Page | 1

MATHEMATICS PROJECT
PARABOLA: THE
PARABOLIC SATELLITE
DISH
GROUP 85

LECTURER: MADAM NURHAFIZAH BINTI SAIDIN

Name No. Matric

AHMAD FAKHRUR RAZI BIN AHMAD FAUDZI 140323
MOHAMAD ZARIF BIN RAMZAN 141663
MUHAMAD HILMI BIN AZAMAN 141887
MOHAMMAD IDZHAM MUSTAQEM BIN MAZRI 141706
MUHAMMAD IZZAT AMIN BIN ROSLI 142362

TABLE OF CONTENT
 Page | 2

CONTENT PAGE
Cover page 1
Table of content 2
Introduction 3
Content 4
Conclusion 14
Islamic values 15
References 16

INTRODUCTION
 Page | 3

A satellite dish is a telecommunications device used to send and receive microwave

signals. It is a parabolic shaped antenna used for data transmission and broadcasting. The
primary function of a satellite dish is to convert microwave signals into electric signals that
can be used by a computer, television and other devices. The low-frequency signals can be
received by the larger dishes, whereas small dishes are used for higher frequency signals.
Satellite dishes are used for all kinds of data communication. The signals can be sent
anywhere without having miles of cables. A satellite may also be known as a parabolic
antenna. The working principles behind satellite dishes are as simple as a conventional cable
connection. A satellite transmitter is used to send the signals through the air to bounce them
off to a satellite. These signals can then be received anywhere in the world with the help of
receivers attached to satellite dishes. The first satellite dishes were large and bulky, but have
since shrunk to less than two feet in diameter. There are three basic types of satellite dishes.
One of them is motor driven satellite dishes. The function is to configure with a stepper
motor. These can be controlled from the sky and moved to a suitable position according to a
satellite position. Moreover, multi-satellite dishes are used to Support multiple reflectors that
enable them to receive signals from multiple locations simultaneously. The additional
reflectors are placed vertically to capture all the signals that are originated from different
locations. Next, Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) dishes are one of the types of satellite
dish. VSAT is most commonly used satellite dish in the world. In a single receiver residential
installation there is a single coaxial cable running from the receiver set-top box in the
building to the LNB on the dish. The DC electric power for the LNB is provided through the
same coaxial cable conductors that carry the signal to the receiver. In addition, control signals
are also transmitted from the receiver to the LNB through the cable. The receiver uses
different power supply voltages (13/18V) to select antenna polarization, and pilot
tones (22 kHz) to instruct the LNB to select one of the two frequency bands. In larger
installations each band and polarization is given its own cable, so there are 4 cables from the
LNB to a switching matrix, which allows the connection of multiple receivers in a star
topology using the same signalling method as in a single receiver installation. To build a
parabolic satellite dishes, we need to refer to the equation of parabola. As we learned in
Mathematics 2, Chapter 3, there are four type of equation in parabola.

The general equations of parabola are:

 Page | 4

Type of parabola Equation Graph

Open up ( xh )2=4 a ( yk)

Open down ( xh )2=4 a( yk )

Open left ( yk )2=4 a( xh)

Open right ( yk )2=4 a( xh)

OBJECTIVE
1. Parabolic equation is used to find a focus point for the feed horn to receive the data in
satellite dish.
2. To avoid a distraction or lose of transferring data during a bad weather.

CONTENT
 Page | 5

Section (a): Concept of parabola in satellite dish

In this mathematics project, we would like to choose the radio dish receiver. As we
know, it uses the concept of parabola as its shape. The definition of parabola is the set of all
points that are the same distance away from a single fixed point called focus (F) and a fixed
line called directrix (D). The distance to the line is taken as the shortest distance. Below is the
example:

There is also equation to find focus of parabola and its directrix. Below are the
equation:

FOCUS DIRECTRIX DESCRITION

(h+ a , k) x=ha Axis of symmetry, y = k,
open right
(ha , k ) x=h+ a Axis of symmetry, y = k,
open left
(h , k +a) y=ka Axis of symmetry, x = h,
open up
(h , k a) y=k +a Axis of symmetry, x = h,
open down

When we learned more about satellite dish, we will realised that it uses the open up

formula ( xh )2=4 a ( yk) to build a satellite dish, it also uses the equation (h , k +a)
 Page | 6

and y=ka to find focus (F) and directrix (D) respectively. Below is the example of

Astro satellite dish:

There is a fixed size of Astro satellite dish. The Astro satellite dish have to follow the
characteristics that is allowed by the government and Malaysian Communications and
Multimedia Commission (SKMM). The standard size for satellite dish that is allowed by
SKMM is 60 cm -120 cm (diameter).

When the signal reaches the viewer's house, it is captured by the satellite dish. A satellite dish
is just a special kind of antenna designed to focus on a specific broadcast source. The
standard dish consists of a parabolic (bowl-shaped) surface and a central feed horn. To
transmit a signal, a controller sends it through the horn, and the dish focuses the signal into a
relatively narrow beam. The dish on the receiving end can't transmit information; it can only
receive it. The receiving dish works in the exact opposite way of the transmitter. When a
beam hits the curved dish, the parabola shape reflects the radio signal inward onto a particular
 Page | 7

point, just like a concave mirror focuses light onto a particular point.

In this case, the point is the dish's feed horn, which passes the signal on to the receiver
equipment. In an ideal setup, there aren't any major obstacles between the satellite and the
dish, so the dish receives a clear signal. In some systems, the dish needs to pick up signals
from two or more satellites at the same time. The satellites may be close enough together that
a regular dish with a single horn can pick up signals from both. This compromises quality
somewhat, because the dish isn't aimed directly at one or more of the satellites. A new dish
design uses two or more horns to pick up different satellite signals. As the beams from
different satellites hit the curved dish, they reflect at different angles so that one beam hits
one of the horns and another beam hits a different horn. The central element in the feed horn
is the low noise block down converter, or LNB. The LNB amplifies the radio signal bouncing
off the dish and filters out the noise (radio signals not carrying programming). The LNB
passes the amplified, filtered signal to the satellite receiver inside the viewer's house.
 Page | 8

Section (b): The calculation of parabolic dish

Satellite Dish

A satellite dish is shaped like a paraboloid of revolution. The signals that emanate
from a satellite strike the surface of the dish and are reflected to a single point, where the
receiver is located. If the dish is 8 feet across at its opening and 3 feet deep at its centre, at
what position should the receiver be placed? That is, where is the focus?

Figure 1(a) shows the satellite dish. We draw the parabola used to form the dish on a
rectangular coordinate system so that the vertex of the parabola is at the origin and its focus is
on the positive y-axis. See Figure 1(b).
 Page | 9

Figure 1(a)&(b)

1
The receiver should be located 1 3 from the base of the dish, along its axis of symmetry.
 P a g e | 10

Section (c): Types of satellite dishes

TYPES OF SATELLITE DISHES

There are a great many type of satellite dishes that are used for different purposes.
First and foremost, we only discuss the types of satellite dishes used for watching television
at an individual residence, called either a direct broadcast satellite (DBS) or a direct-to-home
satellite (DTH).

Before discussing the different types of satellite dishes, we also need to know about
the Low Noise Converter (LNC), also known as a Low Noise Block converter (LNB). When
the radio signals are received by the satellite dish, they are transferred to the LNC for the
purpose of converting the signal frequency and then amplifies the signal while blocking
noise.

The simplest type of satellite dish, and the first one available to consumers for home
use, is the Prime Feed Focus dish. This is a large parabolic dish, with a diameter over 1.4
meters, with the LNC mounted centrally in the dish facing outward. Because it is located in
the centre of the dish, the LNC blocks a lot of the incoming signals. For that reason, this type
of satellite is only 50% effective in receiving radio signals.

The Offset Dish Antenna has the LNC located to the side of the dish. This way, the
LNC does not interfere with the signal path, which can reach the dish unobstructed. Because
this offers better performance, these dishes can be much smaller than the Prime Feed Focus
dishes.

The Dual Offset Dish Antenna is an improvement over the normal Offset Dish
Antenna. This type of satellite dish has two dishes, a larger receiving dish and a small dish
facing the opposite direction that takes the signal and transfers it to the LNC. The Dual Offset
Dish Antenna has 80% efficiency.
 P a g e | 11

Flat Antenna, which is the most compact type of satellite dish. This type of antenna
does not have an exterior LNC. It is located within the dish. These types of satellite dishes are
best for homes near the centre of the satellite footprint area.
 P a g e | 12

PRIME FOCUS DISH: DUAL OFFSET DISH ANTENNA:

OFFSET DISH ANTENNA: FLAT ANTENNA:

 P a g e | 13

Section (d): Size of satellite dish

SIZE OF SATELLITE DISH

When the size of satellite dish become bigger, it can receive more signal from the
satellite above. The larger the satellite dish, the narrower the focal angle. Since the focal
angle is the most important in the satellite dish, in order to receive signals from adjacent
satellites.
 P a g e | 14

Each satellite has a number of transmitters or "transponders" which give slightly

different "beams", resulting in different "footprints" on Earth. In England, a strong signal is
received from all of these transponders but, outside England, the signal becomes
progressively weaker as you get further away. In some fringe areas, it's impossible to receive
signals from every transponder without using a larger dish.

Section (e): Can Weather Affect Satellite Internet?

Internet connections use microwave radio frequencies that travel in straight lines and
cannot pass through solid objects. Weather affects the air between the dish and the satellite
and moisture reduces the signal. The stronger the received signal, the more immune it is to
rain or snow, so weather affects weaker systems more severely. Also, wind can cause physical
damage.
 P a g e | 15

Rain

Light rains should not affect satellite Internet service but if a dish is not aligned
correctly to the satellite, the signal may be too weak to withstand the fade. Make sure the dish
is aligned to a peak signal to make the system more reliable. Heavy rains and thunderstorms
can block a satellite signal completely. If a signal passes through distant storm, service can be
interrupted even if it isn't raining at the local area. For tropical areas that have seasonal heavy
rains, some engineering firms do weather studies to predict annual outage times. Heavy rains
can reduce internet satellite signal strength.

Snow and Ice

Snow may also attenuate satellite Internet services to such a degree that service gets
disrupted. It can pile up on a dish and completely block the signal. Condensation can
accumulate on a dish and form ice that blocks that signal even in clear weather. Some dish
manufacturers offer heated dishes to melt snow and ice to prolong system service. They
operate on a thermostat control to turn on electric heating elements when the temperature
drops below a certain level.
 P a g e | 16

Wind

Because of the parabolic shape and solid form of the reflective portion of a satellite
Internet dish, wind can bend or move a dish to the point of service disruption. A tower that
supports a satellite Internet dish may also twist and sway causing temporary outages as the
signal gets bent out of aim. Severe storms such as tornadoes and hurricanes can rip a dish
completely off its mount and cause extended service outages. Some dish manufacturers add
reinforced mounting hardware for high wind areas.

CONCLUSION
From the research that we have done together, it can be concluded that satellite is
important in sending or transferring information. So satellite dish is important in order to
send and receive the information or digital signal. In this research, we have sketching graphs
and some problem solving. We saw that the usage of analytic geometry is quite important in
making satellite dish. It is not just widely used in mathematics field but also in physics as
well as engineering. So we should be thankful of the people who contribute the idea and
 P a g e | 17

theory of analytic geometry. The bowl or dish of the satellite was naturally take the shape of a
parabola in order to get a perfect ray of reflection during transferring the data. In this field, it
is most efficient if we used parabolic shape. Analytic geometry is related to the shape of
satellite dish as the shape of the dish is parabola and they have same concept. Other than that,
the shape of dish is counted in order to find the focal point as the feed horn has to be same
position with the focal point. Then, the feed horn will receive the digital signal perfectly as
the ray of reflection is focusing to the feed horn. Then we have to solve the problem of
distraction of the satellite dish during the bad weather such as rainy, windy and snowy. So it
will ease the people to send or receive the digital signal to transfer information all over the
world. In fact, the absence theory of analytic geometry will difficult people to create the
satellite dish.

ISLAMIC VALUES
1. See you not that Allah sends down water (rain) from the sky, and We produce
therewith fruits of varying colours, and the mountains are steaks white and red, of
varying colours and (others) very black (35:27)
This verse shows the variety of Allah creation in this world. Allah creates a lot shape
such as ellipse, circle, hyperbola and other. Allah creates the shapes with specific and
unique formula and equations.
 P a g e | 18

2. Not for (idle) We create the heavens and the earth and all that is between! (al-anbiya
21:16)
This verse shows that Allah creates something for its reasons. For example, Allah
creates the parabola shape for the mankind and use it in the technology. The
technology of using parabolic shape that we have now is parabolic satellite. Other
technology that uses parabola as its shape are spectacle lens, parabolic mirror and
others.

REFERENCE
1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satellite_dish
2. https://www.google.com.my/search?
q=general+equation+of+parabola&biw=1366&bih=643&source=lnms&tbm=isch
&sa=X&ei=gqE8VafHLoLJuATc7YBA&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAQ#imgrc=DNwyP
T_lTcVNwM%253A%3B6DC-ywHY8_6l3M%3Bhttp%253A%252F
%252Fimages.flatworldknowledge.com%252Fredden%252Fredden-
fig09_x007.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fcatalog.flatworldknowledge.com
 P a g e | 19

%252Fbookhub%252Freader%252F128%253Fe%253Dfwk-redden-
ch09_s05%3B1500%3B600
3. http://www.groundcontrol.com/How_Does_Satellite_Internet_Work.htm
4. http://www.freetv.ie/satellite/dishes.html
5. http://www.skmm.gov.my/skmmgovmy/media/General/pdf/SKMM-MTSFB-TC-
T005-2013_Specification-for-Direct-to-Home-(DTH)-Satellite-Broadcast-
Receiving-Antenna-100113.pdf
6. http://www.satcrazy.com/photogallery.html
7. http://www.purplemath.com/modules/parabola.htm
8. http://jwilson.coe.uga.edu/emt725/class/sarfaty/emt669/instructionalunit/parabolas
/parabolas.html
9. http://www.mathwords.com/f/focus_parabola.htm
10. http://www.protutorcompany.com/finding-the-vertex-focus-and-directrix-of-a-
parabola-given-in-standard-form/