Comtech EF Data SDM-300A - Manual (Page 47)

SDM-300A Satellite Modem Revision 6
Functional Description MN/SDM300A.IOM
2–7
Direct Digital Modulation follows the two identical digital Nyquist filters. Symbol rates up to
2.5 Mbps can be achieved automatically.
The modulated carrier is applied to the RF section for conversion to the correct output
frequency. The spectral shape will be identical to that of the input data streams, but
double-sided about the carrier frequency.
The RF synthesizer provides the proper frequencies to convert the modulator IF to the desired
output frequency in the 50 to 180 MHz range. The synthesizer has a single loop, and
incorporates a Direct Digital Synthesis (DDS) chip to accommodate 1 Hz steps over a range of
130 MHz. The RF section has a frequency stability of
± 1 x 10 -5 . An optional 2 x 10 -7
Temperature Compensated Crystal Oscillator (TCXO) can be installed.
The signal is sent to the output amplifier. The amplifier takes the low level signal from the
modulator section and amplifies the signal to the proper level for output from the module. The
amplifier circuitry provides programmable control of the output level over a range of -5 to -30
dB, in 0.1 dB steps. The amplifier has power leveling of
± 0.5 dB to maintain the stability of the
output level over time and temperature. The +5 dB output option is capable of outputting +5 to -
20 dBm.
2.2.2 Theory of Modulation Types
The modulation types for the modem include BPSK, QPSK, Offset QPSK, or 8-PSK.
The PSK data transmission encoding method uses the phase modulation technique. This method
varies the phase angle of the carrier wave to represent a different bit value for the receiver. The
higher levels of modulation are required for an operating range that has a limited bandwidth.
The order of modulation is represented by mPSK, where “m” relates to the number of discrete
phase angles. Refer to the following list for a brief description of the modulation types.
BPSK 2 discrete phase angles represent the 2 possible states of a symbol.
QPSK 4 discrete phase angles represent the 4 possible states of a symbol.
8PSK 8 discrete phase angles represent the 8 possible states of a symbol.
Note: The code rate determines the number of symbols per bit.