Scrambled Code Multiple Access waveform for micro satellite terminals

This paper introduces a novel waveform based on very low-rate coding and a family of new multiple access techniques named Scrambled Code Multiple Access. It allows different users of a communications system to efficiently share the same bandwidth by using specific scramblers to separate timeslots. The SCMA technology is especially well-suited for satellite communications with extremely small antenna micro satellite terminals for potential applications, such as, tactical communications on the move, asset tracking, sensor networking, and smart grid. With SCMA, such applications can now be supported with cost-efficient Ku- and Ka-bands. We will discuss two types of receiver structure, several ways of using them, their respective performance, covertness features, and results from a prototype implementation that has been field tested.