A New Generation Satellite Broadcasting System in China: Advanced Broadcasting System-Satellite

The paper describes a new generation satellite broadcasting system in China named Advanced Broadcasting System-Satellite (ABS-S) that offers system performance and service versatility suitable for future satellite digital broadcasting. The new system utilizes variable rate, constant size single LDPC codes to allow all satellite applications supplied by DVB-S2 system, including: TV and sound broadcasting, interactivity (i.e., Internet access), and professional services, such as TV contribution links and digital satellite news gathering. Meanwhile the new system utilizes fixed frame structure to realize the CCM, VCM and ACM working modes adopted by DVB-S2 system to further simplify the complexity of the implementation. The paper provides a tutorial overview of the ABS-S system, describing its main features and performance. A prototype system has been implemented based on the proposed protocol. Results from both lab tests and field trials demonstrate significant performance advantages of the new design over existing satellite broadcasting system DVB-S and almost the same performance as the second generation satellite broadcasting system DVB-S2.