SLM-5650A Satellite Modem
Satellite Modems

Typical Users

Overview
Comtech EF Data’s SLM-5650A Satellite Modem is compliant with the strict requirements defined in
MIL-STD-188-165A, modem types I, II, IV, V and VI for applications on DSCS, WGS and commercial
satellites. Data rates from 8 kbps to 155 Mbps and symbol rates from 32 ksps to 64 Msps aresupported. The modem provides standard MIL-STD-188-114 (EIA-530 / RS-422), and EIA-613(HSSI) serial interfaces, and can be optionally configured to support G.703 and Low Voltage
Differential Signaling (LVDS) serial interfaces. It can also optionally be equipped with a 4-port
10/100/1000Base-T Ethernet Network Processor module that supports switching, routing andadvanced Quality of Service protocols.

• Government• Military• Secure Commercial Networks
Common Applications• Communications at-the-Pause• Communications on-the-Move• Rugged Environments• Secure Networks

The SLM-5650A can be integrated with the Vipersat Management System (VMS) to provide fully
automated network and capacity management. An AES-256 TRANSEC module, compliant with the FIPS-140-2 NIST standard is alsoavailable as an option. All traffic (including overhead and all VMS control traffic) is encrypted when using the TRANSEC module.
Advanced forward error correction (FEC) capabilities are a Comtech EF Data standard feature. Viterbi, Trellis, ConcatenatedReed-Solomon, Sequential, Turbo Product Codes, and Low Density Parity Check codes (LDPC) are all supported.

Advanced FEC and modulation capabilities are integrated with the revolutionary DoubleTalk Carrier-in-Carrier bandwidth compression
allowing for maximum state-of-the-art performance under all conditions. This combination of advanced technologies enables multidimensional optimization, allowing satellite communications users to:• Minimize required satellite bandwidth• Maximize throughput without using additional transponder resources• Maximize availability (margin) without using additional transponder resources• Enable use of a smaller BUC/HPA and/or antenna• Or, a combination of the above to meet specific mission needs
Direct sequence Spread Spectrum is available as an option in conjunction with LDPC-based FEC and BPSK modulation. Spreading
factors up to 128 are supported. Spread spectrum results in operation with ultra-low power spectral densities. This enables use of small
antenna apertures when adjacent satellite interference (ASI) is an important consideration. It can also be utilized to provide low
probability of detection / intercept (LPD/LPI) operation and/or strong resistance to jamming.
The IF interface supports 52 to 88, 104 to 176, and 950 to 2000 MHz frequency ranges.

Features
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MIL-STD-188-165A compliant (Types I, II, IV, V, VI)
Selectable 70/140 MHz and 950 – 2000 MHz IFs
AES-256 TRANSEC, FIPS-140-2 L2 certified
Dynamic bandwidth allocation with Vipersat Management System
Support for bridged point-to-multipoint network architecture
DoubleTalk Carrier-in-Carrier bandwidth compression
BPSK, QPSK, OQPSK, 8PSK, 8-QAM, 16-QAM
Viterbi, Reed Solomon, Trellis, Sequential, Turbo Product Code (TPC), & Low Density Parity Check FEC
FEC rates 1/1, 5/16, 1/2, 2/3, 3/4, 5/6, 7/8, and others
Direct sequence spread spectrum, integer factors 2-128, plus 256 and 512
8 kbps to 155.52 Mbps
IESS-308, -309, -310, -315
ASYNC RS-485 overhead channel & AUPC
Asymmetrical loop timing & data source bit synchronization
Ethernet interface for remote control using HTTP, Telnet and Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP)
EIA-485 and EIA-232 interface for remote control

www.comtechefdata.com

Compatibility
The SLM-5650A is interoperable with the OM-73, SLM-3650, MD-1352(P)/U (BEM-7650), SLM-7650, SLM-8650, CDM-570, CDM600/600L, CDM-625, CDD-562, CDD-564, DMD20, DMD2050, and DMD2050E satellite modems. Special ordering option enables
compatibility with the SDM-9000 modem using legacy Triple Viterbi modes.

Data Interfaces
The modem supports EIA-530 (RS-422), EIA-612/613 (HSSI) as standard features. Optional interface modules are available to support
G.703, LVDS serial, or 4-port Gigabit Ethernet interfaces.

TRANSEC Module
An optional transmission security (TRANSEC) module provides bulk AES-256 encryption/decryption certified to FIPS-140-2 Level 2. The
TRANSEC module encrypts all traffic sent over the air, including data traffic, overhead channel and Vipersat Management Systemmessages (if present).

Advanced Iterative Forward Error Correction
Turbo coding provides superior error correction performance over Viterbi, Trellis and Reed-Solomon FEC. The SLM-5650A TPC iscompatible with Intelsat IESS-315 and Comtech EF Data’s CDM-570, CDM-600, CDM-625, SLM-3650, SLM-7650, DMD20, DMD2050,
and DMD2050E Satellite Modems and the CDD-562/564 IP Demodulators. The high-performance LDPC is compatible with the CDM600, CDM-625, DMD2050, and DMD2050E. The ultra low latency LDPC is compatible with the CDM-625.

ASYNC Overhead Channel / AUPC
An asynchronous overhead channel supporting 2- and 4-wire RS-485, as well as RS-232 can be optionally configured. This overheadchannel is typically used to support control and monitoring of equipment external to the modem in a remote network. The ASYNC
overhead channel can be provisioned in conjunction with any of the supported traffic interfaces (RS-422, HSSI, G.703, LVDS or
Ethernet). Automatic Uplink Power Control (AUPC) is available to maintain a desired Eb/No at the demodulator despite link fades due toexcessive rain or other power level variations.

Network Processor
The Network Processor (NP) module provides a wide variety of advanced Internet Protocol (IP) features including routing, switching,
Quality of Service, and Vipersat dynamic bandwidth control.
Networking
With the NP module installed, the modem can be configured as an Ethernet switch or as a high-speed router. Networking options include
configuration of a bridged point–to-multipoint network, which enables bridged network connectivity (desired in many satellite networks
carrying encrypted traffic) in a hub-spoke network architecture.
MulticastMulticast traffic forwarding is supported via static multicast addressing, dynamic multicast address learning through IGMP router and
IGMP Proxy, and via the bridged point-to-multipoint mode of operation.
Flow Control
Flow Control is supported via Ethernet pause frames (IEEE 801.3)
Proxy ARP
Proxy ARP is supported to enable transparent subnets.
Quality of Service (QoS)
The NP module supports multi-level QoS to reduce jitter and latency for real time traffic, provide priority treatment to mission criticalapplications and allow non-critical traffic to use the remaining bandwidth. Supported functionality includes differentiated services code
point (DSCP) in accordance with RFCs 2474 and 2475, Expedited Forwarding in accordance with RFC 3246, and Per Hop Behavior inaccordance with RFC 3247.
VMS Bandwidth Management
The Vipersat Management System (VMS) is the engine that provides dynamic Single Carrier per Channel (dSCPC) bandwidth
management of the space segment.
When a remote in the network has an application to transport over the satellite link, dSCPC technology provides the mechanism toautomatically establish the SCPC carrier for that transmission. dSCPC resizes the carrier based on the increase or decrease inapplications being sent over the link, and it returns the remote to its home state once the application is completed. dSCPC yields true
bandwidth-on-demand, giving the user the low-latency, low-jitter dedicated SCPC connection when it is needed for real-time applications,such as Voice over IP (VoIP), video conference, broadcasts and large applications (file or image transfers).
VMS automates bandwidth utilization while optimizing space segment efficiency. It allows intelligent management of satellite networks
through port and system configuration and alarm management of the protocol, modem, RF equipment and IP broadband networking. The
graphical user interface of VMS enables centralized network configuration and management. It provides auto-detection of satellite
modems, configuration and monitoring of the modems, and real-time views of network health and transmission quality. These allow
operators to easily configure and monitor dynamically controlled networks. The VMS can be configured to dynamically allocate satellite
network capacity in a variety of ways. Supported modes for capacity allocation include:
1. Entry channel mode, which allows a modem to automatically enter/exit a network, sets a fixed capacity for the terminal when in
the network.
2. Load: Capacity allocation based on load demand of terminals on the network.
3. Type of Service (ToS): Type and priority based allocation using DiffServ Code Point (DSCP) fields.
Both shared forward link and multiple point-to-point hub-spoke architectures can be configured and dynamically controlled by the VMS.
Antenna HandoverSupports lossless, low-latency antenna handover in conjunction with the CRS-311-AH antenna handover switch controller.

