Advanced Communication Systems ADVANCED COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS

Satellite Communication L802 3+1+0

Module 1

Page | 1 Module 1: Satellite Communication - Satellite orbits Geo synchronous orbit orbital velocity Round trip time delay - Antenna look angles - Satellite classifications - spacing - frequency allocationSystem parameters analysis - link equations- Link Budget - Spacecraft subsystem (block schematic). Tracking and telecommand - Earth stations Antenna systems receiver subsystems (block) functioning LNA LNB - down converter - channel filters - demodulators- INTELSATINMARSAT Overview of INSAT.

Module 2: Types of satellite communication system-FSS, DSS-Direct broadcasting and community broadcast - Multiple Access Techniques Introduction- FDM-FM-FDMA, PSK-TDMA, SSMA, CDMA Switching techniques circuit message - packet switching- Packet satellite network-domestic satellite system.

Module 3: The cellular concept Introduction - Frequency reuse channel assignment Hand off strategies prioritizing handoff practical handoff Co-channel interface and system capacity channel planning adjacent channel interference Cell splitting sectoring repeaters micro-cell concept- Blue tooth technology- Fundamentals and Applications.

Module 4: Wireless communication system-paging-cordless & cellular system comparison-Second generation cellular networks-third generation cellular networks - Global System for Mobile services and features Architecture Radio subsystem channel types frame structure - Global positioning Systems - basic concepts- system block - positioning Applications.

Module 5: Spread spectrum Techniques and remote sensing- Pseudo noise sequences time hopping-frequency Hopping Robustness Fast and Slow hopping Hybrid & Chirp spread spectrum- Synchronization acquisition Tracking - Concepts of Jamming -Analysis of DSSS Analysis of avoidance-generation of signals-detection Applications.

References 1. Electronic communication system fundamentals Wayne Tomasi, Pearson Education. 2. Wireless communication principles and practice T S Rappaport, Pearson Education. 3. Satellite communication Gagliardi. 4. Digital Communication Fundamentals and Applications B Sklar, Pearson Education. 5. Digital communication Simon Haykin, John Wiley&Sons. 6. Space communication System Filipowasky, McGrawHill.

Prepared by Krishna Deepth C.T., Asst Professor, ASIET. These notes are for easy reference only and students must use references books for in depth knowledge.

Advanced Communication Systems Module 1 Syllabus & Reference Books

Satellite Communication

Module 1

Satellite Communication - Satellite orbits Geo synchronous orbit orbital velocity Round trip time delay - Antenna look angles - Satellite classifications - spacing - frequency allocation- System Page | 2 parameters analysis - link equations 1. Advanced Electronic Communications Systems Thomasi

Link Budget 1. Advanced Electronic Communications Systems Thomasi 2. Satellite Communications Anil K Maini, Varsha Agarwal Spacecraft subsystem (block schematic). 1. Satellite communications Pratt, Bostian, Alnutt 2. Satellite Communication Systems Engineering Pritchard, Suyderhoud, Nelson Tracking and telecommand 1. Satellite communications Pratt, Bostian, Alnutt Earth stations 1. Satellite Communication Systems Engineering Pritchard, Suyderhoud, Nelson Antenna systems 1. Satellite Communications Anil K Maini, Varsha Agarwal 2. Satellite Communications Dr DC Agarwal Antenna receiver subsystems (block) - functioning LNA LNB - down converter - channel filters demodulators 1. Satellite Communications Anil K Maini, Varsha Agarwal INTELSAT, INMARSAT, Overview of INSAT 1. Satellite Communications Anil K Maini, Varsha Agarwal

Prepared by Krishna Deepth C.T., Asst Professor, ASIET. These notes are for easy reference only and students must use references books for in depth knowledge.

Advanced Communication Systems 1. Terms and Definitions 1.1. Satellite or Natural Satellite

Satellite Communication

Module 1

A Satellite is a celestial body that orbits around a planet. (eg. Moon is the natural satellite of earth) Page | 3 1.2. Communication Satellite or Artificial satellite Communication Satellite is a microwave repeater in the sky that consists of the diverse combination of one or more of the following: Transmitter, Receiver, Amplifier, regenerator, Filters, on board computers, multiplexers, demultiplexers, antennas, waveguides and other electronic components. 1.3. Satellite system A Satellite system consists of one or more satellite space vehicles, a ground base station to control the operation of the system and user network of earth stations providing interface facilities for the transmission and reception of terrestrial communication traffic through the satellite system. 1.4. Bus and Payload Transmission to and from the satellite is called bus/payload. Bus is the control mechanism supporting payload operation and payload is the user information/data conveyed through the system. 1.5. Passive Satellite Passive Satellites reflects the signal back to the earth without any amplification or modification. There is no need for sophisticated on board equipments which is an advantage. Eg. Radio beacon transmitter is used for tracking and ranging. 1.6. Active Satellite Active Satellites are capable of receiving, amplifying, reshaping, regenerating and retransmitting signals. 2. Keplers Laws of planetary motions While investigating the theories of planetary motions, German astronomer Johannes Kepler discovered 3 laws of planetary motions. Keplers 1st Law describes the shape of the orbit Keplers 2nd Law describes about the velocities of planets (Law of Areas) Keplers 3rd Law about the distance of the planets with respect to the sun (Harmonic law) 2.1. Keplers 1st Law: The orbits of all planets are ellipses with the sun at one of the foci of the ellipse. Perigee is a point in the orbit which is located nearest to the earth. Apogee is a point in the orbit which is located farthest to the earth.
Prepared by Krishna Deepth C.T., Asst Professor, ASIET. These notes are for easy reference only and students must use references books for in depth knowledge.

Advanced Communication Systems

Satellite Communication

Module 1

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F1 and F2 are the foci (focus). Major axis is the line joining the perigee and apogee from the centre of the earth Minor axis is the line which is perpendicular to the major axis and halfway to perigee and apogee.

2.2. Keplers 2nd Law: Law of areas The satellite will sweep out at equal areas at equal intervals of time.

In the figure below, D1 and D2 are the distance travelled by the satellite in T sec at two different locations. As per the law areas A1 and A2 are the same. The distance D1 is greater than D2 and velocity V1 is greater than V2. This shows that the speed or velocity of the satellite is faster at the perigee and slower at the apogee.

Prepared by Krishna Deepth C.T., Asst Professor, ASIET. These notes are for easy reference only and students must use references books for in depth knowledge.

Advanced Communication Systems 2.3. Keplers 3rd Law: Law of Harmonics

Satellite Communication

Module 1

The square of period of time of the orbit (P) is directly proportional to the cube of the semi major axis (). Page | 5 A is a constant, A = 42241.0979. The period of time of the orbit (P) is the ratio of the time of 1 side real day (t s) and time of 1 revolution of the earth (te).

