Course detail

Satellite Communications and Networks

FEKT-GSDSAcad. year: 2019/2020

The course is focused on understanding of the physical context of satellite communication in comparison with terrestrial radio systems. Within the course scope, the key aspects of signal transmission in both system types are shown and their different properties and requirements are pointed out. The lectures attention is primarily put on a systems physical layer. One solves ways of useful data encoding and modulation on a carrier wave in the transmitter, a signal propagation through the communication channel, demodulation and decoding in the receiver. In case of satellite links, satellites orbits, their parameters and calculations of satellite location prediction are discussed. Basic blocks and a structure of a communication satellite are briefly described. Examples of terrestrial point-to-point links as well as of various satellite communication systems with fixed and mobile services, including satellite navigation, are presented. The attention is also focused on evaluation of the satellite link budget.

Language of instruction

English

Number of ECTS credits

4

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

Ing. Filip Záplata, Ph.D.

Department

Department of Radio Electronics (UREL)

Offered to foreign students

Of all faculties

Learning outcomes of the course unit

The graduate is able to:
- describe and explain differences in radio communication in terrestrial point-to-point links and in satellite links
- describe disturbing effects influencing radio waves propagation in terrestrial point-to-point links and in satellite links
- write down the communication equation and explain a meaning of individual parameters
- list and clarify techniques of signal processing in digital terrestrial point-to-point links and in digital satellite links
- characterize techniques of multiple accesses to a common transmission medium
- characterize parameters of a satellite orbit and explain a procedure of calculations of satellite location prediction
- define basic types of satellite orbits and evaluate their advantages and disadvantages
- clarify effects disturbing the satellite motion
- enumerate the satellite link budget in an uplink and a downlink, in case of clear sky and during rain conditions
- describe basic features of satellite communication systems providing fixed (VSAT, DBS, Intelsat, Eutelsat) and mobile (satellite telephony – Iridium, Inmarsat, Thuraya) services
- explain principles of satellite navigation
- describe basic features of global satellite navigation systems GPS, Glonass and Galileo
- give basic building blocks of a satellite body

Prerequisites

The knowledge of the Bachelor´s degree level is requested.

Co-requisites

Not applicable.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Teaching methods depend on the type of course unit as specified in the article 7 of BUT Rules for Studies and Examinations.

Assesment methods and criteria linked to learning outcomes

Requirements for completion of the course are specified by a regulation issued by the lecturer responsible for the course and are updated annually.
The final exam will be performed distantly/online.

Course curriculum

1. Introductory information, history of point-to-point links and satellite links
2. General description of a point-to-point link
3. Propagation of electromagnetic waves
4. Communication equation
5. Satellite links - satellite orbits
6. Satellite link budget – basic analysis
7. Overall satellite link budget
8. Propagation of satellite signals
9. Types of transmitted signals
10. Technology of satellites
11. Satellite communication systems
12. Satellite navigation
13. Research and experimental satellites

Work placements

Not applicable.

Aims

The aim of the course is to explain specifics of radio communication in terrestrial point-to-point links and in satellite links, to introduce issues of the satellite mechanics and the satellite construction, to teach students evaluating the budget of a given link and to describe basic features of important communication systems in this area.

Specification of controlled education, way of implementation and compensation for absences

Evaluation of activities is specified by a regulation, which is issued by the lecturer responsible for the course and is updated annually.

Recommended optional programme components

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

EVANS, B.G. Satellite Communication systems 3rd edition. The Institution of Electrical Engineers, London 2000. (EN)
MARAL, G., BOUSQUET, M. Satellite Communications Systems. John Wiley&Sons Ltd. England 1993. (EN)

Recommended reading

PRATT, T., BOSTIAN, C., ALLNUTT, J. Satellite Communications. John Wiley & Sons Inc., 2003. (EN)

Elearning

eLearning: currently opened course

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme TECO-G Master's

    branch G-TEC , 1 year of study, summer semester, compulsory

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

26 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

Ing. Filip Záplata, Ph.D.

Syllabus

1. Introductory information, history of point-to-point links and satellite links.
2. General description of a point-to-point link.
3. Propagation of electromagnetic waves.
4. Communication equation.
5. Satellite links - satellite orbits.
6. Satellite link budget - basic analysis.
7. Overall satellite link budget.
8. Propagation of satellite signals.
9. Types of transmitted signals.
10. Technology of satellites.
11. Satellite communication systems.
12. Satellite navigation.
13. Research and experimental satellites.

Laboratory exercise

13 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

Ing. Filip Záplata, Ph.D.

Syllabus

1. Measurement of real VSAT system with two terminals.
2. Microwave filter measurement using vector network analyzer.
3. Doppler frequency shift, signal delay and telemetry of LEO and HEO satellites.
4. GPS positioning and accuracy evaluation in dependence on the number of received satellites.
5. Evaluation of satellite downlink budget.

Elearning

eLearning: currently opened course