64-APSK Constellation and Mapping Optimization for Satellite Broadcasting Using Genetic Algorithms

TL;DR

This paper presents an optimization method for 64-APSK satellite communication constellations using genetic algorithms to reduce error and distortion, outperforming traditional mappings while maintaining bandwidth efficiency.

Contribution

It introduces a novel optimization approach for 64-APSK constellations employing genetic algorithms to improve error performance and perceptual quality in satellite broadcasting.

Findings

Non-uniform constellation and asymmetric mapping reduce distortion.

Optimized 64-APSK outperforms conventional schemes.

Validation with real signals confirms effectiveness.

Abstract

DVB-S2 and DVB-SH satellite broadcasting standards currently deploy 16- and 32-amplitude phase shift keying (APSK) modulation using the consultative committee for space data systems (CCSDS) mapping. Such standards also include hierarchical modulation as a mean to provide unequal error protection in highly variable channels over satellite. Foreseeing the increasing need for higher data rates, this paper tackles the optimization of 64-APSK constellations to minimize the mean square error between the original and received symbol. Optimization is performed according to the sensitivity of the data to the channel errors, by means of genetic algorithms, a well-known technique currently used in a variety of application domains, when close form solutions are impractical. Test results show that through non-uniform constellation and asymmetric symbol mapping, it is possible to significantly reduce the distortion while preserving bandwidth efficiency. Tests performed on real signals based on perceptual quality measurements allow validating the proposed scheme against conventional 64-APSK constellations and CCSDS mapping.