spatial division multiple access (SDMA)

Also see frequency division multiple access (FDMA) and time division multiple access (TDMA).


Spatial division multiple access (SDMA) is a satellite communications mode that optimizes the use of radio spectrum and minimizes system cost by taking advantage of the directional properties of dish antennas. In SDMA, also known as SDM (spatial-division multiplex), satellite dish antennas transmit signals to numerous zones on the earth's surface. The antennas are highly directional, allowing duplicate frequencies to be used for multiple surface zones.

Consider a scenario in which signals must be transmitted simultaneously by one satellite to mobile or portable wireless receivers in 20 different surface zones. In a conventional system, 20 channels and 20 antennas would be necessary to maintain channel separation. In SDMA, there can be far fewer channels than zones. If duplicate-channel zones are sufficiently separated, the 20 signals can be transmitted to earth using four or five channels. The narrow signal beams from the satellite antennas ensure that interference will not occur between zones using the same frequency.

SDMA requires careful choice of zones for each transmitter, and also requires precise antenna alignment. A small error can result in failure of one or more channels, interference among channels, and/or confusion between surface coverage zones.

This was first published in September 2005


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