Expanded Dynamic Range
The modem exceeds the MIL-STD-188-165A input signal dynamic range requirements by extending the low signal input level
requirement of –55 dBm to down to –70 dBm for lower baud rate carriers.

Redundancy
Ultra high reliability, redundant configurations are supported in conjunction with Comtech EF Data’s CRS-311 and CRS-300 switches.
The CRS-311 can be configured to support 1:1 redundancy for any SLM-5650A configuration. The CRS-300 provides the samefunctionality for 1:N redundant system architectures.

Network Management / Remote Control
The modem supports access to network management information via HTTP using a standard web browser. SNMP and Telnet remotecontrol is also supported. The modem includes separate Ethernet and EIA-485/EIA-232 remote control interfaces. Remote control canalso be accomplished via the Ethernet ports of the optional Network Processor. Secure network management via Secure Sockets Layer(SSL), Secure Shell (SSH) and SNMPv3 are available as options.

Doubletalk Carrier-In-Carrier
DoubleTalk Carrier-in-Carrier is based on patented bandwidth compression technology originally developed by Applied Signal
Technology, Inc. Using “Adaptive Cancellation” it allows transmit and receive carriers of a two-way link to share the same transponder
space. Figure 1 shows the typical full-duplex satellite link, where the two carriers are adjacent to each other. Figure 2 shows the
typical DoubleTalk Carrier-in-Carrier operation, where the two carriers are overlapping, thus sharing the same spectrum.

Figure 2

Figure 1

When observed on a spectrum analyzer, only the Composite is visible. Carrier 1 and Carrier 2 are shown in Figure 2 for reference only.
DoubleTalk Carrier-in-Carrier is complementary to all advances in modem technology, including advanced FEC and modulation
techniques. As these technologies approach theoretical limits of power and bandwidth efficiencies, DoubleTalk Carrier-in-Carrier
utilizing advanced signal processing techniques provides a new dimension in bandwidth efficiency.
DoubleTalk Carrier-in-Carrier allows satellite users to achieve spectral efficiencies (i.e. bps/Hz) that cannot be achieved with traditional
links. For example, DoubleTalk Carrier-in-Carrier when used with 16-QAM approaches the bandwidth efficiency of 256-QAM (8bps/Hz).
As DoubleTalk Carrier-in-Carrier allows equivalent spectral efficiency using a lower order Modulation and/or FEC Code, it cansimultaneously reduce CAPEX by allowing a smaller BUC/HPA and/or antenna.
DoubleTalk Carrier-in-Carrier can be used to save transponder bandwidth and/or transponder power thereby allowing successful
deployment in bandwidth-limited as well as power-limited scenarios. The following example illustrates the typical process for
implementing DoubleTalk Carrier-in-Carrier in a power-limited scenario:
The conventional link is using 8PSK, TPC 3/4:
A

B

B

A

Spread the signal by switching to a lower order modulation and/or
FEC code – say QPSK, TPC 7/8. This increases the totaltransponder bandwidth, while reducing the total transponder
power:

Now using DoubleTalk Carrier-in-Carrier, the second QPSK, TPC 7/8 carrier can be moved over the first carrier – thereby reducing thetotal transponder bandwidth and total transponder power when compared to the original side-by-side 8PSK, TPC 3/4 carriers:

Carrier-in-Carrier® is a Registered Trademark of Comtech EF Data
DoubleTalk® is a Registered Trademark of Raytheon Applied Signal Technology

Demodulation Only & Asymmetric Data Rates
In order to cost-effectively enable hub-spoke networks, two cost saving configurations are supported. First, the SLM-5650A is available
in a demodulation-only version (SLM-5650AD). This configuration is often used as a hub demodulator. Hub-spoke networks using the
CDD-564 multi-channel demodulators are also supported.
There is also a reduced cost configuration option that allows the remote modems to receive a large shared outbound and transmit asmaller return channel.

