The HPDPU—High-Performance Data Processing Unit for Future Satellite Communication Systems

Abstract

Efficient data processing is a key enabler to compete with the excessive requirements of next generation satellite systems. In particular, connecting LEO satellite-constellations to existing terrestrial mobile communication services becomes increasingly important as this measure allows truly ubiquitous connectivity, but comes at the cost of significantly higher processing and inter satellite communication effort. To address this issue, we propose the High-Performance Data Processing Unit (HPDPU), possessing a powerful processing core that is available as radiation-hardened and COTS version in order to operate in traditional space and NewSpace scenarios, respectively. To achieve high re-usability, a modular cPCI-SS connector is used, that enable an easy a low-cost assembly, integration and testing of hardware units also during the design time. For a further increase of processing power, application-specific extension boards can be integrated by mezzanine connectors. To demonstrate the performance, an innovative transceiver signal processing chain is proposed that allows a reliable and low-latency data transmission. For evaluation, a real field test analysis of the transmission quality, a hardware performance comparison and a power estimation is presented. The results highlight the HPDPU to be a powerful solution in order to challenge the demanding requirements of high-end satellite communication systems of the near future.