CCSDS Systems

PTP OVERVIEW
The Programmable Telemetry and Command Processor (PTP) is a highly versatile,modular telemetry and command front-end processor for use in remote tracking stations and satellite operations centers. The PTP is also well suited for spacecraft integration and testing at the factory and on the launch pad. To support missions that employ bulk encrypted telemetry and command streams, the PTP provides a control and status interface for encryption/decryption equipment.

SATELLITE / GROUND GATEWAY
The PTP acts as a gateway between spacecraft uplink/downlink and a distributed satellite control system. It accepts multiple serial telemetry downlinks and performs TDM or CCSDS telemetry processing functions, including frame synchronization, error control coding, and time tagging. Frame data with quality annotation and time tag is simultaneously logged to disk and routed to the control center via the network. The PTP receives commands from the control center for real-time uplink to the spacecraft, or for scheduled transmission (when the PTP is in store-and-forward mode). It can perform all CCSDS telecommand processing, including COP-1 functions. PTP also provides local command probe verification and command echoes for command verification at the control center. For Space-Ground Link System (SGLS) applications, it supports ternary command formats.

BROAD, EXTENSIBLE PROTOCOL SUPPORT
The PTP offers a wide variety of network encapsulation protocols to facilitate integration with different satellite control systems, and offers support for new protocol standards as they emerge. Leveraging its broad protocol support, the PTP can be configured to act as a dedicated protocol translator between incompatible network segments, transparently ingesting data in one format, converting it, and forwarding it on. Notable formats supported by the PTP include NASCOM RTP, IPDU, SFDU, LEO-T, and EDOS. PTP is also the first front-end system to support CCSDS Space Link Extension services with the AFSCN Adaptation Layer for interoperability between DoD, NASA, NOAA, and commercial tracking stations and control centers.

SIMULATION & TEST CAPABILITIES
A highly-configurable TDM and CCSDS telemetry simulation capability for loopback testing is provided as part of PTP's built-in toolset. Also provided is a module offering comprehensive bit error rate test (BERT) functionality, which can be used to verify the integrity of uplink/downlink paths and network connections.

EASY LOCAL OR REMOTE CONFIGURATION
The PTP can be controlled locally or remotely via a highly functional, straightforward Graphical User Interface. A remote control library is also provided for integration with satellite control systems such as OS/COMET and EPOCH 2000, and a Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) agent is provided for integration with enterprise management platforms such as HP OpenView.