Satellite Channel Simulator

Now offering a wider bandwidth of 250 MHz on the HSDS-140 Satellite Simulator model.

 

Hollis Electronics HSDS-140 and HSDS-70 satellite simulators are a high technology, low-cost solution for Earth Station to Satellite Link Simulation. Both satellite simulators offer the same features and differ only in the frequency and bandwidth supported.

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RF-band up converters and down converters can be added optionally to operate at RF-bands. This provides the most flexibility to operators; both in cost and usage. Operators can choose between IF and RF usage as their test requires. The HSDS can be operated with most manufacturers converters, which can eliminate purchase of excess hardware.

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Using state-of-the-art digital signal processor (DSP) technology, the HSDS provides improved satellite link simulation for more confidence in test results. With its dual internal digital power meters and built-in noise generators, this single instrument provides accurate and repetitive fading and carrier-to-noise setting ability in one box. This is an ideal instrument for creating realistic scenarios for closed loop testing of satellites, ground equipment and mobile transceivers.

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Simulator System Components

• Independent channels, 1 or 2 standard

• Built-in independent AWGN noise generators, one per channel

• Internal digital power meters, one per channel

• 140 MHz IF or 70 MHz IF; RF-bands are available via separate up+down converters

• HSDS NEVER needs calibration!

All included in the standard unit as shown in the photo above.

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Simulation Highlights

• Fully digital implementation using latest DSP technology resulting in high accuracy and repeatability

• Satellite orbit simulation; delay change and frequency shift

• Maximum inclined orbit simulation with smooth transition delays and no signal distortion

• Satellite movement is simulated with continuous delay changes

• Simulate 2 half hops (up/down link) or 2 full hops (roundtrips)

• Eb/No, C/N accuracy of + 0.1dB using the built in digital power meter

• Real-time dynamic step changes are supported with high resolution

 

Delay:

• Motion Profiles: bypass, fixed, linear/limit, linear/cyclical, sinusoidal

• 4 us to 2.1 seconds delay range (maximum delay is slightly less for bandwidths > 80 MHz)

• Accuracy based on 10MHz reference

Frequency Doppler:

• Motion profiles: bypass, linear/limit, linear/cyclical, sinusoidal

• Single or continuous sweep

User Defined Simulation Files:

• Can define flat (rain) fade

• Can define simulations for LEO, MEO, MOLNIYA, and GEO satellites

• Optional SatProfile application easily creates user defined simulation files

AWGN noise source

• Carrier-to-noise generator supporting: C/N, C/No, Eb/No, No, and user-specified gains (signal & noise).

• High quality, independent digital noise source

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The HSDS can be used as a CNG with its own built in power meter when used in the by-pass mode (minimum delay which is under 4us). Each channel of the HSDS can be used as a totally separate CNG. The noise sources and power meters are totally independent from each other.

RF converters can also be used when running as a CNG. The HSDS measures the signal and noise power with the exact same meter circuitry improving accuracy dramatically and as long as the converters gain is stable the signal to noise ratio will not vary over time.

If the user is worried that gain changes due to temperature changes that have occurred, all the user needs to do is stop and restart the system. The gain changes will be automatically accounted for and the noise level set properly to establish the user selected signal to noise ratio (SNR). Note, SNR units are selectable and can be set as an Eb/No, C/No, C/N, noise only is No, and User Specified Gains.
The HSDS NEVER NEEDS CALIBRATION.
Flat (Rain) Fade:

• User Defined Profile

• Linear or Circular progression

• Signal and Noise Attenuation: + 40dB

• Time delta: 0.001- 10 sec

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User Interface

• Easy-to-Use User Interface. All configuration parameters for a channel are on one PC Windows screen.

• Controlled with a simple set of commands via Ethernet

• Front panel keypad and display is primarily used for viewing current system settings. Operator has the ability to change the IP address from the front panel.

 

SatProfile

• Easy satellite simulation file creation

• Supports LEO, MEO, MOLNIYA, and GEO satellites

• Access to 3,000+ pre-configured in-orbit satellites

• Ability to select future satellite pass of non-GEO satellites

• Select from eight different noise profiles

• Select from eight different fading profile

• SatProfile is optional software and purchased separately.

 

Investment for Now and Future

​The HSDS provides the most flexibility and longevity than any other satellite simulator on the market. HEC protects your satellite simulator investment by incorporating the latest programmable technology in the HSDS product.

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Product Flexibility and Longevity
Upgrades to software and firmware can be performed without having to send the simulator back. HEC provides special upgrade tools to install new simulations.
Need to simulate new hardware? It’s easy to make post-sale, fee-based upgrades to your existing simulator, eliminating wasteful purchase of more hardware!
Multiple HSDS systems can be linked together to provide for more than 2 channels
 

Custom Satellite Simulation
A major feature of the Hollis Electronics HSDS simulator is its ability to be customized to your specific business needs. HEC can add simulation of new modem hardware and transfer characteristics. As an example, by using a Non-Linear transfer function for the Satellite transponder, the operator will see true satellite noise (amplitude limited, non-Gaussian) on the downchain signal if noise is applied on the upchain channel, this is an important tool for someone trying to simulate the effects of an overdriven HPA or a TWTA being used in the saturation mode as is the case in TDMA systems. Just send us your specifications and then speak to one of our engineers to create a customized simulator solution.

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Bottom line, the HSDS is built for your existing simulator needs and ready for your unknown future business requirements.