Specifications
Operating Frequency
Range

52 to 88 MHz, 104 to 176 MHz,
950 to 2000 MHz in 100 Hz steps

Modulation Types

BPSK, QPSK, OQPSK, 8PSK, 8-QAM, 16-QAM

Spreading Factors
Digital Data Rate

Symbol Rate

Coding Options
UncodedViterbiStandard
Standard

1/1
K=7,1/2, 3/4, and 7/8 rates
Closed network, per IESS-308
and IESS-309

Integer factors 2-128, plus 256 and 512; BPSKLDPC only

Viterbi & Reed-SolomonStandard

EIA-530: 64 kbps to 20 Mbps, 1 bps steps
EIA-613: 64 kbps to 51.84 Mbps, 1 bps steps
Gigabit Ethernet: 8 kbps to 155.52 Mbps
32 ksps to 64 Msps

TrellisStandard

Per IESS-310

Trellis andReed-SolomonStandard

Per IESS-310

Triple Viterbi

Optional

1/2 and 3/4
Legacy SDM-9000
compatibility

External Reference
Input

TNC connector, 1, 5, or 10 MHz, selectable

INT REF Stability

1 x 10-7

Sequential

Optional

Scrambling
IDR/IBS Framing
Compatibility

V.35, OM-73 and synchronous
Support for IDR and IBS framing. Allows basic
IDR/IBS open network compatible operation

Turbo Product Code
(TPC)

Optional

1/2, 3/4, and 7/8 rates
5/16, 21/44, 3/4, and 7/8
TPC per IESS-315

Optional

1/2, 2/3, 3/4, and 7/8
HP, LL, and ULL modes

Built-in Test (BIT)

Fault and status reporting, BER performancemonitoring, IF loopback, programmable test
modes, built in Fireberd emulation

Low Density Parity
Check (LDPC)

Summary
FaultsUnit Management

How Enabled

OptionReported via front panel LEDs, 15-pin D sub,
FORM C relay contacts for TX, RX, common
equipment faults, and TX and RX alarms

FAST

Data rates to 5, 10, 20, 52 or 155 Mbps

FAST

8PSK/8-QAM and 16-QAM

EIA-485, EIA-232, 10/100Base-T Ethernet with
HTTP, Telnet and SNMP

FAST
FAST/Hardware

TPC to 5, 10, 20, 52 or 155 Mbps
TPC and LDPC to 5, 10, 20, 52 Mbps

FAST

Vipersat Management System

FAST

Diff-Serv QoS

FASTSecure Network Management (SSL/SSH/SNMPv3)

FAST

ASYNC RS-485/232 overhead channel /AUPC

FAST
FAST

Sequential FEC
DoubleTalk Carrier-in-Carrier

FAST

Asymmetric TX/RX data rate levels

FAST

Bridged point- to-multipoint

FAST

SDM-9000 compatibility ( including Triple Viterbi)

FAST

Spread Spectrum

HardwareHardwareG.703 data interface
LVDS data interface

Hardware

TRANSEC module

HardwareGigabit Ethernet Network Processor

Hardware

Extended Operational Temperature

Hardware

24 VDC power supply

Modulation
Output Power
Output Return Loss
Output ImpedanceSpurious
Harmonics
TX Clock Source
Output Connectors+10 to –40 dBm, adjustable in 0.1 dB steps
14 dB (70/140 MHz)
9 dB (L-Band)50 Ω
From Carrier + symbol rate to500 MHz -51 dBc
From carrier (CW) to 4000 MHz-60 dBc
INT, TX terrestrial, and data source sync, RX
satellite
TNC for 52 to 88 MHz, 104 to 176 MHz
Type “N” for 950 to 2000 MHz

Demodulation
Input Carrier Power+10 to –55 dBm carrier (SR > 3.2 Msps)-55 - 10log10(3.2/SR), (SR < 3.2 Msps)

