into an intermediate frequency signal of 70 MHz, and then applied to the SCPC channel unit 26 through the IF combination / distributor 25, demodulated and decoded, and then applied to the network controller 40. Will be.

In addition, the above-described polling operation is continuously performed for each base station.

3 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the above-mentioned matching board 60, which is substantially the same configuration as the base station 3 and performs the same function. Also, as shown in the drawing, the central control station The structure is very similar to (2). However, the network management system controlling the satellite communication system is excluded.

The batting board 60 is used for voice and data communication for operation and maintenance, and the order wire between the operator and the maintenance personnel at the base station 3 is shared by sharing the RF unit in the central control station 2. Connect to. In addition, when changing the operating software of the base station 3 or the installation of a new base station performs a function to remotely download the operating software to the base station.

On the other hand, the transponder channel of the satellite 1, which is required for communication between the base station 3 calling the call and the corresponding base station 3, is allocated from the central control station 2 described above. That is, if there is a call request from any base station 3, the central control station 2 searches for the state of the called base station 3, searches for the currently used transponder channel, and allocates an appropriate transponder channel. do.

As described above, the transponder converts and broadcasts an uplink frequency signal output from the central control station 2 or the base station 3 according to the control signal of the central control station 2 by converting a predetermined downlink frequency signal.

On the other hand, the satellite communication system manager should frequently check whether each channel of the currently operating transponder is performing proper communication processing. By the way, in the communication using satellite as described above, the central control station 2 controls the overall operation of the satellite, but it is not easy to test and analyze the operation of the transponder located 36000Km above the surface.

In addition, even if the test can be performed remotely, it can only detect whether the corresponding transponder channel is normal or abnormal, and cannot determine that any device characteristic on the board is not good.

Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and it is determined whether an arbitrary transmit / receive channel (hereinafter referred to as 'the corresponding transponder channel') is normally operated in a plurality of transponders provided in the satellite to transmit and receive data. An object of the present invention is to provide a transponder channel test apparatus and a method thereof in a satellite communication system for remotely checking whether or not there is.

1 is an overall system configuration for explaining the outline of a general satellite communication system.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the central control station 2 in FIG.

3 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the rudder blade 60 in FIG.

Figure 4 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of a transponder channel test apparatus in a satellite communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an operational flowchart for explaining the operation of the apparatus of FIG. 4. FIG.

6 illustrates a data format for testing a transponder channel.

* Brief description of the main parts of the drawing

1: satellite 2: central control station

3A, 3B: Base station 11A, 11B: Switchboard

12A, 12B: Telephone 13A, 13B: Data Terminal

14A, 14B: Facsimile 21: Antenna

22: orthogonal mode converter 23: low noise amplifier

24: frequency down converter 25: intermediate frequency combination / distribution unit

26, 31: SCPC channel unit 32: frequency converter

33: high power amplifier 40: network control unit

50: network management system 60: batting class

70: subscriber interface port (TDC: Telephone Data Card)

80: test data memory 90: data search unit

In the satellite communication system according to the first aspect of the present invention for realizing the above object, the transponder channel test method includes an artificial satellite having a transponder for transmitting and receiving traffic and control data, and a plurality of base stations each coupled with a plurality of subscribers; A network control system for controlling a satellite communication system, a network control unit for performing communication between base stations based on control signals of the network management system, and a central control station having a matching board capable of forming an independent call with the base station; A satellite communication system, comprising: establishing a channel to be tested in a plurality of transponders provided in the satellite, establishing a communication loop through the channel, and the network management system accessing the other board to the transponder channel. In addition to outputting test data through this channel, Receiving a test data, the network management system is characterized in that it comprises a step of analyzing the test data received through the other class and outputting the results.

In addition, in the satellite communication system according to the second aspect of the present invention, the transponder channel test apparatus includes a satellite having a transponder for transmitting and receiving traffic and control data, and a plurality of base stations and satellite communication systems respectively coupled with a plurality of subscribers. A satellite communication system having a network control system for controlling, a network control unit for performing communication between each base station based on a control signal of the network management system, and a central control station having a matching board capable of forming an independent call with the base station. And a test data storage unit for storing predetermined test data, and a data searching unit for analyzing the received test data and outputting the result of the test data. Output test data to or from satellite transponders. It is (looping) receiving the test data output, and the network management system is characterized in that it outputs the result that is output from the data retrieving means in a predetermined output unit.

That is, according to the present invention having the above-described configuration, the test data is transmitted to the remote transponder and then the data is output as it is without performing any signal conversion in the transponder. Thus, it is possible to compare the transmission and reception test data and determine whether the corresponding transponder channel is in normal operation based on the result data.

Hereinafter, an embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

4 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of a transponder channel test apparatus in a satellite communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 4, the same reference numerals are assigned to parts performing the same functions as those of FIG. Description is omitted.

In the drawing, reference numeral 80 is a test data storage unit for storing predetermined test data for testing a transponder channel, and reference numeral 90 is received from a corresponding transponder channel according to a control command of the network management system 50. Data retrieval unit for analyzing test data and outputting the result data.

