J-ORTIGIA Project

DVB-SH Technology Trials in Italy, Spain, and Japan


Introduction


Digital Video Broadcast - Satellite to Handheld (DVB-SH) is an efficient approach for providing mobile broadcasting services in S-band (mobile TV) by using an hybrid infrastructure including satellite and terrestrial repeaters.


The J-ORTIGIA project aims at providing DVB-SH technology trials in Italy, Spain and Japan from May 2008 to April 2009. The J-ORTIGIA consortium integrates partners from the whole value chain including

  • satellite and terrestrial operators (Eutelsat, SES Astra, Abertis Telecom)
  • equipment designers and manufacturers (Fraunhofer IIS, Kenwood, UBS)
  • radio network supplier (MBI)
  • research centers (DLR)
In the framework of the J-ORTIGIA project AWE Communications will provide the coverage planning of the different trial networks and will refine the DVB-SH module of the WinProp planning suite. This software tool will allow future DVB-SH operators to analyze the coverage and capacity before the deployment stage.


The J-ORTIGIA study includes development and trial activities which are intended to conclude the analysis and definition of the system and network architecture. For the purpose of the trials the W2A satellite will be used as well as the ETS-8 satellite in Japan. In order to provide urban and indoor coverage, the trial activities will include the deployment of terrestrial repeaters in the urban areas of Pisa, Lucca, Barcelona and Tokyo. Accordingly the DVB-SH trials will be performed in Italy, Spain, and Japan.

Contribution of AWE Communications


AWE Communications refines the planning tool for DVB-SH considering the satellite as well as the terrestrial repeater segment in the framework of the J-ORTIGIA project in collaboration with the partners and partly funded by ESA.


The DVB-SH radio network planning tool allows the investigation of the DVB-SH performance in terms of coverage and system margin for different satellite and terrestrial repeater configurations within various environments (rural, urban, and indoor). Based on the accurate prediction of the satellite and repeater (gap-filler) links in terms of path loss delay profiles by using deterministic ray-optical wave propagation models the defined DVB-SH network is evaluated. The calculation of the different path loss delay profiles forms the basis for the DVB-SH system simulation. Besides the refinement of the DVB-SH radio planning tool AWE is responsible for the radio planning of the different trial networks.


Radio Planning of Trial Networks in Tuscany, Barcelona and Tokyo:

For the planning of the trials in the Tuscany area including the cities of Pisa and Lucca coverage predictions of the different possible sites (e.g. Monte Serra) are computed by using the:

  • Deterministic Ray-Optical Modelling

    • Based on topography databases in pixel format and 3D building data bases in vector format of the Erlangen area

    • Considers dominant characteristics (reflection, diffraction, shadowing, waveguiding)

The following figures show the considered database of the Lucca scenario and a coverage prediction for the Monte Serra repeater

 



Database of considered Lucca area
(incl. 3D building and topographical data)
Prediction of received power
for the Monte Serra repeater

 

For the planning of the trials in Barcelona also a TV tower site (Coserolla tower) and different sites located in the urban area are considered. The following figures show the considered database of the Barcelona scenario and a coverage prediction for the urban sites visualized in Google Earth.

 



Database of considered Barcelona area
(topographical data)
Prediction of received power
in Barcelona city center based on two urban sites

In Tokyo different sites located in the urban area are evaluated, taking into account the selected architecture concerning the RF configuration (transmitter, antenna). The following figures show the considered database of the Tokyo scenario and a coverage prediction for the urban sites visualized in Google Earth.

 



Scenario of considered Tokyo area
(topographical and clutter data)
Prediction of received power in Tokyo area
based on two urban sites visualized in Google Earth


 

Download a brochure with information about the DVB-SH Module.

Download an  application note to DVB-SH Network Planning.

Read more about the  ORTIGIA project

Read more about satellite propagation models.

Read scientific publications related to DVB-SH.

 

 



 
Our partners in J-ORTIGIA:
(alphabetical order)

Abertis


DLR



Eutelsat

Fraunhofer IIS
Kenwood













 
J-ORTIGIA is the
successor of the 
ORTIGIA project