Effects of single-event upsets on satellite communications: Issues for blind equalizer design

This paper analyses the impacts of single event upsets (SEU) on the performance of adaptive algorithms implemented in microprocessors on-board satellites subject to solar particle events. In particular, Bussgang blind equalizers deployed in the receiver are considered. A comparative simulation study involving several Bussgang algorithms has been carried out. The results of the paper provide guidelines for the choice of a particular Bussgang blind equalizer applied to satellite communications, when the major design criterion is the robustness of the equalizer transient performance with respect to parameter initialization before the beginning of the learning period.