ESA FDSat: “Single Channel Full Duplex Techniques for Satellite Communications"
Project Description:
In most satellite communication systems, full duplex operation is achieved by using two separate frequency channels with spectral filtering employed to achieve the required isolation between signals. Although less widely utilized in satellite communications, single channel bi-directional communications is also sometimes realized by Time Division Duplexing (TDD). With ever-increasing data volume demands accompanied by pressure to reduce the cost per bit delivered, new techniques to utilize the available radio frequency (RF) spectrum more efficiently are continually needed. Simultaneously transmitting and receiving information in a single frequency channel has already proven a viable approach in other wireless communication application domains and has the potential to double total system throughput.
FDSat project objective is to assess the feasibility of applying single channel full duplex techniques within satellite communication networks. More precisely:
FDSat identifies potential use cases for single channel full-duplex operation in SatCom, e.g., backhauling, feeder and user links, ISLs, etc. and proposes any potential adaptions needed to current radio regulations to integrate those techniques.
FDSat demonstrates the feasibility of single channel full-duplex operations in SatCom systems by means of analysis, simulations, and/or measurements.
FDSat identifies the technological roadmap for developing and implementing the required SIC techniques needed to enable single channel full duplex communications over SatCom links.
The project is carried out by University of Luxembourg, University of Vigo (Spain) and Gradiant (Spain).
Funding: This project is funded by the European Space Agency (ESA) ARTES Future Preparation
Project Duration: 2023-2024
Research Team:
Prof Symeon Chatziontas – PI
Dr Eva Lagunas (SnT) – VPI
Dr Chandan Kumar Sheerman (SnT)
Dr. Praveen Vummadisetty (SnT)
Dr. Juan-Andres Vasquez-Peralvo (SnT)
Dr. Jorge-Luis Gonzalez Rios (SnT)
Dr. Juan M. Duncan (SnT)
Prof. Carlos Mosquera (UVigo)
Prof. Roberto López Valcarce (UVigo)
Dr. Luis Perez Roca (Gradiant)
Dr. Tomás Ramírez Parracho (Gradiant)
Dr. Pablo Losada (Gradiant)