Power spectral density control using AIS and spreading in an aeronautical SATCOM terminal using a low profile antenna

#Developments in mobile communications have enabled consumers to remain connected without the need to have a wired connection. For example, satellite communication systems allow consumers to access voice and data services from virtually any global location. Such accessibility can be beneficial for consumers who are located in, or must travel to, areas that cannot be serviced by normal communication systems. Service providers of voice and communication networks are faced with requests for seemingly endless levels of bandwidth by consumers and content providers. Consumers utilize devices such as mobile phones, tablets, computers, etc. to obtain various types of content which can often require greater bandwidth and a higher quality of service than only a short period of time prior.

#Satellite communication systems have introduced an added level of mobility wherein consumers are capable of remaining connected on mobile platforms such as aircrafts. Satellite communication systems that facilitate aeronautical components such as aircrafts, however, face various problems due to the inherent mobility associated with aircrafts. For example, aircrafts can travel at speeds which allow them to pass through multiple coverage beams of the satellite, and perform dynamic maneuvers that continually change their antenna orientation relative to the satellite. Communication between aircrafts and the satellite is also subject to signal fade resulting from atmospheric conditions such as precipitation. Various regulatory restrictions are also placed on the amount of output power produced by aircraft satellite terminals so as to avoid interference with adjacent satellites. Thus, the signal integrity of the aircraft satellite terminal can vary due factors such as fade, ground station characteristics, regulatory limitations, etc.

#In order to compensate for these factors and maintain signal integrity, for example, a constant symbol rate is maintained while varying the modulation and/or coding subject to the terminal's capabilities. The output power of the terminal can also be increased in order to compensate for signal degradation, while conforming to regulatory restrictions. Once the limits of modulation, coding, and output power have been reached, the terminal typically suspends transmission until sufficient conditions change to reestablish communication. If signal degradation results, for example, from rain which covers a significant area in the aircraft's flight path, communication may be unavailable for a prolonged period of time. This can result in significant dissatisfaction for customers subscribing to the service for a fee. Based on the foregoing, there is a need for an approach for improving an aeronautical terminal's ability to maintain communication with a satellite despite factors such as fade and regulatory limitations.

#Various exemplary embodiments are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

#FIG. 1 is a diagram of a system capable of performing power spectral density control, according to one embodiment;

#FIG. 2 is a diagram of various components of an aeronautical terminal useable in the system of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment;

#An apparatus and method for controlling the power spectral density of aeronautical satellite terminals through adaptive inroute selection, power control, and spreading are described. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. It will become apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that various embodiments may be practiced without these specific details or with an equivalent arrangement. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the various embodiments.

#FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary satellite communication system 100 capable of supporting communication with a mobile platform, such as an aircraft 120, while performing power spectral density control, according to one embodiment. The communication system 100 includes a satellite 110 that supports communications among aircraft 120 and a number of gateways 140 (only one shown). Although not shown in FIG. 1, the gateway 140 can support multiple satellite terminals 120. Additionally, the aircraft 120 includes an aeronautical terminal 130 (or aero terminal), which further connects to passenger equipment (not shown) such as laptop/notebook computers, tablets, mobile phones, etc.

#According to various embodiments, the satellite link constitutes a Wide-Area Network (WAN). The gateway 120 can be configured for relaying traffic between a private network 150, and/or a public network such as the Internet 160. The gateway 140 can be further configured to route traffic from the private network 150 and public Internet 160 across the satellite link to the aero terminal 130. The aero terminal 130 then routes the traffic to the appropriate passenger equipment. While FIG. 1 illustrates a single aircraft 120, it should be noted that the satellite communication system 100 is capable of supporting communication with multiple aircrafts simultaneously.