Methods and apparatus for aggregation of multiple pulse code modulation channels into a signal time division multiplexing stream

A method for sending encapsulated data packets, the method comprising:

• buffering sensor data using a telemetry processor by at least:
• receiving a frame of sensor data as modulated data using a first communications interface and a second communications interface of a plurality of distinct communications interfaces of the telemetry processor that comprise the first communications interface, the second communications interface, a third communications interface, a fourth communications interface, and a fifth communications interface,
• receiving a signal indicating an end of the frame of sensor data using the third communications interface, wherein the signal indicating the end of the frame of sensor data is separate from the modulated data, and
• storing the received frame of sensor data;
• after buffering the sensor data, the telemetry processor generating an encapsulated data packet including a single encapsulated data packet header, the buffered sensor data, and a plurality of identifiers identifying a plurality of telemetry devices providing the sensor data, wherein a format of the encapsulated data packet complies with a Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems (CCSDS) standard;
• and
• sending the encapsulated data packet using the fourth communications interface and the fifth communications interface.

A non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon instructions, that when executed by one or more computer processors of a telemetry processor, cause the telemetry processor to perform functions comprising:

• buffering sensor data by at least:
• receiving a frame of sensor data as modulated data using a first communications interface and a second communications interface of a plurality of distinct communications interfaces of the telemetry processor that comprise the first communications interface, the second communications interface, a third communications interface, a fourth communications interface, and a fifth communications interface,
• receiving a signal indicating an end of the frame of sensor data using the third communications interface, wherein the signal indicating the end of the frame of sensor data is separate from the modulated data, and
• storing the received frame of sensor data;
• after buffering the sensor data, generating an encapsulated data packet including a single encapsulated data packet header, the buffered sensor data, and a plurality of identifiers identifying a plurality of telemetry devices providing the sensor data, wherein a format of the encapsulated data packet complies with a CCSDS standard;
• and
• sending the encapsulated data packet using the fourth communications interface and the fifth communications interface.