Maximum Composite
Power+20 dBm or +40 dBc

Input Impedance

50 Ω
TNC for 52 to 88 MHz, 104 to 176 MHz
Type “N” for 950 to 2000 MHz± 30 kHz, selectable

Input Connectors
Carrier Acquisition
Range

Buffer Clock

14 dB (70/140 MHz)
9 dB (L-Band)
INT, TX terrestrial, RX satellite

Doppler Buffer

32 to 16,777,216 bits, selectable

Input Return Loss

Available Options

Environmental And PhysicalPrime Power

90 to 264 VAC, 47 to 63 Hz
130 W (max), 90 W typical
24 VDC optional

Mounting

1RU

Dimensions(height x width x depth)

1.71” x 19” x 19”(4.3 x 48 x 48 cm)

Weight≤ 12 lbs (5.5 kg)

Temperature, Operating
Extended Temp Option:

0 to 50°C (32 to 122°F)

Temperature, Storage(Non-operational)-40 to +70°C (-40 to 158°F)

Humidity

0 to 95%, non-condensing-32° to 50°C (-25 to 122°F)

BER Performance
Example Modes and Performance
Mod / FEC
Legacy Modes
QPSK/OQPSK VITQPSK/OQPSK VITQPSK/OQPSK VITQPSK/OQPSK VIT R-S
QPSK/OQPSK VIT R-S
QPSK SEQQPSK SEQQPSK SEQ
8PSK TRE
8PSK TRE R-S
TPC Modes
BPSK TPCBPSK TPCQPSK TPCQPSK TPCQPSK TPC
8PSK TPC
8PSK TPC
16-QAM TPC
16-QAM TPC
LPDC Modes
High Performance
BPSK LDPCQPSK LDPCQPSK LDPCQPSK LDPC
8-QAM LDPC
8-QAM LDPC
16-QAM LDPC
Low Latency
BPSK LLBPSK LLBPSK LLQPSK LLQPSK LLQPSK LLQPSK LL
8-QAM LL
8-QAM LL
16-QAM LL
16-QAM LL
Ultra Low Latency
BPSK ULLQPSK ULLQPSK ULLQPSK ULL

Eb/No Guaranteed (Typical)
10-7
10-8

Code Rate

10-6

10-10

Data Rate Range (kbps)

1/2
3/4
7/8
1/2
3/4
1/2
3/4
7/8
2/3
2/3

6.1 (5.7)
7.5 (6.9)
8.6 (7.9)
4.1 (3.6)
5.6 (4.9)
5.0 (4.5)
5.9 (5.4)
7.3 (6.8)
7.3 (6.8)
6.2 (5.7)

6.7 (6.2)
8.2 (7.6)
9.2 (8.5)
4.2 (3.8)
5.8 (5.1)
5.4 (4.9)
6.4 (5.9)
7.8 (7.3)
8.1 (7.6)
6.5 (6.0)

7.2 (6.6)
8.8 (8.3)
10.2 (9.4)
4.4 (4.0)
6.0 (5.3)
5.8 (5.3)
6.8 (6.3)
8.4 (7.9)
8.8 (8.3)
6.7 (6.2)

5.0 (4.6)
6.3 (5.6)
7.3 (6.8)

64 - 51,840
64 - 51,840
64 - 51,840
64 - 51,840
64 - 51,840
64 - 2,500
64 - 3,750
64 - 4,375
256 - 51,840
256 - 51,840

5/16
21/44
21/44
3/4
7/8
3/4
7/8
3/4
7/8

2.5 (2.0)
3.3 (2.8)
3.3 (2.8)
4.1 (3.6)
4.5 (4.0)
6.5 (5.8)
7.1 (6.6)
7.6 (7.0)
8.2 (7.7)

2.8 (2.3)
3.4 (2.9)
3.4 (2.9)
4.3 (3.8)
4.6 (4.1)
6.9 (6.0)
7.2 (6.7)
7.95(7.3)
8.35(7.8)

