Course detail

Satellite and Navigation Systems

FEKT-MKC-DNSAcad. year: 2024/2025

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

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

5

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Entry knowledge

The student should be able to explain basic principles of propagation of electromagnetic waves in the free space and in the atmosphere, describe the structure of a general digital communication system, describe principles of basic operations of digital signal processing (coding, modulation), use logarithmic expressions of ratios and levels of powers, voltages and currents, characterize properties and requirements for receiving and transmitting parts of communication systems.

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

During the semester, students can obtain 35 points, from which 15 points are for submitting homeworks given at lectures and 12 points are for labs. A final written exam consists of theoretical and numerical parts and is evaluated by 65 points.
The final exam will be performed distantly/online.
Evaluation of activities is specified by a regulation, which is issued by the lecturer responsible for the course and is updated annually.

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.
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

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

KASAL, M. Směrové a družicové spoje. Skripta FEKT VUT, dotisk 2007. ISBN 80-214-2496-6. (CS)

Recommended reading

MARAL, G., BOUSQUET, M. Satellite Communication Systems. 5. ed. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons. 685 s. ISBN: 978-0-470-71458-4. (EN)
PRATT, T., BOSTIAN, C., ALLNUTT J. Satellite Communications. Hoboken: John Wiley&Sons Ltd., 2003. ISBN 04-713-7007-X. (EN)

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

26 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

Exercise in computer lab

26 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

Laboratory exercise

13 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer