Hitless ultra small aperture terminal satellite communication network

• US 5,379,320 A
• Filed: 03/11/1993
• Issued: 01/03/1995
• Est. Priority Date: 03/11/1993
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Southern California Edison Company (Edison International)
• Original Assignee: Southern California Edison Company (Edison International)
• Inventors: Fernandes, Roosevelt A., Krabbe, Kurt P.
• Primary Examiner(s): Cain, David C.
• Application Number:
  US08/029,897
• Time in Patent Office: 663 Days
• Field of Search: 375/1, 342/352
• US Class Current: 375/141
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 21/0075 Stripline fed arrays H01Q21/065 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 21/062 using dipole aerials; H01Q21/067, H01Q21/068 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 3/14 for varying the relative position of primary active element and a refracting or diffracting device
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 3/267 Phased-array testing or checking devices
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/707 using direct sequence modulation
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/18528 Satellite systems for providing two-way communications service to a network of fixed stations, i.e. fixed satellite service or very small aperture terminal [VSAT] system
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/18578 Satellite systems for providing broadband data service to individual earth stations for selecting H04W; provisions for broadband connection, H04Q11/0478
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/216 Code division or spread-spectrum multiple access [CDMA, SSMA]

Abstract

A satellite communication system between a hub terminal and remote terminals simultaneously uses two or more satellites for communication. Rapid signal acquisition for mobile terminals is achieved by incorporation of a Global Positioning System receiver to establish initial frequency and time references. High resolution time distribution is provided by use of spread spectrum coded signals. A combined Time Division Multiple Access/Code Multiplex architecture receives simultaneous signals of widely varying signal strengths. Rapid and numerous changes to the polling sequence is possible. The hub terminal incorporates two high directivity antennas each illuminating a separate geostationary satellite transponder with a spread spectrum coded signal, each orthogonal to the other. The remote terminals employ an antenna of sufficiently small aperture to enable simultaneous reception of both orthogonal transponder signals. Each remote terminal transmits one signal that illuminates both satellite transponders and is received separately by each hub terminal antenna. All transmissions are synchronized to a precision time frame and are spread spectrum encoded. Multiple remote terminals may transmit simultaneously using orthogonal codes. Block addressing reduces the data bandwidth of the hub terminal. The network architecture allows numerous blocks to be established, each block containing any number of remote terminals and each remote terminal may be assigned to be a member numerous blocks. A single command issued by the hub terminal to a particular block, thereby addresses the multiple remote terminals which are members of that block. In order to demodulate the data received from multiple remote terminals, the hub terminal generates a numerical database that fully represents the composite received signal. Iterative digital signal processing is performed in real-time to establish the code phase of each remote terminal. Initial processing of the database demodulates only strong signals. In an iterative manner, the successfully demodulated signals are subtracted from the database and processing is reperformed to extract the weaker signals.

Claims

1. A communication system using satellite repeaters comprising

(a) at least two satellite repeaters,

(b) at least one hub terminal including antenna means for communicating with each satellite repeater,

(c) multiple remote terminals including respective antenna means having sufficient beamwidth for illuminating the at least two satellite repeaters simultaneously with multiple signals, the signals representing information in relation to the remote terminals, the remote terminals having respective communication means, and the communications means being nonoperable when the information is not being communicated,

(d) the signals being spread spectrum encoded thereby to reduce peak power spectral density, and

(e) the hub terminal and the multiple remote terminals communicating signals simultaneously through the at least two satellites.

20. A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the satellite repeaters are geostationary.

69. A communication system as claimed in claim 1 including steering means associated with the antenna means of the remote terminals, the steering means acting to facilitate constant orientation between the satellite repeaters and the remote terminals, and wherein the antenna beam between the satellite repeaters and the remote terminals is not based on differential beams over different discreetly located cellular terrestrial regions about remote terminals.

71. A communication system as claimed in claim 1 wherein communication between the satellite repeaters, hub terminal and remote terminals is independent of a monitoring of communication activity between the hub terminal repeater and remote terminals.

73. A communication system as claimed in claim 1 including means for code phase tracking and carrier tracking between the satellite repeaters, hub terminal and remote terminal, such tracking being effected on the communication signal between the repeaters and terminals.

75. A communication system as claimed in claim 1 including means for communicating all signals to all hub terminals, and remote terminals, and including means in the hub terminal for receiving signals from all remote terminals and for selectively distinguishing signals from different remote terminals, and including means in the remote terminals for receiving all the hub signals and selecting signals intended for a selected, remote terminal.

96. A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the communication means includes at least one of a transmitter and a receiver.

106. A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the beamwidth is sufficiently broad thereby to compensate for movement of remote terminals due to earthquake movement.

108. A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the communication through the at least two satellite effects communication between the hub terminal and remote terminal without signal loss between the hub terminal and remote terminals.

113. A system as claimed in claim 1 including means at the hub terminal for decoding signals from the multiple remote terminals substantially simultaneously.

2. A communication system comprising

(a) a geostationary satellite repeater,

(b) a hub terminal including antenna means for communicating with the repeater,

(c) a mobile remote terminal including

(i) an antenna of sufficient gain to require steering to the direction of the satellite repeater, such antenna being for data communication between the remote terminal and hub terminal;

(ii) a GPS receiver, the receiver operating on a GPS reference frequency as a reference frequency for the remote terminal to receive signals from the satellite repeater, and the GPS receiver being for acquisition processing with the satellite repeater and not for data communication between the hub terminal and mobile remote terminal, and

(d) means for deriving a GPS local position and time for facilitating spread spectrum code phase acquisition of communicated signals.

12. The system as claimed in claim 2 including means for dynamically assigning selected remote terminals to be members of selected blocks.

21. A system as claimed in claim 2 wherein there are multiple remote terminals, the remote terminals being selectively mobile.

22. A system as claimed in claim 21 wherein the GPS reference frequency selectively calibrates the remote terminals.

95. A system as claimed in claim 2 including at least two satellite repeaters and wherein the mobile remote terminals include antenna means having sufficient beamwidth for illuminating the at least two satellite repeaters simultaneously.

117. A system as claimed in claim 2 wherein communication is effected without means for recovering a carrier frequency.

3. A communication system comprising

(a) a satellite repeater,

(b) a hub terminal including antenna means for communicating with the repeater,

(c) a remote terminal,

(d) means for transmitting a waveform from the hub terminal to the remote terminal incorporating a precision time frame, such time frame being applied for coarse time distribution resolution, and

(e) means for generating spread spectrum code phase communicated signals from the hub terminal to the remote terminal, such signals being applied for fine resolution by providing a time distribution corresponding to the duration of one bit of the spread spectrum code sequence.

15. The system as claimed in claim 3 including means for selectively forward error-correction encoding each frame, and means for notifying the receiving terminal whether the forward error-correction is used by affixing a selected preamble to the start of the frame.

23. A system as claimed in claim 3 wherein the satellite repeater is geostationary, and wherein there are selectively multiple site remote terminals, the terminals being selectively fixed or mobile.

116. A system as claimed in claim 3 including means for applying a GPS signal with the spread spectrum communicated signal thereby to minimize differences in the same distribution of the communicated signals between the hub terminal and the remote terminal.

4. A communication system for signals comprising

(a) means for code multiplexing direct sequence spread spectrum encoded signals to obtain a composite signal,

(b) means for conversion of a received composite signal to a numerical database,

(c) means for processing the database to establish the code phase and frame synchronization,

(d) means for demodulating an embedded signal using the database,

the means (a), (b), (c) and (d) being included in a communication system having

(e) at least one satellite repeater,

(f) a hub terminal including antenna means for communicating with the repeater, and

(g) a remote terminal including communication means for periodic operation.

13. The system as claimed in claim 4 including a single chain of RF, IF and downconversion means for demodulating multiple code multiplexed direct sequence spread spectrum encoded signals of conversion of the composite signal to a numerical database, and means for separating signals by digital signal processing of the numerical database.

16. The system as claimed in claim 4 including means for selectively forward error-correction encoding each frame, and means for notifying the receiving terminal whether the forward error-correction is used by affixing a selected preamble to the start of the frame.

18. The system as claimed in claim 4 including means for obtaining a high signal to noise ratio of a transmitted signal and substantial immunity to the effects of signal scintillation having:

(a) means for determining code phase tracking error by performing a simultaneous cross-correlation of the same signal with the spread spectrum code sequence shifted earlier and later in time,

(b) means for using the maximum correlation, early correlation and late correlation of the same signal to control code phase tracking, and

(c) means for using the maximum correlation data for subsequent signal processing.

97. A system as claimed in claim 4 wherein the communication means includes at least one of a transmitter and a receiver.

5. A communication system for signals comprising

(a) means for code multiplexing direct sequence spread spectrum encoded signals,

(b) means for conversion of a received composite received signal to a numerical database,

(c) means for processing the database to establish the code phase and frame synchronization for the relatively stronger signals,

(d) means for demodulating an embedded relatively stronger signal using the database,

(e) means for smoothing and respreading of the demodulated relatively stronger signal to establish values for that relatively stronger signal at each sample time within the database,

(f) means for subtracting the demodulated signals from the original database,

(g) means for performing these processes iteratively and thereby affecting demodulation of less strong signals,

(h) the means (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f) and (g) being included in a communication system having

(i) at least one satellite repeater,

(j) a hub terminal including antenna means for communicating with the repeater, and

(k) a remote terminal including communication means for periodic operation.

14. The system as claimed in claim 5 including a single chain of RF IF and downconversion means for demodulating multiple code multiplexed direct sequence spread spectrum encoded signals of conversion of the composite signal to a numerical database, and means for separating signals by digital signal processing of the numerical database.

17. The system as claimed in claim 5 including means for selectively forward error-correction encoding each frame, and means for notifying the receiving terminal whether the forward error-correction is used by affixing a selected preamble to the start of the frame.

19. The system as claimed in claim 5 including means for obtaining a high signal to noise ratio of a transmitted signal and substantial immunity to the effects of signal scintillation having;

(a) means for determining code phase tracking error by performing a simultaneous cross-correlation of the same signal with the spread spectrum code sequence shifted earlier and later in time,

(b) means for using the maximum correlation, early correlation and late correlation of the same signal to control code phase tracking, and

(c) means for using the maximum correlation data for subsequent signal processing.

98. A system as claimed in claim 5 wherein the communication means includes at least one of a transmitter and a receiver.

6. A communication system comprising

(a) a hub terminal,

(b) multiple remote terminals,

(c) means for polling the remote terminals to initiate responses from the terminals,

(d) means for changing the polling sequence,

(e) means for establishing multiple blocks,

(f) means for assigning selected remote terminals to be members of selected blocks,

(g) means for polling by block thereby selecting all members assigned to that block,

(h) means for polling by multiple blocks, individually additive or subtractive, thereby affecting selection of numerous combinations of remote terminals, and

(i) means for effecting communication including at least one satellite repeater, and the hub terminal including antenna means for communicating with the repeater, and wherein the remote terminals including respective communication means, the communication means being periodically operable.

11. The system as claimed in claim 6 including means for enabling a terminal to transmit data without regard to the polling sequence, and including means for multiplexing direct sequence spread spectrum encoded signals from the remote terminals.

99. A system as claimed in claim 6 wherein the communication means includes at least one of a transmitter and a receiver.

114. A system as claimed in claim 6 including means at the hub terminal for decoding signals from the multiple remote terminals substantially simultaneously.

7. A communication system comprising

(a) a hub terminal,

(b) multiple remote terminals,

(c) means for polling the remote terminals to initiate responses from the terminals, and

(d) means for transmission of notifications independent of the polling sequence using a combination of code and time multiplexing, and

(e) means for effecting communication including at least one satellite repeater, and wherein the hub terminal includes antenna means for communicating with the repeaters, the hub terminal including communication means, and wherein the remote terminals include respective communication means, the communication means being periodically operable.

24. A system as claimed in claim 7 wherein the power source is selectively a solar array panel or induction coil interaction with power supply lines.

25. A system as claimed in claim 7 including means for monitoring an apparent increase in noise level resulting from numerous, simultaneous notifications, and means for limiting the increase in apparent noise level by activating additional time multiplexing of the notifications.

26. A system as claimed in claim 7 including means for activating additional time multiplexing through block addressing control of enable, disable and synchronization of periodic transmissions of polling and response to polling.

100. A system as claimed in claim 7 wherein the communication means includes at least one of a transmitter and a receiver.