Keplers laws explains that for a satellite to remain in the orbit there should me a counterbalance between the centrifugal force caused because of its rotation around the earth and the earths gravitational pull. 3. Orbital Satellites All satellites rotate around the earth in circular or elliptical orbits. For elliptical orbits the speed of the satellite is greatest at the perigee and lowest at the apogee. The speed of the satellite also depends upon the height of the satellite from the earth. But for circular orbits the speed of the satellite uniform. 3.1. Prograde or Posigrade Orbit In this kind of orbit, the satellite is orbiting in the same direction of earths rotation with a velocity greater than velocity of earths rotation (s > e). 3.2. Retrogarde orbit In this kind of orbit, the satellite is orbiting in the opposite direction of earths rotation with a velocity lesser than velocity of earths rotation (s < e). 3.3. Non synchronous Orbit For non synchronous orbit, the speed of orbit of a satellite is faster or slower when compared to the rotation of the earth. So the position of the satellite changes continuously and hence need complicated and expensive tracking equipments. 3.4. Synchronous Orbit For synchronous orbit, the speed of orbit of a satellite is exactly same as rotation of the earth. So the position of the satellite appears to be stationary to the earth & always facing the earth and hence no tracking equipments are required.

Prepared by Krishna Deepth C.T., Asst Professor, ASIET. These notes are for easy reference only and students must use references books for in depth knowledge.

Advanced Communication Systems 4. Satellite Elevation Categories

Satellite Communication

Module 1

According to the classification in terms of altitude from earth, the satellite orbit can be grouped into three 1. LEO 2. MEO and 3. GEO LEO stands for Low Earth Orbits Page | 6 MEO stands for Medium Earth Orbits GEO stands for Geo-stationary Earth Orbits 4.1. Low Earth Orbits (LEO) Operating frequency: 1 GHz 2.5 GHz Altitude above earth: 370 miles Eg. Motorolas Mobile telephone System Satellite called Iridium consists of 66 Satellites. 4.2. Medium Earth Orbits (MEO) Operating frequency: 1.2 GHz 1.44 GHz Altitude above earth: 6000 - 12000 miles Eg. NAVSTAR is a satellite for GPS navigation using 21 satellites (plus 6 spare) 4.3. Geo-stationary Earth Orbits (GEO) Operating frequency: 2 GHz 18 GHz Altitude above earth: 22300 miles and above GEO also termed as geo-synchronous or geo-stationary satellites. The speed of orbit of GEO satellite is exactly same as rotation of the earth. So the position of the satellite appears to be stationary to the earth & always facing the earth (s = e). (Note: More details coming in the next sections.) 4.4. Near Synchronous orbits (comes under GEO) Altitude above earth: 19000 25000. With altitude slightly lower than 22300 miles above earth, satellites orbital time is lower than earths period. In this case satellite is moving slowly in West East direction. This type of Near Synchronous orbit is called Sub-synchronous orbit. 4.5. Angle of inclination The angle between the equatorial plane and the orbital plane of the satellite measured clockwise. 4.6. Ascending Node The point in the orbit where it crosses the equatorial plane while travelling from South to North. 4.7. Descending Node The point in the orbit where it crosses the equatorial plane while travelling from North to South.

Prepared by Krishna Deepth C.T., Asst Professor, ASIET. These notes are for easy reference only and students must use references books for in depth knowledge.

Advanced Communication Systems 4.8. Line of Nodes

Satellite Communication

Module 1

The line joining the Ascending Node and the Descending Node is the line of nodes.

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4.9. Equatorial Orbit If the satellite is rotating in an orbit directly above the equator in a circular path then the orbit is called equatorial orbit. The angle of inclination is 0 degrees and there are no ascending nodes, descending nodes and line of nodes. 4.10. Polar Orbit If the satellite is rotating in an orbit perpendicular to the equatorial plane then the orbit is called polar orbit. The angle of inclination is 90 degrees.

4.11. Inclined Orbit If the satellite is orbiting in any plane except those travelling directly above the equator or directly over the North South poles (i.e. except polar and equatorial orbits).
Prepared by Krishna Deepth C.T., Asst Professor, ASIET. These notes are for easy reference only and students must use references books for in depth knowledge.

Advanced Communication Systems

Satellite Communication

Module 1

The earth is not a perfect sphere and there are bulges at the equator (due to mountains etc). This effect of equatorial bulge causes the elliptical orbit to rotate in a manner that causes the apogee and perigee to move around the earth. This process is called the rotation of line of apsides.

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At an angle of inclination = 63.4 degrees the rotation of lines of apsides = 0. For that reason the satellites are launched into the orbit with an angle of inclination of 63.4 degrees which is called 63 degree slot. 5. Geo-Stationary Satellites Geo-Stationary Satellites orbit the earth above the equator with the same angular velocity as the earth. Hence the position of the satellite appears to be fixed and hence no antenna tracking equipment is necessary. The earth station antennas are simply pointed at the satellite. A single GEO satellite covers 40% of the earths surface. The satellite remains in orbit as a result of balance between the satellites centrifugal force and earths gravitational pull. If the velocity of the satellite is too high, the centrifugal force will overcome the gravitational pull and breaks out from the orbit and escapes in the space. If the velocity of the satellite is too week, then the gravitational force will pull the satellite towards earth. So there should be a balance between the satellites centrifugal force and earths gravitational pull. GEO are circular and speed of rotation of the satellite is constant throughout the orbit. There is only one GEO which is occupied by a number of satellites. Ideally GEO satellites should be stationary above the chosen location above the equator. The sun, moon exert gravitational forces, solar winds sweeps past earth and earth is not a perfect sphere (bulges). These all unbalanced forces which follow a wandering path above or below equator will cause the GEO satellites to drift away from their assigned location. It occurs in a special type of inclined orbit called a stationary inclined orbit.

Prepared by Krishna Deepth C.T., Asst Professor, ASIET. These notes are for easy reference only and students must use references books for in depth knowledge.

Advanced Communication Systems

Satellite Communication

Module 1

Ground Controllers must periodically adjust the satellite positions to counteract these forces. If not there will be a drift in the position of satellite at the rate of 0.6 0.9 degrees per year. The process of manoeuvring a satellite within a pre assigned window is called Station Keeping. Page | 9 Requirements for a GEO Satellite 1. GEO Satellites must have an angle of inclination of 0 degrees. That means it should orbit over the equatorial plane. 2. The satellite should orbit the earth as the same direction as the earth spins (E-W) and with same angular velocity (1 revolution/day).

