Survey of Inter-satellite Communication for Small Satellite Systems: Physical Layer to Network Layer View

Small satellite systems enable whole new class of missions for navigation, communications, remote sensing and scientific research for both civilian and military purposes. As individual spacecraft are limited by the size, mass and power constraints, mass-produced small satellites in large constellations or clusters could be useful in many science missions such as gravity mapping, tracking of forest fires, finding water resources, etc. Constellation of satellites provide improved spatial and temporal resolution of the target. Small satellite constellations contribute innovative applications by replacing a single asset with several very capable spacecraft which opens the door to new applications. With increasing levels of autonomy, there will be a need for remote communication networks to enable communication between spacecraft. These space based networks will need to configure and maintain dynamic routes, manage intermediate nodes, and reconfigure themselves to achieve mission objectives. Hence, inter-satellite communication is a key aspect when satellites fly in formation. In this paper, we present the various researches being conducted in the small satellite community for implementing inter-satellite communications based on the Open System Interconnection (OSI) model. This paper also reviews the various design parameters applicable to the first three layers of the OSI model, i.e., physical, data link and network layer. Based on the survey, we also present a comprehensive list of design parameters useful for achieving inter-satellite communications for multiple small satellite missions. Specific topics include proposed solutions for some of the challenges faced by small satellite systems, enabling operations using a network of small satellites, and some examples of small satellite missions involving formation flying aspects.Comment: 51 pages, 21 Figures, 11 Tables, accepted in IEEE Communications Surveys and Tutorial

Ultra wideband: applications, technology and future perspectives

Ultra Wide Band (UWB) wireless communications offers a radically different approach to wireless communication compared to conventional narrow band systems. Global interest in the technology is huge. This paper reports on the state of the art of UWB wireless technology and highlights key application areas, technological challenges, higher layer protocol issues, spectrum operating zones and future drivers. The majority of the discussion focuses on the state of the art of UWB technology as it is today and in the near future

Frequency reconfigurable antennas for cognitive radio applications: a review

Wireless communication systems undergo tremendous growth these days and devices able to operate in a number of frequencybandsarehighlydemanded. Reconfiguration in antenna characteristic striggered the evolution of antennas that can workin multiple frequency, pattern or polarization environment.The frequency reconfigurable antennas thuse mergedarewell suited in Cognitive Radios which take part in the effective utilization of unused bands of frequencies by continuously interacting with the RF environment. Thus, Cognitive Radios enhancetheutilization of frequency spectrum and establish reliable communication. The most recent research works carried out in the arena of Frequency Reconfigurable Antennas for Cognitive Radio applications are reviewed and summed up in this paper to present the attributes and categorization. Four techniques adopted to attain frequency reconfiguration are extensively compared in this paper to find the advantages and constraints of each methodology. The applications of the works reviewed here are not only limited to Cognitive radios, but extended to a number of wireless communication services like, WLAN, WiMAX, et

Compact Planar Ultrawideband Antennas with Continuously Tunable, Independent Band-Notched Filters

© 2016 IEEE. A compact planar ultrawideband antenna with continuously tunable, independent band notches for cognitive radio applications is presented. The antenna is fabricated using a copper-cladded substrate. A radiating patch with an inverted rectangular T-slot is etched on the top side of the substrate. A straight rectangular strip with a complete gap is embedded into the T-slot. By placing a single varactor diode across this gap, a frequency-agile band-notch function below 5 GHz is realized. On the bottom side of the substrate, a U-shaped parasitic element having an interdigitated-structure is placed beneath the radiating patch. The second narrow band notch is created by inserting a second varactor diode into the gap on one leg of the parasitic element. It has a frequency-agile performance above 5 GHz. The presence of the interdigitated structure suppresses higher order resonant modes and enhances the tunability of the notched bandwidth. Because these antenna structures naturally block dc, a very small number of lumped elements are required. The experimental results, which are in good agreement with their simulated values, demonstrate that both band notches can be independently controlled and the entire frequency-agile fractional bandwidth is as high as 74.5%, demonstrating a very wide notched frequency-agile coverage