When the data retrieval unit 90 outputs predetermined result data, the network management system 50 outputs the result data to an output means such as an operator console.

6 is a diagram illustrating the test data format, in which STX (START OF TEXT) and ETX (END OF TEXT) are transmission control characters for indicating the start and end of a message, respectively, as hexadecimal "2" and ". 3 "is recorded.

In addition, SEQ NO (SEQUENCE NUMBER) is a serial number for indicating the number of data, DATA LEN (DATA LENGTH) is the length of the test data, DATA is the user data to be carried in the frame, LRC MS (Longitudinal Redundancy Check Most Significant) ) Is for checking for errors by exclusive OR (XOR), and LRC LS (Longitudinal Redundancy Check Last Significant) is for checking for errors by XOR (Original) Bytes.

Next, the operation of the system having the above-described configuration will be described in more detail using the flowchart shown in FIG.

When the administrator who operates the system designates the channel of the transponder to check the operation state of the transponder channel of the arbitrary transponder (ST1 step), the network management system 50 connected to the operator determines the transponder channel. The command for inspection is output to the network controller 40 (step ST2).

At this time, the command data output from the network management system 50 to the network control unit 40 is the unique channel number of the transponder channel of the satellite 1, the number of the SCPC channel unit used by the central control station 2, and the test data. It will contain data such as SCPC channel unit number provided in the batting board 60.

Subsequently, the network controller 40 outputs a control command for inspecting an arbitrary transponder channel based on the data, and controls the transponder to form a test loop by setting a transmission channel and a reception channel. The satellite will allocate the transmit and receive channels of the transponder (ST4 step).

Subsequently, when the channel of the transponder to be tested is allocated and a loop is formed (ST5 step), the satellite outputs a loop forming response signal to the central control station, and the central control station 3 receives the loop response signal. This is output to the network management system 50.

When the network management system 50 recognizes that the loop is formed through the transponder channel to be tested, the master board 60 is connected to RS-232C. (Step ST6) Then, the test data storage unit 80 stores the test data storage unit 80. Based on this data, the test data frame is read and the test data frame shown in FIG. 6 is generated and then output to the satellite 1 (ST7).

Subsequently, when the satellite receives the test data, the test data is converted into a downlink frequency by mixing the test data with a predetermined oscillation frequency and outputted to the central control station 2 through the test loop formed in step ST4. At this time, the transponder does not perform any signal processing and outputs directly to the central control station 2.

Subsequently, the network management system 50 receives the received test data through the matching board 60. (ST8 step) When the test data is received from the transponder, the network management system 50 transmits the data search unit 90. ) To compare the received data frame with the original data transmitted (step ST9). Thus, the result is notified to the operator by outputting the result to an output device such as an operator console (ST10).

That is, according to the above embodiment, the test data is transmitted to the remote transponder and then the data is output as it is without performing any signal conversion in the transponder. Thus, by comparing the transmission and reception test data, it is possible to determine whether the corresponding transponder channel is in normal operation.

On the other hand, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be implemented in various modifications without departing from the technical rights of the present invention.

As described above, according to the present invention, a transponder channel test apparatus in a satellite communication system for remotely checking whether any transceiving transponder channel is normally operated in a plurality of transponders provided in a satellite and transmitting and receiving data; The method can be realized.

Claims (2)

A satellite having a transponder for transmitting and receiving traffic and control data, a plurality of base stations each coupled with a plurality of subscribers, a network management system for controlling a satellite communication system, and communication between each base station based on control signals of the network management system A satellite communication system having a network control unit and a central control station having a matching board capable of forming a call independent from a base station, A test channel selection step of selecting a channel to be tested in a plurality of transponders provided in the satellite; A test board setting step of setting the test board as one test channel among a test transmission channel and a test reception channel based on the channel information selected in the test channel selection step, A test data output step of outputting predetermined test data to an satellite through an antenna through a test transmission channel selected in the test channel selection step; And a test data receiving step of receiving the test data output in the test channel selecting step through a receiving channel, analyzing the received test data and outputting the result to the network management system. Transponder Channel Test Method A satellite having a transponder for transmitting and receiving traffic and control data, a plurality of base stations each coupled with a plurality of subscribers, a network management system for controlling a satellite communication system, and communication between each base station based on control signals of the network management system In the satellite communication system having a network control unit and a central control station having a matching board capable of forming a call independent from the base station, A test data storage unit for storing test data for testing a transponder channel; And a data retrieval means for analyzing the received test data and outputting the analysis result. The batting board is set as a transmission channel or a reception channel of a test channel on the basis of a predetermined control signal, When a predetermined channel test message is received, the network management system sets a test transmission channel and a reception channel, reads out test data stored in the test data storage unit, and transmits test data through the test transmission channel. Transponder channel test apparatus in a satellite communication system, characterized in that for outputting the test data results of the receiving channel applied from the data retrieval means to a predetermined output means.