Modular, Customizable Data Processing Solutions
The Programmable Telemetry Processor (PTP) is a highly versatile, modular telemetry and command front-end processor for use in remote tracking stations and satellite operations centers. The PTP is also well suited for spacecraft integration and testing at the factory and on the launch pad. To support missions that employ bulk encrypted telemetry and command streams, the PTP provides an integrated control and status interface for encryption/decryption equipment.
Programmable Telemetry Processor Overview
The PTP software application provides a modular set of components that can be linked together to create a data handling or processing stream that is intuitive, flexible, an customizable. Rather than coding and compiling, users are presented with a menu-based graphical user interface (GUI) through which PTP modules can be selected, added, configured, linked together, rearranged, and reconfigured. Changes to the data-processing stream can be applied in seconds, and results can be viewed and analyzed instantly.
PTP Life Cycle
The PTP is useful throughout the life cycle of a satellite system; it provides vital functions from development to deployment. During development, integration, and test phases, the front-end system acts as a test tool in a distributed test environment. During operations, the system is installed at remote ground stations, with network links back to operations center(s) for telemetry and command processing and analysis.
PTP For Windows
The PTP for Windows software consists of a server application, a GUI, and the module dynamic link libraries. The server controls the hardware and performs all the real-time data processing. The server program can be run as an application or service that is loaded and started at system boot. The console application provides an easy-to-use visual, point-and-click interface for controlling the configuration and monitoring the status of the PTP for Windows system.
Technical Highlights
- Configurable and modular
- Complete data processing solution from RF to network
- Support for multiple independent channels at data rates up to 1.6Gbps per channel
- CCSDS/TDM telemetry and telecommand processing and simulation
- Space Link Extension (SLE) provider and user services
- Integrated control and status for encryption/decryption devices
- Integrated data quality monitor and bit error rate test tools
- Compatible with major COTS satellite monitoring and control software packages
Key Features And Benefits
- A COTS solution that reduces program-specific development
- The user can modify and change any function at any time
- An adaptable solution for evolving mission requirements
- Compatible with major COTS satellite monitoring and control software packages
- A wide variety of hardware interface options to reduce integration time
- Delivered as a system-level or software-only solution, depending
on program needs
Product Capabilities
The PTP offers a wide variety of network encapsulation protocols to facilitate integration with different satellite control systems and offers support for new protocol standards as they emerge. Support for user encapsulation formats includes NASCOM RTP, IPDU, SFDU, LEO T, and EDOS. SLE data services (FCLTU, RAF, RCF) are provided with support for the United States Space Force SGLS interoperability standards.
The product can be controlled locally or remotely via a highly functional GUI. A remote-control library is also provided for integration with satellite control systems, and a Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) agent is provided for integration with enterprise management platforms.
Enterprise-grade server architecture is utilized to provide expandability and multi-mission capabilities. Transmit and receive interfaces can be added and removed for configuration to new missions. Interfaces range from low-speed serial interfaces, like TTL, RS-422, and RS-232, to high-speed interfaces, like Ethernet, LVDS, and ECL. The PTP can also be configured with RF interfaces from 70MHz to 6GHz to support MODEM functionality.
Various encoding and decoding algorithms are supported, including randomization, Reed-Solomon, Viterbi, Turbo, LDPC, and CRC.
The system enables real-time telemetry and command processing and simulation. Supported protocols and capabilities include:
• CCSDS Conventional (version 1) and AOS (version 2)
• Transfer frame processing
• CCSDS VCA and bitstream service processing
• Fully configurable VCID and APID filtering and routing
• CCSDS, TDM, and ESA packet processing
• Database-driven telemetry decommutation and engineering unit conversion
• CCSDS telecommand processing (COP-1)
The product also offers fully configurable PRBS generation and verification, fixed and user-provided pattern generation and verification, error simulation, AWGN and user-provided noise simulation, bit and packet error rate calculation, and integrated data quality monitoring and bit error rate test (BERT) tools.
Data archiving and playback is provided to and from local drives and network-attached storage devices. Data can be recorded and played back from any point in the data stream. Configurable multi-mode file playback and segmented and multi-file recording is supported as well as automatic time-tagging and aging of recorded files.
For more information about the Programmable Telemetry Processor (PTP), please fill out the contact form.
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