An algorithm to design a multiple-channel communications system

The authors present a novel algorithm to design a phase-modulated residual carrier communications system for optimum performance. The algorithm has been developed as an aid in the design of two telemetry data channels operating simultaneously with a turn-around ranging signal. The algorithm provides the selection of an optimum subcarrier frequency and modulation indices for minimizing the mutual interferences among the channels to achieve desired link performance margins. The set of modulation indices provided by this algorithm will also achieve an optimum power division between the carrier, the ranging and the high data rate and low data rate channels. Finally, a software program using this algorithm has been developed for use with personal computers. This program provides the computation of the optimum subcarrier frequencies and modulation indices for a standard case that is recommended by the international Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems.