A High-Performance Data Processing Unit for Next Generation Satellite Transceivers

In this paper a novel High-Performance Data Processing Unit is presented that enables the design of flexible but high-performance wireless communication transceivers for space applications. Core of this platform is a Kintex Ultrascale FPGA which is available as a space-qualified and COTS device serving both, the deployment in traditional space and NewSpace applications, respectively. High modularity is achieved by using the cPCI-SS backplane standard that allows a seamless assembly, integration and testing, while offering a high re-usability in order to reduce the recurring costs. In addition, a mezzanine-connector-based interface allows the integration of application-specific extension boards, in particular RF-ICs. For evaluation, a State-of-the-Art signal processing chain for robust wireless communications is mapped onto our proposed High-Performance Data Processing Unit and the performance is analyzed. A comparison to other COTS and space-qualified FPGA devices highlights our approach to be a powerful solution for next generation high-performance transceivers, e.g. for 5G NTN.