3.1 (2.6)
3.5 (3.0)
3.5 (3.0)
4.6 (4.1)
4.7 (4.2)
7.2 (6.3)
7.3 (6.8)
8.3(7.7)
8.5(7.9)

3.4 (2.9)
3.7 (3.2)
3.7 (3.2)
5.5 (5.0)
4.8 (4.3)
7.8 (7.3)
7.5 (7.0)
9.0 (8.5)
8.8 (8.3)

64 - 20,000
64 - 30,545
64 - 61,091
64 - 96,000
64 -112,000
64 -144,000
64 -155,000
64 -155,000
64 -155,000

1/2
1/2
2/3
3/4
2/3
3/4
3/4

2.0 (1.7)
2.0 (1.7)
2.3 (2.0)
3.0 (2.6)
4.6 (4.2)
5.6 (5.2)
6.8 (6.2)

2.1 (1.8)
2.1 (1.8)
2.4 (2.1)
3.1 (2.7)
4.7 (4.3)
5.7 (5.3)
6.9 (6.4)

2.2 (1.9)
2.2 (1.9)
2.5 (2.2)
3.2 (2.8)
4.8 (4.4)
5.8 (5.4)
7.0 (6.6)

2.3 (2.0)
2.3 (2.0)
2.6 (2.3)
3.3 (3.0)
4.9 (4.5)
5.9 (5.5)
7.1 (6.8)

8 - 15,000
32 - 30,00042.7 -40,000
48 - 45,000
256 - 41,000
256 - 46,000
256 - 46,000

0.378
0.451
0.541
1/2
2/3
3/4
7/8
2/3
3/4
2/3
3/4

1.9 (1.6)
2.1 (1.8)
2.2 (1.9)
2.3 (2.0)
3.1 (2.8)
3.8 (3.5)
4.6 (4.3)
5.5 (5.2)
6.3 (6.0)
6.6 (6.3)
7.4 (7.1)

2.0 (1.7)
2.2 (1.8)
2.3 (2.0)
2.4 (2.1)
3.2 (2.9)
3.9 (3.6)
4.7 (4.4)
5.6 (5.3)
6.4 (6.1)
6.7 (6.4)
7.5 (7.2)

2.1 (1.8)
2.3 (2.0)
2.4 (2.1)
2.5 (2.2)
3.3 (3.0)
4.0 (3.7)
4.8 (4.5)
5.7 (5.4)
6.5 (6.2)
6.8 (6.5)
7.6 (7.3)

2.2 (1.9)
2.4 (2.1)
2.5 (2.2)
2.6 (2.3)
3.4 (3.1)
4.1 (3.8)
4.9 (4.6)
5.8 (5.5)
6.6 (6.3)
6.9 (6.6)
7.7 (7.4)

8 - 5,000
8 - 5,000
8 - 5,000
32 - 5,000
42.5 – 5,000
47.7 – 5,000
55.8 – 5,000
256 – 5,000
256 – 5,000
256 – 5,000
256 – 5,000

1/2
1/2
2/3
3/4

3.1 (2.8)
3.1 (2.8)
3.6 (3.3)
4.1 (3.8)

3.4 (3.1)
3.4 (3.1)
3.9 (3.6)
4.2 (3.9)

3.7 (3.4)
3.7 (3.4)
4.2 (3.9)
4.7 (4.4)

3.8 (3.5)
3.8 (3.5)
4.3 (4.0)
4.8 (4.5)

8 - 2,000
32 - 2,00041.8 - 2,000
47.0 - 2,000

SLM-5650A Rear Panel2114 West 7th Street, Tempe, Arizona 85281 USA
Voice: +1.480.333.2200 ● Fax: +1.480.333.2540 ● Email: sales@comtechefdata.com
See all of Comtech EF Data’s Patents and Patents Pending at http://patents.comtechefdata.com
Comtech EF Data reserves the right to change specifications of products described in this document at any time without notice and without obligation to notify any person of such changes. Information inthis document may differ from that published in other Comtech EF Data documents. Refer to the website or contact Customer Service for the latest released product information© 2014 Comtech EF Data
ds-slm5650A.docx
3/7/2014