New TDMA terminal design for domestic satellite applications

A new terminal design base has recently been completed for Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA). This new design incorporates a number of advanced features, including a high performance Quadriphase Phase-Shift Keying modem, a modularized controller concept, and a bussed terrestrial interface arrangement. This new design also eliminates the need for the special reference bursts necessary for TDMA synchronization. These design features lend themselves to a highly compact, reliable TDMA terminal implementation which supports many advanced services. These design concepts and features are explored in the paper. The present TDMA Modem has recently undergone a series of satellite tests via the Westar Satellite. The results of these tests are also summarized in this paper.