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.
The Polaris AIS is part of our Polaris SDR product line that has demonstrated reliable flight heritage since 2019, with over 100 units successfully delivered to customers around the world for a multitude of space missions. With a TRL of 9, it is fully qualified and operational in its intended environment.
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
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