115. A system as claimed in claim 7 including means at the hub terminal for decoding signals from the multiple remote terminals substantially simultaneously.

8. A communication system adjacent to electrical power conductors comprising

(a) a hub terminal including antenna means, the hub terminal including a communication,

(b) a remote terminal including communication means for communicating continuously,

(c) at least one geostationary satellite repeater for receiving communications between the hub terminal and the remote terminal such that communication is effected through the one satellite repeater,

(d) an electrical power supply source for the remote terminal, the source being non-conductively coupled with an electrical power conductor between the remote terminal and a selected site, and

(e) a steerable antenna incorporated into the remote terminal to provide self-alignment of the antenna with the direction to the satellite.

27. A system as claimed in claim 8 including means for operating the trigger after a programmable time delay.

9. A communication system comprising

(a) a hub terminal including antenna means, the hub terminal including a communication means,

(b) a remote terminal including communication means for communicating with the hub terminal and periodically transmitting data to the hub,

(c) at least one geostationary satellite repeater for receiving communications between the hub terminal and the remote terminal such that communication is effected through at least one satellite repeater,

(d) an electrical power generating source for the remote terminal, the source being physically disconnected from electrical power supply means,

(e) a communication link for data transfer between the remote terminal and a selected site,

(f) an antenna for the remote terminal,

(g) a remote terminal mounted with an adjustable joint,

(h) installation means for automatically adjusting the orientation of the remote terminal by control of the adjustable joint, and

(i) a GPS receiver used selectively solely or in combination with gyroscope means for determining orientation and direction of the antenna alignment relative to the satellite repeater.

101. A system as claimed in claim 9 wherein the communication means includes at least one of a transmitter and a receiver.

105. A system as claimed in claim 9 including means at a hub terminal for detecting a communication failure from a remote terminal, and means for ascertaining the location of the failed remote terminal by data relating a GPS signal with the remote terminal.

10. A communication system comprising

(a) a hub terminal including antenna means, the hub terminal including a communication means,

(b) at least one remote terminal for communicating data to the hub terminal, the data being related to varying information, the remote terminal including communication means for communicating through at least one satellite repeater with the hub terminal and periodically communicating data to the hub such that communication is effected through at least one satellite repeater,

(c) means for collecting and storing a programmable amount of data before, during and after a transient event related to the varying information,

(d) a programmable size memory stack,

(e) means for storing data by introducing new data to the stack and for removing old data from the stack,

(f) means for defining control conditions relating to the varying information, such conditions being determined by a past and a present signal level relative to selected threshold values, and

(g) a trigger responsive to at least one of the control conditions, and being operable selectively under predetermined programmable conditions to terminate data storage.

102. A system as claimed in claim 10 wherein the communication means includes at least one of a transmitter and a receiver.

28. A communication system using satellite repeaters comprising

(a) at least two geostationary satellite repeaters,

(b) at least one hub terminal including antenna means for communicating with each satellite repeater, the hub terminal including a communication means,

(c) multiple mobile remote terminals including respective antenna means having a wide beamwidth for illuminating the at least two satellite repeaters simultaneously with a signal, the antennas having sufficient gain to require steering to the direction of the satellite repeater;

and GPS receiver means, the receiver means being operated on a GPS reference frequency as a reference frequency for the remote terminal to receive signals from the satellite repeater,

(d) satellite repeater RF power means for amplifying the signal, the signal being spread spectrum encoded thereby to reduce peak power spectral density, and

(e) means for deriving a GPS derived local position and time for facilitating spread spectrum code phase acquisition of communicated signals, and

(f) the remote terminals including communication means for communicating with the hub terminal and periodically transmitting data to the hub such that communication is effected through at least one satellite repeater.

109. A system as claimed in claim 28 wherein the communication through the at least two satellite repeaters effects communication between the hub terminal and remote terminal without signal loss between the hub terminal and remote terminals.

29. A communication system using satellite repeaters comprising

(a) at least two satellite repeaters,

(b) at least one hub terminal including antenna means for communicating with each satellite repeater, a hub terminal including continuously operating communication means,

(c) multiple remote terminals including respective antenna means having a wide beamwidth for illuminating the at least two satellite repeaters simultaneously with a signal,

(d) means for transmitting a waveform incorporating a precision time frame, such time frame being applied for coarse time distribution resolution, and

(e) means for generating spread spectrum code phase communicated signals, such signals being applied for fine resolution by providing a time distribution corresponding to the duration of bit of the spread spectrum code sequence, and

(f) the remote terminals including communication means for communicating with the hub terminal and for periodically transmitting data to the hub such that communication is effected simultaneously through the two satellite repeaters thereby establishing a redundancy of signal communication with the hub terminal and periodically transmitting data to the hub.

93. A system as claimed in claim 29 including means for obtaining from GPS receiver a timing signal thereby to prevent signal interference during communication.

110. A system as claimed in claim 29 wherein the communication through the at least two satellite effects communication between the hub terminal and remote terminal without signal loss between the hub terminal and remote terminals.

30. A communication system using satellite repeaters comprising

(a) at least two satellite repeaters,

(b) at least two hub terminals including antenna means for communicating with each satellite repeater, each hub terminal including a communication means,

(c) multiple remote terminals including respective antenna means having a wide beamwidth for illuminating the at least two satellite repeaters simultaneously with a signal,

(d) means for code multiplexing direct sequence spread spectrum encoded signals to obtain a composite signal,

(e) means for conversion of a received composite signal to a numerical database,

(f) means for processing the database to establish the code phase and frame synchronization, and

(g) means for demodulating an embedded signal using the database, and

(h) the remote terminals including communication means for communicating with the hub terminal and periodically transmitting data to the hub such that communication is effected simultaneously through the two satellite repeaters thereby establishing a redundancy of signal communications with the hub terminals and periodically transmitting data to the hub.

107. A system as claimed in claim 30 wherein rapid acquiring of signals include means for applying a least square fit of a carrier frequency thereby to compensate for frequency drift.

111. A system as claimed in claim 30 wherein the communication through the at least two satellite effects communication between the hub terminal and remote terminal without signal loss between the hub terminal and remote terminals.