5.1. To calculate the height above the mean sea level of a GEO Satellite (h) Use Keplers 3rd Law

Using the values of A = 42241.0979 and P = 0.9972, we get = 42,164 km GEO Satellites revolves around the earth in a circular pattern directly above the equator at an altitude of 42,164 km from the center of the earth. The equatorial radius of the earth = 6378 km. The height above the mean sea level of a satellite is (h) = 42,164 6,378 = 35,768 km. 5.2. To calculate the orbital velocity of a GEO Satellite The Circumference of a GEO, The Velocity of a GEO satellite 5.3. To calculate the round trip time delay or propagation delay of a GEO Satellite The round trip time delay between a satellite and an earth station located directly below it is given by t = diameter/velocity of light t = 2 (35,768) km / 3 105 km/sec = 238 ms. It will take more than a quarter of a second for an electromagnetic wave to travel from an earth station to the satellite and back when the earth station is situated at a point directly below the satellite. The propagation delay will be even more for earth stations located at different locations. This round trip time delay is substantial and significant with 2 way voice or data communication. 6. Clarkes Orbit The GEO Orbits are sometimes called as Clarkes Orbit. The Clarkes Orbit gives the specifications for a GEO.
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Advanced Communication Systems Specifications: 1. 2. 3. 4.

Satellite Communication

Module 1

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The satellite should be located directly above the equator They should travel in the same direction as the earth rotation. The altitude of the satellite above the earth = 22,300 miles or 35,768 kms The satellite should complete 1 revolution in 24 hours.

Using these specifications, 3 satellites in Clarkes Orbit separated by 120 degrees in longitude can provide communication over the entire world (except polar region). As per International agreements the space between the GEO satellites is 1833 miles with an angular separation of 4 degrees. This limits the total number of satellites in GEO to less than 100. But as per new International agreements, more satellites can be placed near GEO. Advantages of GEO Satellites 1. GEO satellites are almost stationary and hence expensive tracking equipments are not needed. 2. GEO satellites are always available to Earth Stations within their shadows 100% of the time, provided the line of sight path of the Earth Station lie within the radiation pattern on Satellite antenna. 3. There is no need to switch between satellites as they are stationary, so there is no transmission break. 4. Doppler shift is negligible.

Disadvantages of GEO Satellites 1. To keep the GEO Satellites in orbit, expensive and sophisticated propulsion devices are needed on board. 2. Propagation or round trip delays ranges from 500 600 msec affecting 2 way communications (voice and data). 3. Due to long distance and path losses high transmission power and more sensitive receivers are required.
Prepared by Krishna Deepth C.T., Asst Professor, ASIET. These notes are for easy reference only and students must use references books for in depth knowledge.

Advanced Communication Systems

Satellite Communication

Module 1

4. High precision spaceman ship and propulsion engines needed to keep them in orbit.

7. Antenna Look Angles Page | 11 To optimise the performance of a Satellite Communication System, the boresight (direction of maximum gain of Earth station antenna) must be pointed directly at the satellite. For earth station antenna alignment two angles called Azimuth angle and Elevation angle must be determined which are called the antenna look angles. The location of a point in earth is specified in terms of latitude and longitude. The location of a satellite is also specified in terms of latitude and longitude although the satellite is orbiting many miles above the earth it has no latitude and longitude. The location of a satellite is identified by a point on the surface of the earth directly below the satellite called sub satellite point (SSP) and for GEO satellites SSP must fall on the equator. The SSP and Earth Station locations are specified using standard latitude and longitude coordinates.

Standard convention Longitude 0 180 degrees, East or West of Greenwich Prime Meridian. Latitude 0 90 degrees, towards Northern Hemisphere (N) Latitude 0 90 degrees, towards Southern Hemisphere (S)

For GEO satellites, Latitude = 0 degrees (location above equator) and Longitude = 122 degrees E or W (for example). From the figure above, for a GEO Satellite Vehicle (GSV), Sub satellite point (SSP) has longitude 30 degrees E and latitude 0 & Earth station (ES) has longitude 30 degrees W and latitude 20 degrees N
Prepared by Krishna Deepth C.T., Asst Professor, ASIET. These notes are for easy reference only and students must use references books for in depth knowledge.

Advanced Communication Systems 7.1. Angle of elevation or Elevation angle

Satellite Communication

Module 1

It is the vertical angle formed between the direction of travel of an electromagnetic wave radiated from the earth station antenna pointing directly to the satellite and the horizontal plane. Page | 12 Smaller is the angle of elevation, greater is the distance of propagated wave from earths atmosphere. The waves which are propagating through atmosphere will suffer absorption and affected by noise. Minimum acceptable angle of elevation = 5 degrees

7.2. Azimuth angle Azimuth angle is the horizontal angular distance from a reference direction, either the southern or northern most point of the horizon. It is defined as the horizontal pointing angle of an earth station antenna. For navigation purposes the azimuth angle is usually measured in a clockwise direction in degrees from true north. For satellite earth stations in Northern hemisphere and satellite vehicles in GEO, azimuth angle is usually measured in a clockwise direction in degrees from true south.
Prepared by Krishna Deepth C.T., Asst Professor, ASIET. These notes are for easy reference only and students must use references books for in depth knowledge.

Advanced Communication Systems 7.3. Limits of Visibility

Satellite Communication

Module 1

For any Earth station, the curvature of earth established lines of visibility (line of sight limits) which determines the farthest satellite away that can be seen while looking E or W of earth stations longitude. Theoretically, the maximum line of sight distance is achieved when the Earth Station Page | 13 antenna is pointing along horizontal plane (angle of inclination = 0 degrees). Practically, due to external noises and signal attenuation from earths atmosphere is excessive at angle of inclination of 0 degrees. So the minimum usable elevation angle of 5 degrees is generally accepted. The Line of Visibility depends in part of satellites elevation and Earth Stations longitude and latitude. 8. Classification of Satellites 8.1. Spinners A spinner satellite uses angular momentum of its spinning body to provide roll and yaw stabilization. 8.2. Three axis stabilizer In 3 axis stabilizer, the body remains fixed relative to earths surface while an internal sub system provides roll and yaw stabilization.

8.3. Spacing allocation GEO satellites should share a limited space and frequency spectrum within a given arc of GEO. The position in that slot depends upon the communication frequency band used. Satellites operating at the same or nearly same frequency must be sufficiently separated in space to avoid interference with each other. There is a limit in the number of satellites that can be parked in GEO orbit. The spatial separation depends upon the following variables. 1. Beam width and side lobe radiation of both Satellite and Earth Station antennas. 2. RF Carrier Frequency 3. Modulation and Encoding Techniques
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Advanced Communication Systems 4. Acceptable limits of interference 5. Transmit carrier power.

Satellite Communication

Module 1

There should be a spatial separation of 3 to 6 degrees depending upon the above mentioned variables. Page | 14

8.4. Frequency allocation Most common carrier frequencies used for Satellite Communication are 6/4 14/12 GHz. The first number is the uplink (earth station to satellite) and the second number is the downlink (satellite to the earth station). Most satellites use 6/4 GHz band. This band is also used by microwave communication systems in the earth. So care must be taken when designing satellite network to avoid interference from or with microwave links. Some GEO positions are in high demand. E.g. Atlantic position connecting N America ad EU. World Administrative Radio Conference (WARC) allocates frequencies that can be used for Satellite Communication. 9. Satellite System Link Model There are 3 sections namely 1. Up-link Section or Earth station Transmitter 2. Satellite Transponder 3. Down-link section or Earth station Receiver
Prepared by Krishna Deepth C.T., Asst Professor, ASIET. These notes are for easy reference only and students must use references books for in depth knowledge.

