A new layered protocol integrating 5-kHz and 25-kHz DAMA operations: A proposed improvement to the UHF DAMA standards

The Joint UHF MILSATCOM Technical Working Group (TWG) is developing a single integrated waveform that will provide a significant improvement over the two current demand assigned multiple access (DAMA) waveforms now required for operation over 5-kHz and 25-kHz UHF military satellite channels. The integrated waveform will be defined in revisions to the two existing standards. Each revised standard will cover a different protocol layer for the integrated waveform. The revised standard for the lower layer will define the interoperable modulation, error-correction coding and multiple-access protocols required to access the satellite channel. The revised standard for the higher layer will define demand-assignment protocols and requirements for voice and data interoperability. This paper describes the proposed waveform and protocols.