31. A communication system using satellite repeaters comprising

(a) at least two satellite repeaters,

(b) at least one hub terminal including antenna means for communicating with each satellite repeater, the hub terminal including a communication means,

(c) multiple remote terminals including respective antenna means having a wide beamwidth for illuminating the at least two satellite repeaters simultaneously with a signal,

(d) means for code multiplexing direct sequence spread spectrum encoded signals,

(e) means for conversion of a received composite received signal to a numerical database,

(f) means for processing the database to establish the code phase and frame synchronization, the processing rapidly acquiring stronger signals by direct demodulation of the stronger signals.

(g) means for demodulating an embedded signal using the database, wherein the process will rapidly decode the stronger signals,

(h) means for smoothing and respreading of the successfully demodulated signal to establish values for that signal at each sample time within the database,

(i) means for subtracting the successfully demodulated signals from the original database, and

(j) means for performing these processes iteratively and thereby effecting demodulation of other weaker signals, and

(k) the remote terminals including communication means for communicating with the hub terminals and periodically transmitting data to the hub such that communication is effected simultaneously through the two satellite repeaters thereby establishing a redundancy of signal communications with the hub terminals and periodically transmitting data to the hub.

94. A system as claimed in claim 31 including means for effecting demodulation separately of the weaker signal.

112. A system as claimed in claim 31 wherein the communication through the at least two satellite effects communication between the hub terminal and remote terminal without signal loss between the hub terminal and remote terminals.

32. A communication system using satellite repeaters comprising

(a) at least two satellite repeaters,

(b) at least one hub terminal including antenna means for communicating with each satellite repeater, the hub terminal including communication means,

(c) multiple remote terminals including respective antenna means having a wide beamwidth for illuminating the at least two satellite repeaters simultaneously with a signal, the signal being spread spectrum encoded,

(d) means for polling the remote terminals to initiate responses from the terminals,

(e) means for changing the polling sequence,

(f) means for establishing multiple blocks,

(g) means for assigning selected remote terminals to be members of selected blocks,

(h) means for polling by block thereby selecting members assigned to that block, and

(i) means for polling by multiple blocks, individually additive or subtractive, thereby affecting selection of numerous combinations of remote terminals, and

(j) the remote terminals including transmitter means for communicating with the hub terminals and periodically transmitting data to the hub such that communication is effected simultaneously through the two satellite repeaters thereby establishing a redundancy of signal communication with the hub terminals and periodically transmitting data to the hub.

33. A communication system using satellite repeaters comprising

(a) at least two satellite repeaters,

(b) at least one hub terminal including antenna means for communicating with each satellite repeater, the hub terminal including continuously operating communication means,

(c) multiple remote terminals including respective antenna means having a wide beamwidth for illuminating the at least two satellite repeaters simultaneously with a signal,

(d) means for collecting and storing of a programmable amount of data before, during and after a transient event related to data of a varying information,

(e) a programmable size memory stack,

(f) means for storing date by introducing new data on the stack and for removing old date from the stack,

(g) means a for defining control conditions relating to the varying information, such conditions being determined by a past and a present signal level relative to selected threshold values,

(h) a trigger responsive to at least one of the control conditions, and being operable selectively under programmable conditions to terminate data storage, and

(i) the remote terminals including communication means for communicating with the hub terminal and periodically transmitting data to the hub such that communication is effected simultaneously through the two satellite repeaters thereby establishing a redundancy of signal communication with the hub terminal and periodically transmitting data to the hub.

103. A system as claimed in claim 33 wherein the communication means includes at least one of a transmitter and a receiver.

34. A communication system using satellite repeaters comprising

(a) at least two geostationary satellite repeaters,

(b) at least two hub terminals including antenna means for communicating with each satellite repeater, the respective hub terminals including communication means,

(c) at least one electronic means for association with the hub terminals for processing signals between the antenna means and the hub terminal,

(d) multiple remote terminals including respective antenna means having sufficient beamwidth for illuminating the at least two satellite repeaters simultaneously with a signal,

(e) the signal being spread spectrum encoded thereby to reduce peak power spectral density,

(f) means for switching at a preselected time from a first selected satellite repeater and a selected hub terminal to a second selected satellite repeater and a selected hub terminal, and

(g) the remote terminals including communication means for communicating continuously with the hub terminal and periodically transmitting data to the hub such that communication is effected simultaneously through the two satellite repeaters thereby establishing a redundancy of signal communication with the hub terminal and periodically transmitting data to the hub.

35. A system as claimed in claim 34 wherein the electronic means is common for the hub terminals and including means for connecting the electronic means with the selected hub terminal.

36. A system as claimed in claim 34 wherein the preselected time is sun outage time between a selected satellite repeater and the respective antenna means.

37. A method of communicating using satellite repeaters comprising

(a) communicating with at least two satellite repeaters,

(b) communicating from at least one hub terminal with each satellite repeaters, each hub terminal including a continuously operating communication means,

(c) communicating a signal from multiple remote terminals with a wide beamwidth with the at least two satellite repeaters simultaneously,

(d) the signal being spread spectrum encoded thereby to reduce peak power spectral density, and

(e) communicating with the hub terminal and periodically transmitting data to the hub such that communication is effected simultaneously through the two satellite repeaters thereby establishing a redundancy of signal communication with the hub terminal and periodically transmitting data to the hub.

77. A method of communicating as claimed in claim 37 including steering the antenna means of the remote mobile terminals, the steering acting to facilitate constant orientation between the satellite repeaters and the remote terminals, and wherein the antenna beam between the satellite repeaters and the remote terminals is not based on differential beams over different discreetly located cellular terrestrial regions about remote terminals.

79. A method of communicating as claimed in claim 37 wherein communication between the satellite repeaters, hub terminals and remote terminals is independent of monitoring communication activity between the hub terminal repeaters and remote terminals.

81. A method of communicating as claimed in claim 37 including means for code phase tracking and carrier tracking between the satellite repeaters, hub terminal and remote terminal, such tracking being effected on the communication signal between the repeaters and terminals.

83. A method of communicating as claimed in claim 37 including communicating all signals to all hub terminals, and remote terminals, and including receiving signals in the hub terminal from all remote terminals and for selectively distinguishing signals from different remote terminals, and including receiving all the hub signals in all the remote terminals and selecting signals intended for a selective, remote terminal.

104. A system as claimed in claim 37 wherein the communication means includes at least one of a transmitter and a receiver.

