Overview In satellite modem technology, the same transponder that is used to deliver TV, is used to deliver Internet access. Satellite modems have performance problems because they are used over shared media and the high data rate is unidirectional, because the return channel is via a 56K analog modem. Transmission mechanism: In a DVB (digital video broadcasting) system, the satellite transmits data to the dish at 6-33 Mbps. This dish is connected to the PC through a DVB card. The PC is connected to the Internet by an analog 56 Kbps modem. The service provider connects the PC with the information provider and the satellite operator. Spare transponder space on the satellite allows data to be broadcast alongside normal digital programming in DVB/MPEG-2 multiplex mode. Some of the different standards are DSS (Hughes proprietary), DVB (ETS 300-421, an open standards consortium), and Primestar (ITU-R 217/11, being phased out). Market Research There were an estimated $100M in satellite modem sales in 1999. Xilinx Solutions Xilinx products provide significant value in a satellite modems when used to interface various ASSPs together, resolving differences in their interface control signals. The in-system programming capability of Xilinx devices enables features to be upgraded while the product is in the field, as well as decreasing the time-to-market for the product. The Spartan™-II FPGA or XC9500XL CPLD devices are ideal candidates for this low-cost application. As satellite modems evolve into residential gateways they will support multiple home networking interfaces. Spartan-II FPGAs provide system integration and interconnectivity to these interfaces, hence providing decreased time-to-market, increased time-in-market and the rapid product proliferation in this market. Please view the presentation to see how Xilinx solutions can help you build products for this fast evolving market place. Analog / Dial-up Cable xDSL ISDN Satellite