Antenna integration for wireless and sensing applications

As integrated circuits become smaller in size, antenna design has become the size limiting factor for RF front ends. The size reduction of an antenna is limited due to tradeoffs between its size and its performance. Thus, combining antenna designs with other system components can reutilize parts of the system and significantly reduce its overall size. The biggest challenge is in minimizing the interference between the antenna and other components so that the radiation performance is not compromised. This is especially true for antenna arrays where the radiation pattern is important. Antenna size reduction is also desired for wireless sensors where the devices need to be unnoticeable to the subjects being monitored. In addition to reducing the interference between components, the environmental effect on the antenna needs to be considered based on sensors' deployment. This dissertation focuses on solving the two challenges: 1) designing compact multi-frequency arrays that maintain directive radiation across their operating bands and 2) developing integrated antennas for sensors that are protected against hazardous environmental conditions. The first part of the dissertation addresses various multi-frequency directive antennas arrays that can be used for base stations, aerospace/satellite applications. A cognitive radio base station antenna that maintains a consistent radiation pattern across the operating frequencies is introduced. This is followed by multi-frequency phased array designs that emphasize light-weight and compactness for aerospace applications. The size and weight of the antenna element is reduced by using paper-based electronics and internal cavity structures. The second part of the dissertation addresses antenna designs for sensor systems such as wireless sensor networks and RFID-based sensors. Solar cell integrated antennas for wireless sensor nodes are introduced to overcome the mechanical weakness posed by conventional monopole designs. This can significantly improve the sturdiness of the sensor from environmental hazards. The dissertation also introduces RFID-based strain sensors as a low-cost solution to massive sensor deployments. With an antenna acting as both the sensing device as well as the communication medium, the cost of an RFID sensor is dramatically reduced. Sensors' strain sensitivities are measured and theoretically derived. Their environmental sensitivities are also investigated to calibrate them for real world applications.Ph.D.Committee Chair: Tentzeris, Emmanouil; Committee Member: Akyildiz, Ian; Committee Member: Allen, Mark; Committee Member: Naishadham, Krishna; Committee Member: Peterson, Andrew; Committee Member: Wang, Yan

Analysis of LTE based an Antenna Design for 5G Communications

As the world progresses towards the next generation of communications networks, new technological solutions, architectures and standards are urgently required. This evolution of communications networks will facilitate numerous convincing business and consumer applications and speed up large investments in network infrastructure, appliances and devices. Wireless technologies of the last generation, 5G networks, promise an era of all-round, secure and powerful radio network. The use of 5G technology extends beyond traditional telecoms, and includes extremely low latencies, high energy efficiency or comprehensive Gbps. This paper also accurately includes 5G requirements and antenna categorization accompanied by a comparative study of various antenna designs. The various researchers have previously suggested several 5G antenna designs, but an exhaustive examination using their performance improvement system of the various types of 5G antenna has not yet been completed. We thus tried to examine the various types of 5G antenna design, their mechanisms for improving performance, comparisons and possible worldwide breakthroughs

Metamaterial antennas for cognitive radio applications

Cognitive radio is one of the most promising techniques to efficiently utilize the radio frequency (RF) spectrum. As the Digital Video Broadcasting-Handheld (DVB-H) band is targeted (470-862 MHz), the size of the antenna becomes challenging. Metamaterial concept is used as a miniaturization technique. Two antennas are designed, fabricated and measured. The first one achieved multiband operation by loading it with a metamaterial unit cell. These bands are controlled by engineering the dispersion relation of the unit cell. The second one, which is a 2-lumped elements loaded antenna, achieved wideband operation through the entire DVB-H band with a planar size of 5×2 cm^2. A model is proposed to explain, through simple numerical simulations and an optimization algorithm, the behavior of these component loaded antennas (which are equivalent to metamaterial inspired electrically small antennas)