38. A method of communicating comprising

(a) communicating with at least two satellite repeaters,

(b) communicating from a hub terminal with the repeaters, and wherein the hub terminal includes a communication means,

(c) communicating a signal from a remote terminal, including having communication means for communicating simultaneously with the two satellite repeaters,

(d) transmitting a waveform incorporating a precision time frame, such time frame being applied for coarse time distribution resolution,

(e) generating spread spectrum code phase communicated signals, such signals being applied for fine resolution by providing a time distribution corresponding to the duration of one bit of the spread spectrum code sequence, and

(f) communicating with the hub terminal and periodically transmitting data to the hub such that communication is effected simultaneously through the two satellite repeaters thereby establishing a redundancy of signal communication with the hub terminal and periodically transmitting data to the hub.

39. A method of communicating comprising

(a) communicating with a satellite repeater,

(b) communicating from a hub terminal with the repeater, the hub terminal including a communication means,

(c) generating spread spectrum code phase communicated signals, such signals being applied for fine resolution by providing a time distribution corresponding to the duration of one bit of the spread spectrum code sequence,

(d) communicating a signal from a remote terminal, the remote terminal including communication means for periodically transmitting data to the hub, and

(e) transmitting a waveform incorporating a precision time frame, such time frame being applied for coarse time distribution resolution.

53. A method as claimed in claim 39 wherein the satellite repeaters are geostationary.

40. A method of communicating for signals comprising

(a) code multiplexing direct sequence spread spectrum encoded signals to obtain a composite signal,

(b) converting a received composite signal to a numerical database,

(c) processing the database to establish the code phase and frame synchronization,

(d) demodulating of an embedded signal using the database,

(e) effecting communication using a satellite repeater comprising communicating with at least one satellite repeater, communicating from at least one hub terminal with the satellite repeater, the hub terminals including communication means, and communicating a signal from multiple remote terminals, each respective remote terminal including communication means for communication with the satellite repeaters, and

(f) periodically transmitting data to the hub through the satellite repeaters.

54. A method as claimed in claim 40 wherein there are multiple remote terminals, the remote terminals being selectively mobile.

55. A method as claimed in claim 54 wherein the GPS reference frequency selectively calibrates the remote terminals.

41. A method of communicating for signals comprising

(a) code multiplexing direct sequence spread spectrum encoded signals,

(b) converting a received composite received signal to a numerical database,

(c) processing the database to establish the code phase and frame synchronization, such that the processing rapidly acquires the stronger signals by direct demodulation,

(d) demodulating an embedded signal using the database, recognizing that the process will rapidly decode the stronger signals,

(e) smoothing and respreading of the successfully demodulated signal to establish values for that signal at each sample time within the database,

(f) subtracting the successfully demodulated signals from the original database,

(g) performing these processes iteratively and thereby effecting demodulation of other weaker signals, and

(h) effecting communication using a satellite repeater comprising communicating with at least one satellite repeater, communicating from at least one hub terminal with the satellite repeater, the hub terminals including communication means, and communicating a signal from multiple remote terminals, each respective remote terminal including communication means for communication with the satellite repeater and,

(i) the remote terminals including transmitter means for periodically transmitting data to the hub through the satellite repeater.

56. A method as claimed in claim 41 wherein the satellite repeater is geostationary, and wherein there are selectively multiple terminals, the terminals being selectively fixed or mobile.

42. A method of communicating comprising,

(a) polling multiple remote terminals from a hub terminal to initiate responses from the terminals,

(b) changing the polling sequence,

(c) establishing multiple blocks,

(d) assigning selected remote terminals to be members of selected blocks,

(e) polling by block thereby selecting all members assigned to that block,

(f) polling by multiple blocks, individually additive or subtractive, thereby effecting selection of numerous combinations of remote terminals,

(g) effecting communication using a satellite repeater comprising communicating with at least one satellite repeater, communicating from at least the hub terminal with the satellite repeater, the hub terminal including communication means, and

(h) periodically transmitting data to the hub through the satellite repeater.

46. The method as claimed in claim 42 including applying a single chain of RF, IF and downconversion for demodulating multiple code multiplexed direct sequence spread spectrum encoded signals by conversion of the composite signal to a numerical database, and separating signals by digital signal processing of the numerical database.

48. The method as claimed in claim 42 including selectively forward error-correction encoding each frame, and notifying the receiving terminal whether the forward error-correction is used by affixing a selected preamble to the start of the frame.

49. The method as claimed in claim 42 including selectively forward error-correction encoding each frame, and notifying the receiving terminal whether the forward error-correction is used by affixing a selected preamble to the start of the frame.

51. The method as claimed in claim 42 including obtaining a high signal to noise ratio of a transmitted signal and substantial immunity to the effects of signal scintillation including:

(a) determining code phase tracking error by performing a simultaneous cross-correlation of the same signal with the spread spectrum code sequence shifted earlier and later in time,

(b) using the maximum correlation, early correlation and late correlation of the same signal to control code phase tracking, and

(c) using the maximum correlation data for subsequent signal processing.

59. A method as claimed in claim 42 including dynamically assigning selected remote terminals to be members of selected blocks.

43. A method of communicating between a hub terminal, a remote terminal and at least one geostationary satellite repeater comprising

(a) supplying an electrical power generating source for the remote terminal, the source being physically disconnected from electrical power supply means,

(b) communicating data between the remote terminal and a selected site,

(c) steering a steerable antenna for the remote terminal to provide antenna alignment or using external automated installation means including a GPS receiver selectively in combination with gyroscope means to effect alignment of the antenna,

(d) effecting communication using satellite repeaters comprising communicating with at least one satellite repeater, communicating from at least the hub terminal with the satellite repeater, the hub terminals including communication means, and

(e) periodically transmitting data to the hub through the satellite repeater.

47. The method as claimed in claim 43 including applying a single chain of RF, IF and downconversion for demodulating multiple code multiplexed direct sequence spread spectrum encoded signals by conversion of the composite signal to a numerical database, and separating signals by digital signal processing of the numerical database.

52. The method as claimed in claim 43 including obtaining a high signal to noise ratio of a transmitted signal and substantial immunity to the effects of signal scintillation having;

(a) determining code phase tracking error by performing a simultaneous cross-correlation of the same signal with the spread spectrum code sequence shifted earlier and later in time,

(b) using the maximum correlation, early correlation and late correlation of the same signal to control code phase tracking, and

(c) using the maximum correlation data for subsequent signal processing.

