DVB support of NGSO systems: analyses verification & validation activities

The DVB satellite communications physical layer specifications, which include DVB-S2X for the forward link and DVB-RCS2 for the return link have been updated to support Non-Geostationary Orbit (NGSO) satellite constellations and enhance the supported capacity. The enhancements include beam-hopping over the forward link, tuning of the DVB-RCS2 waveforms and addition of DVB-S2X to the return link thus providing higher spectral efficiency, higher bandwidth channels and support of larger data packets on the return link. Following the conclusion of the specification update, and further analysis and simulation work, the DVB project (by its Technical Module-Satellite group, TM-S) has been engaged in analysis of the dynamic range experienced by NGSO satellites, system level simulations for the forward and return links in an NGSO system and validation and verification activities aimed to promote interoperability among standard implementors. This paper describes those activities.