Polaris 4-channel AIS Receiver
The Satlab Polaris AIS is a fully self-contained software-defined radio receiver for the maritime VHF band, with integrated demodulators for reception of standard and long-range AIS messages.
This versatile SDR offers excellent performance given the typical size, weight and power constraints of a CubeSat - or as an additional payload on larger LEO satellites.
Polaris AIS is Satlab’s second generation Satellite-AIS receiver, based on the in-orbit experience gained from the QubeAIS receiver, which has flown on several missions since 2013.
Features
- Stand-alone 4-channel AIS receiver
- Integrated LNA and SAW filters
- Onboard data storage for AIS frames
- Time tagging with external PPS input
- Center frequency and power estimate for each received AIS message
- Support for channelized spectrum streaming over Ethernet
- Safe on-orbit software upgrade support
- CAN-bus, RS-422 and Ethernet interfaces using CubeSat Space Protocol (CSP)
- Delivered with support library for easy integration
- Wide input voltage range with protection
- Integrated temperature and power monitoring
- CubeSat Kit compatible aluminum enclosure
- ESD protection on all interfaces
Key Parameters
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Frequency coverage | 156.000 to 162.025 MHz |
| AIS channel frequencies | 156.775, 156.825, 161.975, 162.025 MHz |
| Sensitivity | -121 dBm (80% reception rate) |
| Co-channel rejection | 7 dB (80% reception rate) |
| Time tagging accuracy | 3.6 µs @ −121 dBm, 1 µs @ −110 dBm |
| Frame store capacity | 261120 frames |
| Input voltage | 4.5 - 40 V |
| Typical power consumption | 1500 mW (5 V input, 25℃) |
| Operating temperature | -40℃ to +85℃ |
| CAN-bus | Up to 1 Mbit/s |
| RS-422 | Full duplex, up to 3 Mbit/s |
| Ethernet | Full duplex, 100 Mbit/s |
| Primary storage | 128 MB NOR-flash |
| Secondary storage | 1 GB SLC SD card |
| Dimensions | 87.2 x 93.0 x 12.5 mm |
| Mass | 185 g |
Qualification status
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Thermal soak | -40 to +85℃ |
| Vibration testing | 14.1 Grms |
| TID | 20 krad(Si) board level |
Additional resources
- Datasheet
- Parasolids CAD model
- STEP AP214 CAD model
- Firmware and client library
- Satlab Control application
Customization
Custom hardware and software requests can often be accommodated. Please see the R&D section
Price and lead time on requestRequest More Information