Communications

3:00 PM – Mapache: An Intelligent, Real-Time Telemetry Platform for Formula SAE
Bharat Kathi, Andrey Otvagin, Jacob Jurek, Austin Chan, Colin Bickel and Kirk Field, University of California, Santa Barbara

In motorsport, real-time data is key to performance and reliability, but many Formula SAE teams forgo telemetry due to the complexity of traditional systems. We present Mapache, a real-time telemetry and data analytics platform developed by Gaucho Racing, the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) chapter at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Mapache eliminates the need for base stations or dedicated personnel, making high-performance telemetry more accessible and resilient. The on-vehicle system decodes CAN messages, streams telemetry via MQTT when connectivity is available, and caches data locally when offline. Upon reconnection, a GPU-accelerated pipeline ensures zero-loss migration of cached data to the cloud. MQTT messages are ingested into a SingleStore database, powering real-time, low-latency analytics. As the first system of its kind in Formula SAE, Mapache sets a new benchmark for intelligent telemetry.

3:20 PM- SignalBoost
Bradley Berkson, Miles Space, Inc

SignalBoost™ is a signal-processing algorithm that improves SNR for oversampled I/Q baseband signals prior to carrier recovery. It detects symbol boundaries in high-noise environments and coherently sums samples within each symbol, achieving up to 3 dB gain per 2× oversampling. Designed for PSK/QAM (e.g., DVB-S2), it requires no protocol-specific structures or training sequences. SignalBoost also includes deterministic pulse shaping, enhancing transmitter predictability and receiver synchronization. The algorithm is implemented in C++ for real-time use on SDRs, FPGAs, and general-purpose CPUs. It supports signal rates >500 Msps with latency <100 ?s at 1 Msps, enabling real-time processing in constrained environments. Benefits include lower transmit power, reduced antenna gain requirements, and enhanced link margin, making it ideal for low-SWaP and space communication systems.

3:40 PM – Enhancing Best Source Selector Output Quality with FEC
Damien Devlies and Oussama Ait Sidi Ali, Safran Data Systems

Best Source Selectors are now widely used to deal with the increasing need for range coverage in flight test activities. They are known to provide higher telemetry link availability and reliability. The Maximum Likelihood Bit Detection algorithm is commonly used to perform bit by bit combining in order to minimize the bit error probability. However, it requires at least three Data Quality Encapsulated streams with DQM information. Additionally, it does not exploit the benefits of Forword Error Correction algorithms such as LDPC codes since a basic best frame selection is usually implemented. This paper presents a new approach to improve the combined output quality when FEC frames are provided, starting from two DQE streams using FEC algorithms after combining. We present full system simulation results with AWGN channels, showcasing 1dB gains for two streams and higher than 3dB for more, as compared to the traditional MLBD combiner.

4:00 PM  – 5G Satellite Telemetry: How to Leverage 5G NTN for AMT Solutions
 Achilles Kogiantis, Tony Triolo, and Sunil Samtani, Altio Labs

The 5G-based terrestrial telemetry is already fielded in the testing range. The 5G Non-Terrestrial-Networks (NTN) enhancement is ready to take off in the commercial market and offers a great potential to augment the Aeronautical Mobile Telemetry with a Satellite component, which can cover corner cases such as over-the-sea and in remote areas. In this paper, we describe the physical layer mechanisms of frequency synchronization, timing advance, and handover that are essential to enable a 5G NTN link, and which have already been built into the specifications. We highlight how the AMT requires customizations on-top of 5G NTN due to very high moving speeds,  such as enhanced search and tracking of satellites and predictive handovers to handle the rapid cell changes. The techniques analyzed are contrasted with the Direct-To-Cell custom satellite connectivity solutions that are being offered and also with other proprietary satellite access solutions.

4:20 PM – 5G Cellular Airborne Transceiver for AMT: Final Results
Robert Ziegler, Peraton Labs

Peraton Labs has designed and developed a novel 5G airborne transceiver for 3GPP-based 5G cellular-based aeronautical mobile telemetry (AMT), to support supersonic test article flight via a novel Doppler pre-compensation solution. The initial transceiver design has been completed, prototyped, and integrated into multiple airframes. Transceiver prototypes were subjected to extensive laboratory testing to validate functionality, establish performance and qualify for flight testing.  In addition, we installed a small private 5G ground network from COTS products at a sponsoring flight test range, with sufficient coverage to support transceiver testing in flightline, runway and airspace locations.  In this talk we will present updated results and analysis of lab and flight testing of the CATAMT transceiver and the supporting ground network.