Thales alenia space 6th generation digital transparent processor (DTP6G) - a multi-mission, multi-mode versatile product at the heart of telecom solutions

Flexibility and in-flight reconfigurability offered by digital processing have become key features in today's telecom satellite payloads. In recent years, Thales Alenia Space has developed several generations of on-board digital transparent processors (DTP) by introducing the most advanced and disruptive technologies. Thales Alenia Space DTPs are state-of-the-art sub-systems at the heart of payloads using analogue-to-digital (ADC) and digital-to-analogue (DAC) channelizers on their input and output RF accesses and making extensive use of digital processing to support channel routing with fine bandwidth granularity. After several payloads based on 5th generation processors, Space Inspire (INstant SPace In-orbit REconfiguration)) solution uses a 6th generation processors offering another step in flexibility through Digital Beam Forming (DBFN). This latest processor generation leverages DTP3G and 5G assets as well as in-flight heritage and provides many more features. Developped with support of CNES & DGA (French DoD), DTP6G covers Civil but also MilsatCom/GovSatCom missions thanks to high performances and small routing granularity. Its main current usecases are GEO but it is compatible with LEO to MEO orbits. Although DBFN is a key addition of DTP6G, it can still be operated with fixed-beam antennas or with an analog BFN. Another new feature is the embedded High Speed Command/Control link (HiLink) providing high TMTC throughput over several waveforms (Full CCSDS or CCSDS over DVBS2). Internal encryption is proposed (AES) but access to an external encryption unit (NSA-type) is also possible. This C&C link combined with a high-performance/large-storage-capacity processing board ensures fast operability and a high-level of observability. DTP6G processor is also ready for future implementations of a Regenerative companion, Beamhopping and Multi-user scenarios. The paper will present Thales Alenia Space transparent processor roadmap leading to DTP6G, its mission coverage, main features and a status of development & production.