Advanced Communication Systems

Satellite Communication

Module 1

Up-link Section or Earth station transmitter The uplink section has the following blocks Page | 15 IF Modulator: It coverts the input base band signal into FM, PSK or QAM IF IF to RF Microwave up converter: converts IF to RF carrier frequency HPA (high power amplifier) with BPF (band pass filter): HPA has enough input sensitivity and output power for transmission of signal (Klystron, Traveling wave tube (TWT)

Satellite Transponder The satellite transponder is a RF-RF repeater and each RF transmission channel requires separate Transponder. It has the following blocks Input Band pass filter (BPF): limits the input noise Input Low Noise Amplifier (LNA): Tunnel Diode Frequency Translator: Usually a shift oscillator which converts high up link frequency into low down link frequency Low Power Amplifier (LPA) with an output BPF: amplifies RF signals for down link (TWT)

Prepared by Krishna Deepth C.T., Asst Professor, ASIET. These notes are for easy reference only and students must use references books for in depth knowledge.

Advanced Communication Systems

Satellite Communication

Module 1

Page | 16

Down-link section or Earth station receiver The down link section has the following blocks: Input BPF: limits the noise Input LNA: Tunnel diode or parametric amplifier (sensitive) RF-IF down converter: Mixer with BPF combination Demodulator: Demodulated to get the desired base band signal

Cross Links or Intersatellite Links Occasionally there is a need for satellites to communicate between themselves which uses cross links or inter satellite links. The transmitters need good transmission power and receivers should have high input sensitivity because both are space bounded which is a disadvantage.

Prepared by Krishna Deepth C.T., Asst Professor, ASIET. These notes are for easy reference only and students must use references books for in depth knowledge.

Advanced Communication Systems

Satellite Communication

Module 1

Page | 17

10. Satellite System Parameters a. Back off Loss (Lbo): The amount of output level is backed off from rated levels is equivalent to a loss called back off loss. The HPA in Earth station and LPA in Satellite are non linear. The gain (output power/input power) depends on the input signal. From the figure the input power is decreased by 4dB when the output power is reduced by 1dB which results in power compression. In order to reduce the distortion during intermodulation the input power must be reduced and backed off so that the HPA operates in more linear region.

b. Transmit Power (Pt) and Bit Energy (Eb): The operation of a power amplifier is more efficient when it works close to the saturated region. The output power of Earth station is more compared to the output power from satellite. In Satellite communication the output power is expressed in dBW (dB corresponding to 1W) rather than dBmW. Modern satellite communication use PSK or QAM modulation and the signals are PCM encoded TDMA signals. Eb - Energy of a single bit (Joules/bit)
Prepared by Krishna Deepth C.T., Asst Professor, ASIET. These notes are for easy reference only and students must use references books for in depth knowledge.

Advanced Communication Systems

Satellite Communication

Module 1

Pt - Transmit Power (Joules/sec) and Tb - Time of a single bit (sec) c. Effective Isotropic Radiation Power (EIRP): EIRP is the equivalent transmit power. Page | 18 Pin - antenna input power (Watts) Pt - saturated amplifier power output (dB/W) Lbo - back off loss (dB) and Lbf - branching and feeder loss (dB)

Taking log

d. Equivalent Noise temperature (Te): The noise is measured in increments of 1/10 or 1/100 of a dB to evaluate the performance of a satellite system. There is a need to measure the environmental temperature T and the equivalent noise temperature Te. N Total Noise Power (Watts)

T Temperature of the environment (Kelvin) K Boltzmann Constant (Joules/Kelvin) B Bandwidth (Hz)

Te Equivalent Noise Temperature (Kelvin) F Noise factor (no unit) Typically Te is 1000 Kelvin for a Transponder and 20-1000K for Earth station. e. Noise Density (No): It is the noise present in 1 Hz Bandwidth.

In terms of log in dBW/Hz

f. Carrier to Noise Density (C/No): C is the combined power of carrier and associated side bands

Prepared by Krishna Deepth C.T., Asst Professor, ASIET. These notes are for easy reference only and students must use references books for in depth knowledge.

Advanced Communication Systems

Satellite Communication

Module 1

In dB,

Page | 19 g. Energy of a bit to Noise Density (Eb/No): This ratio is used to compare different transmission rates, modulation techniques and encoding schemes.

Eb is unchanged when C and transmission rates (bps) are not changed N0 is unchanged when noise temperature is constant. For a given carrier power, bit rate and noise temperature the energy of a bit to noise density ratio is same regardless of encoding, modulation schemes or bandwidth. For a probability of error given as

means there is 1 bit error for 100,000 bits transmitted. h. Gain to Equivalent Temperature Ratio (G/Te): The figure of merit represents the quality of a Earth Station or a Satellite Receiver. G is the antenna gain of a receiver. The gain to equivalent noise temperature ratio is an important parameter to calculate link budget.

Ar is the gain of the receiving antenna ALNA is the gain of the LNA (LNA is at the feed point of the antenna)

11. Calculation of Link Budget for a satellite system Satellite system link equations The satellite link equation gives the overall loss and gain in uplink and downlink sections. To evaluate the performance of a satellite system the uplink and downlink parameters are considered separately and then combining in a suitable manner.
Prepared by Krishna Deepth C.T., Asst Professor, ASIET. These notes are for easy reference only and students must use references books for in depth knowledge.

Advanced Communication Systems

Satellite Communication

Module 1

Page | 20

From the given model, Pt is the output power of high power amplifier Lbo is the back off loss, Lf is the feeder loss, Lb is the branching loss At is the Transmitter antenna gain Lp is the path loss, Lu is the additional atmospheric uplink loss Pr is the total radiated power EIRP is the effective Isotropic Radiated Power Ar is the receiver antenna gain, G/Te is the gain to equivalent noise ratio Ld is the additional atmospheric downlink loss C is the carrier power density of Satellite antenna C/N is carrier to noise ratio Eb/N0 is the energy of a bit to noise ratio Link Equations Link equations are used to analyse the uplink and downlink sections of a single frequency carrier satellite system. These equations will consider only ideal gains & losses and also the thermal noises associated with the ES Transmitter, ES Receiver and Transponder. Uplink Equation The uplink and downlink signal pass through the atmosphere which is partially absorbed by oxygen and particles in air. The RF signals travel through the atmosphere varies from one ES to another depending on the elevation angle. Lp,Lu and Ld are the losses with decimal values less than 1. The uplink equation is

Prepared by Krishna Deepth C.T., Asst Professor, ASIET. These notes are for easy reference only and students must use references books for in depth knowledge.

