Intelsat TDMA and DAMA
G. Forcina, S. Oei, R. Bedford · 16th International Communications Satellite Systems Conference · 1996
This paper describes two programs recently undertaken by INTELSAT to expand and improve its service offerings for (PSN) traffic, i.e., TDMA system modernization and DAMA system establishment. For TDMA, the paper describes the two objectives of the program for expansion and improvement of the present INTELSAT TDMA system, which are to make low cost TDMA terminal equipment available to TDMA customers, and to enhance the traffic carrying flexibility of the system. Establishment of a DAMA service, its primary international PSN application and the system benefits are described. The DAMA system characteristics are described in terms of support capabilities of communication services, network architecture, technical characteristics and features. Potential future system applications beyond the primary network role of DAMA are briefly addressed. A cost comparison from the user's perspective between the two systems and IDR is provided. INTELSAT has contracts underway with two manufacturers to develop a new generation Low Cost TDMA Terminal (LCT). Concurrently, to enable the LCT to effectively communicate with the first generation equipment, and to improve the flexibility and responsiveness of the system, INTELSAT is redeveloping the Burst Time Plan (BTP) Generation system. This is a large software system which generates the operational BTPs for TDMA networks based on traffic requirements and configuration. Another program, Demand Assigned Multiple Access (DAMA), in its present incarnation will be a completely new service, although this concept was previously used in the INTELSAT SPADE system. These two programs represent complementary methods of carrying digital PSN traffic and are alternatives to the more traditional Intermediate Data Rate (IDR) carrier technique.