58. A method as claimed in claim 47 including operating the trigger after a programmable time delay.

44. A method of communicating comprising

(a) collecting and storing of a programmable amount of data before, during and after a transient event related to the varying information,

(b) providing a programmable size memory stack,

(c) storing data by introducing new data to the stack and removing old data from the stack,

(d) defining control conditions relating to the varying information, such conditions being determined by a past and a present signal level relative to selected threshold values,

(e) triggering in response to at least one of the control conditions, and being operable selectively under programmable conditions to terminate data storage,

(f) effecting communication using a satellite repeater comprising communicating with at least one satellite repeater, communicating from at least the hub terminal with the satellite repeater, the hub terminals including communication means, and

(g) periodically transmitting data to the hub through the satellite repeater.

45. The method as claimed in claim 44 including enabling a terminal to transmit data without regard to the polling sequence including multiplexing direct sequence spread spectrum encoded signals from the remote terminals.

50. The method as claimed in claim 44 including selectively forward error-correction encoding each frame, and notifying the receiving terminal whether the forward error-correction is used by affixing a selected preamble to the start of the frame.

57. A method as claimed in claim 45 wherein the power source is selectively from solar or induction coil interaction with power supply lines.

60. A method of communicating using satellite repeaters comprising

(a) communicating with at least two geostationary satellite repeaters,

(b) communicating from at least one hub terminal with each satellite repeater, the hub terminal including communication means,

(c) communicating a signal from multiple remote terminals with the at least two satellite repeaters simultaneously, and steering the antenna to the direction of the satellite repeater,

(d) applying a GPS receiver operating on a GPS reference frequency as a reference frequency for the remote terminal to receive signals from the satellite repeater,

(e) using a GPS derived local position and time for facilitating spread spectrum code phase acquisition of communicated signals, and

(f) effecting communication continuously and simultaneously through at least one satellite repeater thereby establishing a redundancy of signal communication.

61. A method of communicating using satellite repeaters comprising

(a) communicating with at least two satellite repeaters,

(b) communicating from at least one hub terminal with each satellite repeater, the hub terminal including a transmitter,

(c) communicating a signal from multiple remote terminals with the at least two satellite repeaters simultaneously,

(d) transmitting a waveform incorporating a precision time frame, such time frame being applied for coarse time distribution resolution,

(e) generating spread spectrum code phase communicated signals, such signals being applied for fine resolution by providing a time distribution corresponding to the duration of one bit of the spread spectrum code sequence, and

(f) effecting communication through at least one satellite repeater thereby establishing a redundancy of signal communication.

62. A method of communicating using satellite repeaters comprising

(a) communicating with at least two satellite repeaters,

(b) communicating from at least one hub terminal with each satellite repeater, the hub terminal including communication means,

(c) communicating a signal from multiple remote terminals with the at least two satellite repeaters simultaneously,

(d) code multiplexing direct sequence spread spectrum encoded signals to obtain a composite signal,

(e) converting of a received composite signal to a numerical database,

(f) processing the database to establish the code phase and frame synchronization,

(g) demodulating an embedded signal using the database and

(h) effecting communication through at least one satellite repeater thereby establishing a redundancy of signal communication.

63. A method of communicating using satellite repeaters comprising

(a) communicating with at least two satellite repeaters,

(b) communicating from at least one hub terminal including antenna means for communicating with each satellite repeater, the hub terminal including communication means,

(c) communicating a signal, the signal being spread spectrum encoded from multiple remote terminals antenna means with the at least two satellite repeaters simultaneously,

(d) code multiplexing direct sequence spread spectrum encoded signals,

(e) converting a received composite received signal to a numerical database,

(f) processing the database to establish the code phase and frame synchronization, for relatively stronger signals,

(g) demodulating an embedded signal using the database, for the relatively stronger signals,

(h) smoothing and respreading of the successfully demodulated signal to establish values for that signal at each sample time within the database,

(i) subtracting the successfully demodulated signals from the original database,

(j) performing these processes iteratively and thereby effecting demodulation of relatively less strong signals, and

(k) effecting communication through at least one satellite repeater thereby establishing a redundancy of signal communication.

64. A method of communicating using satellite repeaters comprising

(a) communicating with at least two satellite repeaters,

(b) communicating from at least one hub terminal with each satellite repeater, the hub terminal including communication means,

(c) communicating a signal from multiple remote terminals with the at least two satellite repeaters simultaneously with a signal,

(d) amplifying the signal with satellite repeater RF power, the signal being spread spectrum encoded,

(e) polling the remote terminals to initiate responses from the terminals,

(f) changing the polling sequence,

(g) establishing multiple blocks,

(h) assigning selected remote terminals to be members of selected blocks,

(i) polling by block thereby selecting all members assigned to that block,

(j) polling by multiple blocks, individually additive or subtractive, thereby affecting selection of numerous combinations of remote terminals, and

(k) effecting communication through at least one satellite repeater thereby establishing a redundancy of signal communication.

65. A method of communicating using satellite repeaters comprising

(a) communicating with at least two satellite repeaters,

(b) communicating from at least one hub terminal with each satellite repeater, the hub terminal including communication means,

(c) communicating a signal, the signal being spread spectrum encoded with multiple remote terminals with the at least two satellite repeaters simultaneously,

(d) collecting and storing of a programmable amount of data before, during and after a transient event related to data of a varying information,

(e) providing a programmable size memory stack,

(f) storing data by introducing new data on the stack and removing old data from the stack,

(g) defining control conditions relating to the varying information, such conditions being determined by a past and a present signal level relative to selected threshold values,

(h) triggering in response to at least one of the control conditions, and being operable selectively under programmable conditions to terminate data storage, and

(i) effecting communication through at least one satellite repeater thereby establishing redundancy of signal communication.

66. A method of communicating using satellite repeaters comprising

(a) communicating with at least two geostationary satellite repeaters,

(b) communicating from at least two hub terminals with each satellite repeater, the hub terminal including communication means,

(c) communicating a signal from multiple remote terminals with a wide beamwidth with the at least two satellite repeaters simultaneously,

(d) amplifying the signal with satellite repeater RF power means,

(e) the signal being spread spectrum encoded thereby to reduce peak power spectral density,

(f) switching at a preselected time from a first selected satellite repeater and a selected hub terminal to a second satellite repeater and a selected hub terminal, and

(g) effecting communication through at least one satellite repeater thereby establishing a redundancy of signal communication.

