About Level Zero Processor

The Level Zero Processor Software (LZP) provides level-0 processing functions required to extract telemetry (TM) frames and TM packets from a RAW binary acquired data stream stored on disk. Most commonly the data is received via a satellite RF or Bypass link, either during AIT or Operational phases. The LZP is comprised of a powerful software framework of processes that can operate in parallel to achieve high bitrate throughputs. The LZP operates on a so-called “task” basis, which allows for flexible use of the Level Zero Processor in local mode or a batch-processing mode in which multiple data jobs can be scheduled and automatically processed. The LZP is a data-driven system that implements data processing (CADU/SP levels), checking, statistical presentation and reporting based on input data files, which in the architecture of the system can be read directly from a local or remote shared (CIFS or NFS) drives. The output is nominally sorted and stored to local disk. Additionally, in case the frames are encrypted the LZP supports an interface ‘hook’ to connect local customer furnished software or an external system (using Ethernet) to decrypt/decipher the data, either on frame or packet level. Standard deciphering libraries are also supported with the Level Zero Processor, such as AES-256.

The LZP software tightly integrates with the C-STS product portfolio, such as the Parallel LVDS and WizardLink Front-End and well as modem products.

Level Zero Processor CMS
Level Zero Processor Data Flow
LZP Packet Statistical Window
LZP Statistical Window
LZP VCDU Packet Checking Rules Window

Click image to enlarge

Key Features

  • Ingestion of data directly from the local disk drive or shared (CIFS or NFS) network drives
  • Processing of TM data from bitstream to Frame and Packet level (or intermediate):
    • Data Ambiguity Resolving
    • Programmable Frame Synchronization (1-8 bytes, bit masking, sync/unsync thresholds)
    • Convolutional Decoder (1/2 rate, incl puncturing)
    • Arbitrary length VCDUs / CADUs (length in bits)
    • De-randomizer (ECSS/CCSDS and Custom)
    • RS detection/correction (RS [255,223] and [255,239], Interleave Depths 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 8 and Virtual Fill)
    • Local or Remote Frame or Packet Deciphering (such as AES-256)
  • User Configurable Frame and/or Packet Output Data storage and organisation rules
  • User Configurable Frame and/or Packet Checking Rules
  • Real-time Frame and/or Packet distribution via LAN
  • Real-time statistical analysis, error checking and reporting
  • Reporting of processing results using XML files
  • Data Processing via ‘task’ files in inbox directory (XML or INI format)
  • Configuration of the automatic Disk Cleanup functions.
  • Provision of local Graphical User Interface to control and monitor the LZP
  • Remote interfacing support (such as EDEN, C&C, etc.)

Key Features

  • Ingestion of data directly from the local disk drive or shared (CIFS or NFS) network drives
  • Processing of TM data from bitstream to Frame and Packet level (or intermediate):
    • Data Ambiguity Resolving
    • Programmable Frame Synchronization (1-8 bytes, bit masking, sync/unsync thresholds)
    • Convolutional Decoder (1/2 rate, incl puncturing)
    • Arbitrary length VCDUs / CADUs (length in bits)
    • De-randomizer (ECSS/CCSDS and Custom)
    • RS detection/correction (RS [255,223] and [255,239], Interleave Depths 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 8 and Virtual Fill)
    • Local or Remote Frame or Packet Deciphering (such as AES-256)
  • User Configurable Frame and/or Packet Output Data storage and organization rules
  • User Configurable Frame and/or Packet Checking Rules
  • Real-time Frame and/or Packet distribution via LAN
  • Real-time statistical analysis, error checking and reporting
  • Reporting of processing results using XML files
  • Data Processing via ‘task’ files in inbox directory (XML or INI format)
  • Configuration of the automatic Disk Cleanup functions.
  • Provision of local Graphical User Interface to control and monitor the LZP
  • Remote interfacing support (such as EDEN, C&C, etc.)

The software is a Microsoft Windows application and runs on recent MS Windows 7, 10 or Server editions. The advised minimum requirements for the host computer are 8 GB of RAM and a multi-core CPU (e.g. Intel Xeon, Intel Core i7) together with a 1TB HDD for proper data storage.

C-STS has delivered systems with LZP processing facilities for more than 20 years for major European prime contractors such as AIRBUS, THALES, SSTL to support both ESA and non-ESA spacecraft missions, including among others ALOS, MetOp, Copernicus programs, EarthCARE, APOGEE, SeoSAT, and various commercial satellites/ground stations.