Advanced Communication Systems Taking log,

Satellite Communication

Module 1

Page | 21 is the EIRP of the earth station is the free space path loss is the satellite Gain to equivalent noise temperature is the additional atmospheric loss is Boltzmann constant

Downlink equation Similar to uplink equation, we have

Taking log

Link Budget Link budget is the way of analyzing and predicting the performance of a microwave communication link for the given values of link parameters that contributes to signal gain or signal loss. It is the algebraic sum of all gains and losses expressed in dB as we travel from transmitter to receiver. The final value obtained helps us to know: The available signal strength at the receiver How strong is the received signal with respect to minimum acceptable threshold signal. The difference between the received and the threshold signal is called the link margin. The link budget is a tool that can be used for optimizing various link parameters to get desired performance.

Link budget calculation The system parameters are used to construct link budget. Link budget identifies the system parameters and used to determine the projected C/N and Eb/N0 ratios both for ES and Satellite for a given modulation scheme and desired P(e). The overall energy of bit to noise density ratio Eb/N0 includes the combined effect of up-link ratio and the down-link ratio. This overall energy of a bit to noise density ratio is a standard product over the sum relationship
Prepared by Krishna Deepth C.T., Asst Professor, ASIET. These notes are for easy reference only and students must use references books for in depth knowledge.

Advanced Communication Systems

Satellite Communication

Module 1

Page | 22 12. Satellite Subsystems A satellite system comprises a number of satellite subsystems. The major satellite subsystems are: Communications Subsystem, Structural Subsystem, Antenna Subsystem, Power Subsystem, Thermal Control Subsystem, Attitude and Orbit Control Subsystem, Thrust Subsystem, Attitude & orbit control system, Tracking Telemetry and Command Subsystem. 12.1. Communications Subsystem The Communications Subsystem comprises a number of clusters of receivers, frequency translators and transmitters called transponders. The total bandwidth of the satellite is provided by a number of transponders, each of which has a typical bandwidth of 36 MHz For example, the Intelsat IX satellite has a total available bandwidth of 3,528 MHz divided up across 45 C-band and 16 Ku-band transponders.

Prepared by Krishna Deepth C.T., Asst Professor, ASIET. These notes are for easy reference only and students must use references books for in depth knowledge.

Advanced Communication Systems

Satellite Communication

Module 1

Page | 23

First, a band-pass filter identifies the band of frequencies (channels) appropriate for the transponder. Because the received signals are very weak after travelling 36 000 km, the low-noise amplifier increases the signal strength without adding any more noise (tunnel diode). The channels are then down-converted in frequency to the desired down-link frequency range. Frequency conversion can also occur in two stages with down-conversion of the up-link frequency to an intermediate frequency (IF) at which amplification is conducted and then up-conversion to the downlink frequency. Before re-transmission, power amplification is carried out with a travellingwave tube amplifier (TWTA). TWTAs are generally preferred to other devices such as Klystrons because they provide high gain over a wide bandwidth and have other attractive characteristics such as high efficiency, linear amplitude and phase response. The outputs of all of the transponders are multiplexed together and then re-transmitted through the transmit antennas. 12.2. Structural Subsystem The Structural Subsystem provides the framework for mounting the other satellites subsystems as well as the interface with the launch vehicle. It must meet the payload volume and weight constraints of the launch vehicle as well as provide access for installation and maintenance of the other subsystems. It also provides physical protection during ground handling, transportation,
Prepared by Krishna Deepth C.T., Asst Professor, ASIET. These notes are for easy reference only and students must use references books for in depth knowledge.

Advanced Communication Systems

Satellite Communication

Module 1

launch, and in-orbit operations. The structure must therefore be very light, yet strong enough to survive the accelerations of launch and stiff enough to avoid transferring vibrations from the launch vehicle and any attitudinal control maneuvers. Materials such as aluminum, beryllium, magnesium, stainless steel, titanium, and carbon-fiber-reinforced plastics are commonly used. Page | 24 The structural subsystem also provides support to mount the platforms radiation shield, as well as thrusters, and thermal control elements such as radiators, insulation blankets. It must be able to provide protection against micro-meteorites. The shape of the structure must also support the location of attitude sensors, communications and antennas without disturbing their fields of view. 12.3. Antenna Subsystem The antenna subsystem is a critical part of the spacecraft design. If the spacecraft antenna can be very large, there is no need to generate so much power on board to achieve the required power density at Earth-station antennas. Alternatively, for the same amount of on-board power, Earth station antennas can be smaller or a higher data rate can be achieved. Large antennas are difficult to mount in a satellite and cause structural problems as they need to be folded inside the launch vehicle. Additionally, to increase the power density of Earth stations, the satellite must at least be able to focus its power onto the area occupied by ES antennas, which requires directionality at least commensurate with the 17.34 angle subtended by the Earth for a geostationary satellite. In addition to these Earth-coverage antennas, modern satellites provide a number of more-focused beams, either by carrying additional antennas or by sharing a common dish reflector with feeders offset in some way. 12.4. Power Subsystem The Power Subsystem generates, stores, controls and distributes electrical power to the other subsystems on board. Most of the power (approximately three-quarters) is required for the communications subsystem. How much power is required on board will vary considerably (from a few hundred to several thousand watts) depending on the mission of the spacecraft and the payload. Only three power systems have proven robust and reliable enough to be able to supply power reliably to a satellite to satisfy both instantaneous and lifetime demands: solar energy systems, chemical energy systems, and nuclear energy systems. Each of these has particular advantages, disadvantages and applications. Solar panels generate direct current which is used to operate different subsystems. The batteries like Nickel-Cadmium batteries are charged by the DC power by employing the battery chargers. The stabilized low voltage is supplied to power various subsystems which are generated by the voltage regulator circuits. A dc to dc converter circuit generates high voltage dc which is used for operating the traveling wave tube amplifiers. Generation of ac from dc is done by dc to ac inverter circuits for running ac devices. 12.5. Thermal Control Subsystem

Prepared by Krishna Deepth C.T., Asst Professor, ASIET. These notes are for easy reference only and students must use references books for in depth knowledge.