67. A method as claimed in claim 66 wherein the preselected time is a sun outage time between a selected satellite repeater and a selected hub terminal.

68. A communication system using satellite repeaters comprising

(a) at least two satellite repeaters,

(b) at least one hub terminal including antenna means for communicating with each satellite repeater, the hub terminal including a continuously operating transmitter,

(c) multiple remote terminals including respective antenna means having sufficient beamwidth for illuminating the at least two satellite repeaters simultaneously with multiple signals,

(d) the signals being spread spectrum encoded thereby to reduce power spectral density, and

(e) the hub terminal and the multiple remote terminals communicating signals simultaneously through at least one satellite repeater, the communication between the remote terminals and the satellite repeaters being effected by an antenna steered with steering means thereby to maintain a substantially constant orientation in space directed to the satellite repeaters, and wherein the antenna beams between the repeaters and the remote terminals are nondifferentially directed to cellular terrestrial regions.

70. A communication system using satellite repeaters comprising

(a) at least two satellite repeaters,

(b) at least one hub terminal including antenna means for communicating with each satellite repeater, the hub terminal including a continuously operating transmitter,

(c) multiple remote terminals including respective antenna means having sufficient beamwidth for illuminating the at least two satellite repeaters simultaneously with multiple signals,

(d) the signals being spread spectrum encoded thereby to reduce power spectral density, and

(e) the hub terminal and the multiple remote terminals communicating signals simultaneously through at least one satellite repeater, and wherein communication of the existence of activity is independent of a monitoring of communication activity between the hub terminal, repeaters and remote terminals.

72. A communication system using satellite repeaters comprising

(a) at least two satellite repeaters,

(b) at least one hub terminal including antenna means for communicating with each satellite repeater, the hub terminal including a continuously operating transmitter,

(c) multiple remote terminals including respective antenna means having sufficient beamwidth for illuminating the at least two satellite repeaters simultaneously with multiple signals,

(d) the signals being spread spectrum encoded thereby to reduce power spectral density, and

(e) the hub terminal and the multiple remote terminals communicating signals simultaneously through the at least two satellite repeaters and including means for code phase tracking and carrier tracking on a communication signal, such communication signal directed between the hub terminal satellite repeaters and remote terminals, such tracking being effected without a pilot spread spectrum sequence.

74. A communication system using satellite repeaters comprising

(a) at least two satellite repeaters,

(b) at least one hub terminal including antenna means for communicating with each satellite repeater, the hub terminal including continuously operating communication means,

(c) multiple remote terminals including respective antenna means having sufficient beamwidth for illuminating the at least two satellite repeaters simultaneously with multiple signals,

(d) the signals being spread spectrum encoded thereby to reduce power spectral density, and

(e) the hub terminal and the multiple remote terminals communicating signals simultaneously through the at least two satellite repeaters, and including means to address signals between all remote terminals and the hub terminal, the communication signal between the terminals and repeaters including data representative of the address whereby the hub terminal includes means for receiving and decoding all communication signals transmitted by the remote terminals, and wherein all remote terminals decode all information transmitted by the hub terminal, the respective remote terminal having means to selectively distinguish signals intended for a selected remote terminal.

76. A method of communicating using satellite repeaters comprising

(a) at least two satellite repeaters,

(b) at least one hub terminal including antenna means for communicating with each satellite repeater, the hub terminal including continuously operating communication means,

(c) multiple mobile remote terminals including respective antenna means having sufficient beamwidth for illuminating the at least two satellite repeaters simultaneously with multiple signals,

(d) the signals being spread spectrum encoded thereby to reduce power spectral density, and

(e) the hub terminal and the multiple remote terminals communicating signals simultaneously through the at least two satellite repeaters, the communication between the remote terminals and the satellite repeaters being effected by an antenna steered with steering means thereby to maintain a substantially constant orientation in space directed to the satellite repeaters, and wherein the antenna beams between the repeaters and the remote terminals are nondifferentially directed to cellular terrestrial regions.

78. A method of communicating using satellite repeaters comprising

(a) at least two satellite repeaters,

(b) at least one hub terminal including antenna means for communicating with each satellite repeater, the hub terminal including continuously operating communication means,

(c) multiple remote terminals including respective antenna means having sufficient beamwidth for illuminating the at least two satellite repeaters simultaneously with multiple signals,

(d) the signals being spread spectrum encoded thereby to reduce power spectral density, and

(e) the hub terminal and the multiple remote terminals communicating signals simultaneously through at least two satellite repeaters, and wherein communication of activity is independent of monitoring communication activity between the hub terminal, repeaters and remote terminals.

80. A method of communicating using satellite repeaters comprising

(a) at least two satellite repeaters,

(b) at least one hub terminal including antenna means for communicating with each satellite repeater, the hub terminal including a communication means,

(c) multiple remote terminals including respective antenna means having sufficient beamwidth for illuminating the at least two satellite repeaters simultaneously with multiple signals,

(d) the signals being spread spectrum encoded thereby to reduce power spectral density, and

(e) the hub terminal and the multiple remote terminals communicating signals simultaneously through the at least two satellite repeaters and including means for code phase tracking and carrier tracking on a communication signal, such communication signal directed between the hub terminal satellite repeaters and remote terminals, such tracking being effected without a pilot spread spectrum sequence.

82. A method of communicating using satellite repeaters comprising

(a) at least two satellite repeaters,

(b) at least one hub terminal including antenna means for communicating with each satellite repeater, the hub terminal including continuously operating communication means,

(c) multiple remote terminals including respective antenna means having sufficient beamwidth for illuminating the at least two satellite repeaters simultaneously with multiple signals,

(d) the signals being spread spectrum encoded thereby to reduce power spectral density, and

(e) the hub terminal and the multiple remote terminals communicating signals simultaneously through the at least two satellite repeaters, and including means to address signals between all remote terminals and the hub terminal, the communication signal between the terminals and repeaters including data representative of the address whereby the hub terminal includes means for receiving and decoding all communication signals transmitted by the remote terminals, and wherein all remote terminals decode all information transmitted by the hub terminal, the respective remote terminal having means to selectively distinguish signals intended for a selected remote terminal.

