Nicolas Girault
Keplerlaan 1, 2200 AG
Noordwijk
The Netherlands
31402
European Space Agency
European Space Agency
The main objective of the DVB-S2 Satellite Experiment project is to perform an in-depth verification and optimisation by satellite of the many new features present in the DVB-S2 standard, such as high order modulations, enhanced coding and ACM, through extensive test campaigns consisting of field trials and measurements.
The project consortium, led by the satellite manufacturer Astrium Satellites, includes the participation of operators (Eutelsat and Telesat) and other partners involved in satellite telecommunications (DLR, Fraunhofer IIS and Nera).
Three platforms corresponding to the main profiles of the DVB-S2 standard - broadcast, interactive and professional - are set up to achieve the following objectives:
 click for larger image |
Illustration: Performance comparison of DVB-S2 modulations with respect to DVB-S and DVB-DSNG (required C/N versus spectrum efficiency). Source: ?DVB-S2 - ready for lift off?, EBU Technical Review October 2004 article from Alberto Morello and Vittoria Mignone. |
The experiments assess and provide results on the critical aspects of the operation of DVB-S2 by satellite in terms of functional behaviour and performance. The key topics are:
 click for larger image |
Example of ACM adaptation to Ka-band fading event |
The results to be published will provide a valuable feedback of DVB-S2 satellite operations in a large number of configurations (C/Ku/Ka-bands, mono/multi-beam, linear/non-linear transponders, several phase noise and interference conditions) and with a large panel of equipment (prototypes, professional equipment and set-top boxes).
The outcome of the experiments will concern primarily the operators wishing to move to DVB-S2 for their applications (HDTV, interactive and professional services, etc.), and looking for operational results with the new standard. The experiment's feedback should also be interesting for standardisation groups, space agencies and institutions, academics and equipment manufacturers working on the DVB-S2 subject.
The following theoretical performance gains are expected to be obtained in real satellite operation:
The detailed list of experiments has been defined to get the most consistent and valuable feedback for the verification of the new features of the DVB-S2 standard. Taking into account outcomes from previous analysis, simulations and studies, as well as operators experience feedback and perspectives on DVB-S2, the main test areas are:
The three test platforms are based on the DVB-S2 end-to-end communication chains that include gateway hubs and user equipment (receivers, set-top boxes), and the operator's space and ground segments. Loop-back configurations allow switching to the lab environment with channel simulators. Test conduction, monitoring and control is automated, results are computed by post-processing tools.
 click for larger image |
Telesat HDTV Facility for the broadcast profile |
click for larger image |
Telesat Anik F2 multi-spot Ka-band satellite artist view |
 click for larger image |
Eutelsat Rambouillet Teleport & Space Centre |
 click for larger image |
Professional profile test-bed rack |
The project is organised in two phases:
Phase 1 has been completed successfully, with the detailed definition of the experiments, the test-bed equipment and space and ground segments.
In phase 2, the development, procurement and integration of the test-bed platforms are mostly completed. The project now concentrates on the test campaigns in lab and by satellite:
