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
Support for spectrum sample capture
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	-118 dBm (80% reception rate)
Noise figure	<2 dB
Frame store capacity	261120 frames
Input voltage	4.5 - 40 V
Typical power consumption	1350 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	93.0 x 87.2 x 12.5 mm
Mass	185 g

Qualification status

Parameter	Specification
Thermal soak	-40 to +85℃
Vibration testing	14.1 G_rms
TID	20 krad(Si) board level

Additional resources

Customization

Custom hardware and software requests can often be accommodated. Please see the R&D section

Price and lead time on request

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