TT&C/TTC Processor

About TT&C Processor

The TT&C Processor (TTCP) is an advanced Telemetry Tracking and Command Processor. Developed for ESA with BAE Systems (UK), C-STS (Netherlands), Zelinda (Ireland), SciSys (Germany) and ATOS (Austria).

This TTC Processor has been specifically designed for high-performance Deep Space satellite communications. The Digital Signal Processing, error correction techniques, data processing, and overall control and status mean that the system supports recover of extremely low SNR signals, highly accurate radiometric processing and the latest ESA coding and modulation techniques. The architecture is highly modular and designed to evolve as new techniques and schemes develop.

The TTC Processor is used for deep space spacecraft tracking with delta DOR and includes a Digital Tracking Receiver for antenna AutoTrack.

Key Features

2 to 5 IF inputs (56MHz – 1.85GHz)
2 IF outputs (typically 230MHz but with wideband test outputs for closed loop testing)
Suppressed carrier schemes – BPSK, QPSK, OQPSK, GMSK
Remnant carrier schemes – SPL/PM, BPSK/PM (sine/square)
ESA Standard, ESA Tone and PN Ranging (T2B, T4B)
Ranging and Doppler measurements including DDOR
Uplink and downlink generation and acquisition
External Time/Reference inputs, such as 5MHz, 10MHz, 100 MHz and PPS (IRIG-B/G optional)
Support for simultaneous multiple spacecraft on a single RF feed
The Switch Matrix supports a selection of 1 of 3 signals for each RF input allowing connection to different down-converters or antennas

Equipment Details

The system consists of a number of units:

Signal Processing Unit (19″ 9U)
Switch Matrix Unit (19″ 2U)
Data Processing Unit – PC Platform typically (19″ 3U)

Heritage

Telemetry, Tracking and Command Processors systems are deployed in all of ESA’s Deep Space Network ground stations and the units are also being prepared for commercial ground station deployments.