Advanced Communication Systems

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On Earth, warm bodies can lose heat through convection, conduction and radiation; in space, heat can only be lost through radiation (although heat can still be dissipated within closed fluid systems by conduction and convection). The energy absorbed by the platform comes from the external environment, which is dominated by Page | 25 the Sun. The Thermal Control Subsystem is essential to maintain the platform within its operating temperature limits for the type of equipment on board. Maintenance of a spacecrafts thermal equilibrium requires rigorous consideration of the allowable operating temperature range, the energy absorbed by the platform, internal heat generation, and external heat radiation. The subsystem must be able to manage large temperature variations as a result of the satellites environment and be able to dissipate varying amounts of internally generated heat. Thermal control techniques are generally either passive or active. Passive techniques include good layout of equipment, careful selection of materials for the structure, radiators, thermal blankets, coatings, reflectors, insulations, heat sinks etc. Active techniques include heaters, heat pipes, and pumped fluid loops with heat exchangers. Most of the techniques on board in a spacecraft are passive, although active techniques are useful to cope with sudden changes in temperature. 12.6. Propulsion/Thrust Subsystem The Thrust Subsystem contains the apogee boost motor used to circularize the final orbit. The subsystem also contains gas jets or small rocket motors that are used to reposition the satellite to compensate for orbital variations (called station keeping), or to move the satellite to a new slot. These movements are different from the attitudinal corrections. Most of the on-board fuel (some 95%) is required for east-west station keeping; only approximately 5% of fuel consumption is required for north-south (latitudinal) maneuvers. The useful life of a satellite is often extended by reducing north-south maneuvers resulting in a significant saving in fuel at the cost of allowing the satellite to move into an inclined orbit, which increases tracking requirements at the Earth station as well as requiring additional frequency coordination. Approximately 2 kg of fuel is retained for the end of the satellites life so that it can be moved out of orbit by a few kilometers. It helps the spacecraft to move to its assigned position in orbit and also helps to maintain it in that position. It is also used to maintain the direction of spin axis attitude control against the perturbation forces. 12.7. Attitude & orbit control system This subsystem comprises of rocket motors that keeps the correct orientation of the satellite in space by moving it back to the correct orbit. Various external forces cause to change the parking position of the satellite. The primary factors are gravitational forces of sun, moon earth and also other planets of solar system. Other factors include solar pressure on the antennas and solar sails, which is present on the body of the satellite. All these factors are hugely responsible for misbalancing of the satellite and also responsible for changing the parking position of the satellite. Apart from this the earths magnetic field is also playing a major role in changing the parking position of satellite. The earths magnetic field generates eddy currents in the metallic structure of the
Prepared by Krishna Deepth C.T., Asst Professor, ASIET. These notes are for easy reference only and students must use references books for in depth knowledge.

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satellite as the satellite moves through the magnetic field. Thus the body of the satellite gets rotated called as wobble of the satellite.

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13. Telemetry, Tracking and Command Sub system This subsystem is required for the successful operation of a satellite. This is a part of satellite management task involves a dedicated Earth station and a group of personnel. Functions Control the orbit and altitude Monitor the status of sensors and subsystems Switch on and off sections of communication systems There are 3 sections Tracking: It determines the position of a satellite using angle, range and velocity information. Telemetry: It determines the health of various subsystems of satellite encodes this information and transmits to the control ES. Command: It receives and executes remote control commands Telemetry and Monitoring system
Prepared by Krishna Deepth C.T., Asst Professor, ASIET. These notes are for easy reference only and students must use references books for in depth knowledge.

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Page | 27

It collects data from many sensors within satellite and sends them to controlling earth stations. There are hundreds of sensors on a satellite in order to measure pressure, temperature, critical voltages and currents in electronic systems etc. Temperature of many subsystems is also measured using temperature sensors and must be kept in permissible limits. The sensor data, status of each subsystem and positions of switch in communication system are reported back to earth by the telemetry system. The sighting devices are also monitored using the telemetry link which maintains the altitude and if one device fails it cause the satellite to point to wrong direction. So the faulty unit must be disconnected and the spare one is brought on. Telemetry data is digitalized and transmitted as PSK of low power telemetry carrier using TDM techniques. At controlling earth stations a computer can be used to monitor, store and decode telemetry data so that the status of any system or sensor on the satellite can be determined immediately by a controller on earth. The alarm is sounded if any parameter goes outside acceptable levels.
Prepared by Krishna Deepth C.T., Asst Professor, ASIET. These notes are for easy reference only and students must use references books for in depth knowledge.

Advanced Communication Systems Tracking

Satellite Communication

Module 1

There are a number of techniques which determines the current orbit of a satellite. The velocity and acceleration sensor determines the change in orbit from the last known position by the integration of data. The earth station controlling the satellite can observe the Doppler effect of the telemetry Page | 28 carrier or a beacon transmitter carrier to determine the rate of change of position. Active determination of range can be obtained by transmitting a pulse or a sequence of pulses to the satellite and observing the time delay when the pulse is received again. With precision equipments in ES, a satellite can be detected every 10m. Ranging tones can be used for range measurements. It involves in the transmission of pulsed signals in the uplink and retransmits them on the downlink and thereby measuring the range of time difference in the usual radar manner. Command There are wide range of systems depending on the number of commands, telemetry system and the security required. Most command systems take a similar sequence of operations to protect unauthorized, fake and error commands. Process An enabling signal is transmitted to permit command system operation Specific command is sent and stored Command is verified by transmitting to the earth via telemetry link Execution signal is transmitted and the command is carried out.

Commands are required in orbital injection and positioning phase in order to fire apogee boost motor, extending solar panels. Once the satellite is in orbit commands are required for transponder switching, antenna point control, battery reconditioning etc. The control commands received by the command elements on the satellite are verified on the ground are first stored on the satellite and retransmitted back to the control station via telemetry link for verification. Once the command signals are verified on the ground, a command execution signal is sent to the satellite to initiate an intended action. Using all these TTC tasks the satellite follows a fully predictable orbit pattern such that, The position of the satellite at all future times is known as far in advance as desirable. Ground track of the satellite can be made to follow a pre-defined path which can be later changed at the convenience of the user. 14. Earth Station Earth Station is a collection of equipment on the surface of earth for communication with the satellites. It can be fixed, ground mobile, maritime or aeronautical. Earth stations are widely used to transmit and receive signals from the satellite. It consists of the following sections: Transmitter system, Receiver system, Antenna system, Tracking system, Terrestrial Interface, Primary power unit and Test Equipments.
Prepared by Krishna Deepth C.T., Asst Professor, ASIET. These notes are for easy reference only and students must use references books for in depth knowledge.

Advanced Communication Systems Transmitter

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Module 1

There may be one or more transmitter chain depending on the number of carrier frequencies and the satellites which the earth station operates frequently. It varied from a simple single transmitter with few watts to multi channel data gathering transmitter with 10kW range. Page | 29

Receiver Again there may be one or more receiver chain depending on the number of carrier frequencies and the satellites which the earth station operates frequently. Antenna There is one antenna which serves the function for transmission and reception but not necessarily. Antenna system include antenna proper (reflector and feed), separate feed system for auto tracking
Prepared by Krishna Deepth C.T., Asst Professor, ASIET. These notes are for easy reference only and students must use references books for in depth knowledge.

