DVB-S2X (Second Generation Satellite Extensions)

Introduction

The optional extensions of the S2 system have been approved in 2014 and are identified by the S2X denomination. Such extensions are non-backwards-compatible with ETSI EN 302 307 [4], are optional for the implementation of new receivers under ETSI EN 302 307-1 [3], but are normative for the implementation of receivers under the present document: mapping of specific S2X building blocks to application areas is specified in Table 1. For every S2X application area, as defined in Table 1, the configurations for the corresponding S2 application area, as defined in ETSI EN 302 307-1 [3], Table 1, will be implemented. In case of conflicts the definition of the S2X application area applies.

The present document targets the core application areas of S2 (Digital Video Broadcasting, forward link for interactive services using ACM, Digital Satellite News Gathering and professional digital links such as video point-to-point or Internet trunking links), and new application areas requiring very-low carrier-to-noise and carrier-to-interference operation (VL-SNR).

In particular for DTH, a possible use case is the launch of UHDTV-1 (e.g. 4k) television services in Ku-/Ka-band that will adopt HEVC encoding. In this context it may be desirable to eventually use fragments of smaller blocks of capacity on two or three DTH transponders and bond them into one logical stream. This permits to maximize capacity exploitation by avoiding the presence of spare capacity in individual transponders and/or to take maximum advantage of statistical multiplexing.

The S2X system offers the ability to operate with very-low carrier-to-noise and carrier-to-interference ratios (SNR down to -10 dB), to serve markets such as airborne (business jets), maritime, civil aviation internet access, VSAT terminals at higher frequency ranges or in tropical zones, small portable terminals for journalists and other professionals. Furthermore, the S2X system provides transmission modes offering significantly higher capacity and efficiency to serve professional links characterized by very-high carrier-to-noise and carrier-to-interference ratios conditions.

The present document reuses the S2 system architecture, while adding finer MODCOD steps, sharper roll-off filtering, technical means for bonding of multiple transponders and additional signalling capacity by means of an optional periodic super-frame structure, extended PLHEADER signalling schemes and the support of GSE-Lite signals.

The present document maintains the same clause numbering as ETSI EN 302 307-1 [3], in order to facilitate cross-reference.

Scope

The present document specifies the optional extensions of the S2 system, identified by the S2X denomination. This document also includes amendments to the standard to enable beam hopping operation.

Verification & Validation

• DVB-S2X beam hopping formats