First silicon for earth-segment satellite communication market

17-11-2022 | EASii IC | Boards

EASii IC now offers its satellite modem ASIC, EZID211, also known as Oxford-2. The device is targeted at the earth-segment satellite communication market. Typical applications include internet via satellite user terminals covering GEO, MEO and LEO constellations, aero-mobile, cellular backhaul, IP trunking, earth observation, IoT and many other applications. It complies with the DVB-S2 standard ETSI EN 302 307-2 and implements the latest S2X, ACM, VLSNR and super frame functionality.

The receiver section includes dual L-band tuners and dual high symbol rate demodulators. The RF inputs support the frequency range 950-2150MHz while the demodulators can demodulate signals from below 1Msps to 500Msps in symbol rate. Data throughput of up to 720M channel bits per second (uncorrected data) for each demodulation chain is supported, supplying an aggregate user throughput of over 1Gbit per second for the chip. Multiple Oxford ICs can be employed in tandem if higher rates are needed. The VLSNR capabilities enable signal reception from around -10dB, while the highest coding mode (256APSK) allows up to 20dB carrier-to-noise ratio. The standard defines over 90 modulation and coding combinations that enable fine-grained optimisation of efficiency versus robustness over a broad range of reception conditions.

The device incorporates a transmit chain which implements an IQ streamer, an S2X modulator and an RCS2 modulator.

Many peripheral functions, including crystal oscillator, antenna control, and power supplies, have been combined to ensure the lowest cost of implementation and ownership. For example, the device integrates an NCR subsystem to synchronise return channel burst mode signals to the satellite. Moreover, a choice of LVDS and RGMii interfaces is provided to cater for high-performance FPGA-based and low-cost microprocessor-based applications.

The device is fabricated on a 40nm CMOS low-power process and packaged in a 13mm x 13mm VQFPN-mr 168 package. The power consumption is a function throughput and reception conditions and ranges from below 2W up to 5W at full loading.

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By Seb Springall

Seb Springall is a seasoned editor at Electropages, specialising in the product news sections. With a keen eye for the latest advancements in the tech industry, Seb curates and oversees content that highlights cutting-edge technologies and market trends.