Advanced Communication Systems

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purposes and duplex and multiplex arrangement to permit simultaneous connections for many receiver and transmitter chains to the same antenna. Tracking system Page | 30 It consists of control circuits and drivers necessary to keep the antenna pointed at the satellite. Terrestrial Interface It consists of wide range of equipments. When the terminal is a mobile or receiver only station there will not be any terrestrial interface. In this case the TV receiver, telephones, data sets etc are used right at the Earth station. For large commercial satellites, interface equipments are required because there will be hundreds of telephone channels, data, video etc brought to the station by microwave and cable systems using TDM/FDM methods. Primary Power Primary power is used for running the ES. This may be commercial, locally generated, battery supplied or combination of these. There should be no break during changeover from one source to another. Test Equipments They are used for routine checking of ES and Terrestrial Interface. They are also used for monitoring Satellite characteristics. Also they are used for measuring special characteristics like gain to equivalent noise temperature etc. 15. Earth Station Antennas The desired characteristics for an Earth Station antenna are High directivity in the direction of nominal satellite position Low directivity in other directions and to other satellites to avoid interference Antenna efficiency as high as possible for uplink and downlink Lowest possible antenna noise temperature Continuous pointing in the direction of satellite with good accuracy

Apart from these the antenna should be easily steerable so that a tracking system may be employed to point the antenna beam accurately towards the satellite taking account of satellites drift in position so that the pointing loss is minimum. Radiation characteristics For an ES antenna, the important parameters which characterize the radiation of major lobe are the gain, beam width and polarization isolation. The gain of the antenna is increased the EIRP and Figure of Merit will also improve. For an antenna the most of the power is radiated in the main lobe and some power is dispersed by the side lobes which are not negligible. The side lobes of the ES determine the level of interference with other orbiting satellites. The use of offset mountings and

Prepared by Krishna Deepth C.T., Asst Professor, ASIET. These notes are for easy reference only and students must use references books for in depth knowledge.

Advanced Communication Systems

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two reflectors are suitable for obtaining good radio frequency characteristics for major lobe and side lobe levels. Antenna Noise Temperature Page | 31 This is the noise acquired by the antenna from the sky and the surrounding ground radiation. This depends on the frequency, elevation angle and the atmospheric condition (rain, clear sky etc). The type of mounting used is another factor. The increase in antenna noise temperature causes significant performance degradation resulting in link unavailability. Types of antennas The basic kinds of antennas mostly used are Horn Antennas, Phases array antennas, Parabolic reflector, Cassegrain antennas and Gregorian antennas. Horn antennas The horn antennas have good performance and are expensive. They are very bulky when high gain is needed. Hence they are not used often in ES. Phase array antennas These antennas have small dimension and also small gain. If the dimension of the antenna is increased it will require several mechanical arrangements to avoid any deformation. Parabolic reflector antenna Prime focus feed: In this antenna, the phase centre of the feed is located at the focal point of the parabolic reflector. The feed is connected to a HPA and LNA. During transmission, the signal from the output of HPA is radiated at the focal point by the feed and illuminated the reflector. The reflector reflects the signal into a narrow beam. During reception, the antenna captures the signal energy and converge it on the focal point which is then received by the feed and routed to the input of LNA.

Prepared by Krishna Deepth C.T., Asst Professor, ASIET. These notes are for easy reference only and students must use references books for in depth knowledge.

Advanced Communication Systems

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The main advantage is that this antenna can be easily steered with a gain efficiency of 50-60%. There is a disadvantage with this setup. If the antenna points at the satellite at high elevation then the feed point faces the ground. The feed radiation spill out over the edge of the reflector and illuminates the ground which may be 290 K leading to high antenna noise. So this antenna is used for receive only purpose. Page | 32 Offset feed: This configuration eliminates the blockage of the main beam due to feed arrangement and mechanical support system. Therefore improving the antenna efficiency and reducing side lobes. But it does not eliminate the spill over problem completely.

Cassegrain antennas It consists of main paraboloid reflector whose focal point is coincident with the virtual focal point of a hyperboloid sub reflector and a feed whose phase center is at the real focal point of the sub reflector. The sub reflector reflects the signal energy back which is again reflected by the main reflector and forms the antenna beam. It has both focal point feed and offset feed arrangements.

These antennas are more expensive than a simple reflector because of the addition of sub reflector and supports. But it has low noise temperatures, good pointing accuracy and flexibility in feed design. It has mechanical stability because the feed is near the vertex of the main reflector.
Prepared by Krishna Deepth C.T., Asst Professor, ASIET. These notes are for easy reference only and students must use references books for in depth knowledge.

Advanced Communication Systems Gregorian antennas

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Module 1

This type of antenna uses concave secondary reflector just behind the prime focus. The main purpose is to bounce the waves back towards the dish. Here the apparent focal length of the antenna is increased and this increase is called magnification. It has both focal point feed and offset Page | 33 feed arrangements.

The efficiency of the ES depends how efficiently it points the antenna beam to the satellite both in transmission and reception mode. It is essential for the ES to continuously track the satellite and hence require program track facility or auto tack system. The antenna must be pointed accurately without any pointing loss for maximum pointing accuracy. For these purposes 4 types of mountings are used namely azimuth elevation mounting, X-Y mounting, Equatorial mounting and Tripod mounting. 16. Earth Station Receiver Subsystem The receiver of earth station mainly employs low noise amplifiers, down converters, demodulators, decoders and baseband signal treating equipments. To receive a signal from satellite, distinct operations must be performed. First the signal must be amplified and then reduced to a low frequency which is convenient for amplification and demodulation. After demodulation it is delivered to base band processing equipment. Figure shows a multicarrier ES receiver and a simple block of an ES receiver. Low Noise Amplifier (LNA) At high frequency the BJT amplifiers cause noise other than thermal noise because of junction. The FET amplifiers also cause thermal noise due to field effect at high frequencies but this can be reduced by selecting the type of semiconductors used and geometric conditions. Usage of Ga-As semiconductors will improve the noise factor. High electron mobility transistors (HEMT) have low thermal noise at high frequency.LNA is one of the critical elements in determining the ES performance. The performance is characterized by the antenna gain, figure of merit and the system temperature.

Prepared by Krishna Deepth C.T., Asst Professor, ASIET. These notes are for easy reference only and students must use references books for in depth knowledge.

Advanced Communication Systems

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Page | 34

LNB or LNC (Low Noise Block or Low Noise Converter) LNB used for broadcast satellite reception. It is the device on the front of a satellite dish that receives the very low level microwave signal from the satellite. Then the signal is amplified and changes the signals to a lower frequency band and sends them down the cable to the indoor receiver. The LNBs purpose is to utilize the super heterodyne effect and amplify and convert a wide band of frequencies. This helps compensate the signal loss associated with typical coaxial cable at relatively high frequencies. The term low noise relates to the quality of the 1st stage input amplifier transistor, measured in either called Noise Temperature units, Noise Figure units, or Noise Factor units. The term Block refers to the conversion of a higher block of microwave frequencies (received from the satellite- typically in the range 4 GHz to 21 GHz) being down converted to a lower block range of frequencies for the receiver. The low-noise part also indicates that amplification and mixing takes place prior to cable attenuation in a circuit that requires no power supply or receiver. With the high frequencies that satellites operate at, it is critical that the noise is controlled prior to signal processing. An LNB helps keep the overall sound and picture of satellite TV from becoming greatly degraded, without the need for introducing a much larger dish reflector. They typically
Prepared by Krishna Deepth C.T., Asst Professor, ASIET. These notes are for easy reference only and students must use references books for in depth knowledge.

