Aiming to overcome ‘rain fade’ in satellite links is the Peak Automatic UpLink Power Controller (AUPC) system, on show at IBC.
This natural atmospheric attenuation of the satellite signal occurs at all frequencies, according to Peak. However, it is more pronounced at higher frequencies. So the UPC7000 AUPC system is proving especially popular with earth stations operating Ku and Ka-Band links to help achieve often stringent availability targets.
Units monitor the satellite beacon signal via either an internal or external beacon receiver and subsequently automatically determine the uplink path gain compensation required to maintain a constant uplink signal level.
Gain compensation is automatically applied to the uplink paths via internal attenuator channels (standalone system), or external attenuators within the Peak UpConverter, BUC or line amplifier products.
Up to four internal uplink compensation channels can be provided in the standard 1RU unit, with a separate expansion unit providing up to ten modular channels ‘slaved’ from the main unit. This, claimed Peak, offers flexibility, maintainability and future-proof ‘expandability’.
Single channel units are now available with an optional scintillation enhancement facility.
This allows rapid compensation to overcome the effects of scintillation seen in typically low look angle satellites.
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