Downlink receiver algorithms for deep space optical communications

Meera Srinivasan; Ryan Rogalin; Norman Lay; Matthew Shaw; Andre Tkacenko

doi:10.1117/12.2254887

24 February 2017 Downlink receiver algorithms for deep space optical communications

Meera Srinivasan, Ryan Rogalin, Norman Lay, Matthew Shaw, Andre Tkacenko

Proceedings Volume 10096, Free-Space Laser Communication and Atmospheric Propagation XXIX; 100960A (2017) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2254887
Event: SPIE LASE, 2017, San Francisco, California, United States

Abstract

The goal of the Deep Space Optical Communications project at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory is to demonstrate laser communication links at ranges out to approximately 3 AU. In this paper, we discuss a downlink receiver concept capable of demodulating optical pulse-position modulated (PPM) waveforms with data rates varying from approximately 50 kbps up to 265 Mbps, using a range of PPM orders, slot widths, and code rates. The receiver operates on recorded timestamps corresponding to the times-of-arrival of photons detected by a photon-counting detector array followed by a commercial time-tagger. Algorithms are presented for slot, symbol, and frame synchronization as well as parameter estimation. Estimates of link performance are evaluated through Monte- Carlo simulation for an optical channel that includes optical losses, detector blocking, signal clock dynamics, and pointing-induced downlink fades. Based upon these simulation results, it is expected that link closure may be achieved with at least 3 dB of margin under a variety of relevant conditions.

Conference Presentation

Citation Download Citation

Meera Srinivasan, Ryan Rogalin, Norman Lay, Matthew Shaw, and Andre Tkacenko "Downlink receiver algorithms for deep space optical communications", Proc. SPIE 10096, Free-Space Laser Communication and Atmospheric Propagation XXIX, 100960A (24 February 2017); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2254887

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