Simplified TDMA terminal

A description is presented of the results of a time-division multiple access (TDMA) research program for developing a low-cost TDMA terminal with flexibility to adapt to various network protocols via software changes. The present terminal has been configured to provide capability equivalent to the INTELSAT BG-1-18 specification. The considered research program is concerned with the development of a terminal architecture capable of exploiting advanced technology devices and simplified network protocols. The terminal employs a microprocessor to perform network management and terminal control functions. Attention is given to a system description, the TDMA terminal, terminal operation, transmit synchronization, aperture generation, the Terrestrial Interface Module (TIM) bus, the digital terrestrial interface, and the digital frequency synthesizer.