SCPC
Pronunciation: S-C-P-C
Also written as: SCPC — Single Channel Per Carrier
A satellite transmission scheme in which each voice, data, or video circuit is assigned its own dedicated RF carrier.
Full Definition
SCPC assigns a unique uplink carrier frequency to each individual traffic circuit, contrasting with MCPC (Multiple Channels Per Carrier) schemes such as TDMA or DVB-S2 multiplexing. SCPC is preferred for point-to-point trunking routes where continuous, dedicated bandwidth is required and latency must be minimised. Because each SCPC carrier uses a portion of the transponder, careful power and bandwidth allocation is required to avoid intermodulation. Editors must not confuse SCPC with DAMA-SCPC, which adds demand-assignment capability, assigning carriers only when a call is active. In procurement documents, SCPC specifications typically include carrier data rate, modulation scheme, FEC rate, and occupied bandwidth.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish SCPC (dedicated, always-on) from DAMA-SCPC (demand-assigned). The acronym is always written in full capitals.
In Context
- "The remote news gathering unit uplinks SCPC carriers at 8 Mbit/s for live broadcast feeds." — Broadcast operations manual
- "An SCPC scheme was selected for the trunking route to minimise latency on voice circuits." — Network design document