84. A communication system for signals comprising

(a) means for code multiplexing direct sequence spread spectrum encoded signals to obtain a composite signal,

(b) means for conversion of a received composite signal to a numerical database,

(c) means for processing the database to establish the code phase and frame synchronization,

(d) means for demodulating an embedded signal using the database,

the means (a), (b), (c) and (d) being included in a communication system having

(e) at least two satellite repeaters,

(f) a hub terminal including antenna means for communicating with the repeater, the hub terminal including continuously operating communication means, and

(g) a remote terminal including communication means for periodic operation and wherein communication is effected simultaneously through the two satellite repeaters thereby to establish a redundancy of signal communication.

85. A communication system for signals comprising

(a) means for code multiplexing direct sequence spread spectrum encoded signals,

(b) means for conversion of a received composite received signal to a numerical database,

(c) means for processing the database to establish the code phase and frame synchronization for the relatively stronger signals,

(d) means for demodulating an embedded relatively stronger signal using the database,

(e) means for smoothing and respreading of the demodulated relatively stronger signal to establish values for that relatively stronger signal at each sample time within the database,

(f) means for subtracting the demodulated signals from the original database,

(g) means for performing these processes iteratively and thereby effecting demodulation of less strong signals,

the means (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f) and (g) being included in a communication system having

(h) at least two satellite repeaters,

(i) a hub terminal including antenna means for communicating with the repeater, the hub terminal including a continuously operating communication means, and

(j) a remote terminal including communication means for periodic operation wherein communicating is effected simultaneously through the two satellite repeaters thereby to establish a redundancy of signal communication.

86. A communication system comprising

(a) a hub terminal,

(b) multiple remote terminals,

(c) means for polling the remote terminals to initiate responses from the terminals,

(d) means for changing the polling sequence,

(e) means for establishing multiple blocks,

(f) means for assigning selected remote terminals to be members of selected blocks,

(g) means for polling by block thereby selecting all members assigned to that block,

(h) means for polling by multiple blocks, individually additive or subtractive, thereby effecting selection of numerous combinations of remote terminals, and

(i) means for effecting communication including at least two satellite repeaters, and the hub terminal including antenna means for communicating with the repeaters, the hub terminal including continuously operating communication means, and wherein the remote terminals each include respective communication means, the transmitters being periodically operable such that communication is effected simultaneously through the two satellite repeaters thereby to establish a redundancy of signal communication.

87. A communication system comprising

(a) a hub terminal,

(b) multiple remote terminals,

(c) means for polling the remote terminals to initiate responses from the terminals,

(d) means for transmission of notifications independent of the polling sequence using a combination of code and time multiplexing, and

(e) means for effecting communication including at least two satellite repeaters, and wherein the hub terminal includes antenna means for communicating with the repeaters, the hub terminal including continuously operating communication means, and wherein the remote terminals include respective communication means, the communication means being periodically operable, such that communication is effected simultaneously through the two satellite repeaters thereby to establish a redundancy of signal communication.

88. A communication system comprising

(a) a hub terminal including antenna means, the hub terminal including communication means,

(b) at least one remote terminal for communicating data to the hub terminal, the data being related to varying information, the remote terminal including communication means for communicating through at least two satellite repeaters with the hub terminal and periodically transmitting data to the hub such that communication is effected simultaneously through the two satellite repeaters thereby establishing a redundancy of signal communication,

(c) means for collecting and storing a programmable amount of data before, during and after a transient event related to the varying information,

(d) a programmable size memory stack,

(e) means for storing data by introducing new data to the stack and for removing old data from the stack,

(f) means for defining control conditions relating to the varying information, such conditions being determined by a past and a present signal level relative to selected thereshold values, and

(g) a trigger responsive to at least one of the control conditions, and being operable selectively under predetermined programmable conditions to terminate data storage.

89. A communication system using satellite repeaters comprising

(a) at least two geostationary satellite repeaters,

(b) at least one hub terminal including antenna means for communicating with each satellite repeater, the hub terminal including continuously operating communication means,

(c) multiple remote terminals including respective antenna means having a wide beamwidth for illuminating the at least two satellite repeaters simultaneously with a spread spectrum encoded signal for reducing peak power spectral density, the antennas having sufficient gain to require steering to the direction of the satellite repeater;

and GPS receiver means, the receiver means being operated on a GPS reference frequency as a reference frequency for the remote terminal to receive signals from the satellite repeater,

(d) means for deriving a GPS derived local position and time for facilitating spread spectrum code phase acquisition of communicated signals, and

(e) remote terminals including communication means for communicating with the hub terminal and periodically transmitting data to the hub such that communication is effected simultaneously through the two satellite repeaters thereby establishing a redundancy of signal communication with the hub terminal and periodically transmitting data to the hub.

90. A communication system using satellite repeaters comprising

(a) at least two satellite repeaters,

(b) at least two hub terminals including antenna means for communicating with each satellite repeater,

(c) multiple remote terminals including respective antenna means having sufficient beamwidth for illuminating the at least two satellite repeaters simultaneously with multiple signals, the signals representing only information in relation to the remote terminals, the remote terminals having respective communication means, and the transmitters being nonoperable when the information is not being transmitted,

(d) the signals being spread spectrum encoded thereby to reduce peak power spectral density, and

(e) the hub terminals and the multiple remote terminals communicating signals simultaneously through at least one of the two satellites, in the event of radiation from the sun impacting communication through the second satellite.

91. A communication system comprising

(a) a hub terminal,

(b) multiple remote terminals,

(c) means for polling the remote terminals to initiate responses from the terminals,

(d) means for changing the polling sequence,

(e) means for establishing multiple blocks,

(f) means for assigning selected remote terminals to be members of selected blocks and for selectively changing the assignment of remote terminals in selected blocks,

(g) means for polling by block thereby selecting all members assigned to that block,

(h) means for polling by multiple blocks, individually additive or subtractive, thereby affecting selection of numerous combinations of remote terminals, and

(i) means for effecting communication including at least one satellite repeater, and the hub terminal including antenna means for communicating with the repeater, and wherein the remote terminals including respective communication means, the transmitters being periodically operable.

92. A communication system as claimed in claim 91 including means at the hub for sensing signal strength from the remote terminals and for effecting change in assignment based on the sensed strength thereby to retain signals of a substantially similar signal strength in respective blocks.