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contain an internal crystal oscillator (or 10 MHz reference from the indoor unit) and a PLL (PhaseLocked Loop) oscillator.

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The diagram shows the input waveguide on the left which is connected to the collecting feed or horn. As shown there is a vertical pin through the broad side of the waveguide that extracts the vertical polarization signals as an electrical current. The satellite signals first go through a band pass filter which only allows the intended band of microwave frequencies to pass through. The signals are then amplified by a Low Noise Amplifier and thence to the Mixer. At the Mixer all that has come through the band pass filter and amplifier stage is severely scrambled up by a powerful local oscillator signal to generate a wide range of distorted output signals. These include additions, subtractions and multiples of the wanted input signals and the local oscillator frequency. Amongst the mixer output products are the difference frequencies between the wanted input signal and the local oscillator frequencies. These are the ones of interest. The second band pass filter selects these and feeds them to the output L band amplifier and into the cable.

Filters Band Pass filter at the Intermediate Frequency amplifier defines the spectrum of the modulated carrier and limits the noise bandwidth. The characteristics of this filter depend on modulation characteristics of the concerned carrier. These filters are designed with the Transfer function of Chebyshev and Butterworth with Capacitors and Inductors. 17. INTELSAT Intelsat is worlds largest satellite communication provider which was formed in the year 1964 by International Telecommunications Satellite Organization. It owns and maintains a constellation of GEO Satellites providing international communication services. It provides mainly video, voice and data services to telecom, broadcast, government and other communications market. Initially it was inter government organization with 11 members. In the year 2001 it became a private company. Today it is the worlds largest provider of fixed satellite services with a fleet of more than 50 satellites. Till data 10 series of Intelsat satellites were launched. There is a significant upgrade in terms of capability and quality of service for each series. For example, Intelsat 1 and 2 series employed single isotropic antenna. Intelsat 3 has a despinning directional antenna which maintain intense beam on the surface of the earth. While in Intelsat 4 series the beam was shaped so that it does not cover oceanic areas.

Prepared by Krishna Deepth C.T., Asst Professor, ASIET. These notes are for easy reference only and students must use references books for in depth knowledge.

Advanced Communication Systems

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There were improvements in transponder capacity also. Intelsat 1 used one C band transponder. Intelsat 4 series used 12 C band transponders. In the case of Intelsat 5, it uses 4 Ku band & 21 C band transponders. Intelsat 10 series used 45 C band and 16 Ku band transponders. Based on the services offered, Intelsat 1 series had a capability of handling 240 telephone calls or a Page | 36 single TV channel. Intelsat 8 satellites can handle more than 120,000 telephone calls or 500 TV channels. In February 2007, Intelsat renamed 16 of its satellites formerly known as Intelsat Americas and PamAmsat to Galaxy and Intelsat Series respectively. All these satellite serves 4 regions including AOR (Atlantic Ocean Region) covering N America, Central America, South Asia, India, Africa and W Europe), IOR (Indian Ocean Region) covering E Europe, Africa, India, SE Asia, Japan and W Australia, APR (Asia Pacific Region) covering regions from Japan to Australia and POR (Pacific Ocean Region) covering Asia to Australia, the pacific and western regions of America and Canada. All these coverage regions overlap with each other and provide truly global services covering almost every country. INMARSAT Inmarsat is an international organization currently having 85 member countries that control satellite systems for global mobile communication service. It was established in year 1979 to serve maritime industry by providing satellite services for ship management, distress and safety applications. It provides maritime services to provide land, mobile and aeronautical communication services. It operates global satellite system that is used by independent service providers to offer a range of voice and multimedia communication services for customers on move and remote areas. It serves customers from diverse markets including merchant shipping, fisheries, airlines and jets. There are more than 125000 Inmarsat mobile terminals in use. The operation was first begun in 1982 by leasing capacity from Marisat, Marecs and Intelsat satellites. This formed the first generation of Inmarsat satellites. The second generation comprised of 4 satellites named Inmarsat 2F1, Inmarsat 2F2, Inmarsat 2F3 and Inmarsat 2F4. The third generation comprised of 5 satellites named Inmarsat 3F1, Inmarsat 3F2, Inmarsat 3F3, Inmarsat 3F4 and Inmarsat 3F5. The fourth generation comprised of 3 satellites named Inmarsat 4F1, Inmarsat 4F2 and Inmarsat 4F3. Inmarsat has made agreement with ESA (European Space Agency) for the development of Alphasat Satellite which complement fourth generation satellite. The Inmarsat comprises of the following segments. 1. Space segment: It consists of a constellation of 4 GEO satellites placed at one of the 4 oceanic regions to provide global coverage. Two satellites are placed over the Atlantic Ocean regions 1 in the East and 1 in the West. 1 Satellite is placed over the Indian Ocean region and 1 over the Pacific Ocean region. In many parts of the world the Inmarsat services are provided by 2 satellites. Each of these 4 satellites is backed up by spare operational satellites and so the services are not blocked due to the failure of the operational satellite.

Prepared by Krishna Deepth C.T., Asst Professor, ASIET. These notes are for easy reference only and students must use references books for in depth knowledge.

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1. Ground segment: It consists of large number of fixed ES called gateways and mobile Earth stations (MES). The gateways are referred to as land earth stations (LES) or coastal earth stations (CES) by maritime community. But the gateways are referred to as ground earth stations (GES) by aeronautical community. Gateways services interfaces to terrestrial public switched networks. The ground segment also comprises of an Inmarsh network control center (NCC) and 3 satellite control centers (SCC). NCC is located in UK which monitors and controls the complete networks of LES, MES and the satellites SCC responsible for physical management of Inmarsat.

2. Subscriber Units: It includes satellite phones, telex and data terminals.

Prepared by Krishna Deepth C.T., Asst Professor, ASIET. These notes are for easy reference only and students must use references books for in depth knowledge.

Advanced Communication Systems

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The satellite gateway links or the feeder links employ 6 GHz uplink and 4 GHz downlinks and the mobile links use 1.6 GHz uplink and 1.5 GHz downlinks. Different Inmarsat series satellite provides different services. INSAT Page | 38 INSAT (Indian National Satellite) is owned by department of space called ISRO. It is the largest domestic communication satellite network in the world providing services in the areas of telecommunication, TV broadcasting, mobile satellite services and metrology including disaster warning. The joint venture of Department of Space (DOS), Department of Telecommunications (DOT), Indian Metrological Department (IMD), All Indian Radio (AIR) and Doordharshan (DD) is the INSAT. Insat was launched in 1982 called Insat 1A which was followed by other Insat 1 series comprising of Insat 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D. It was then followed by Insat 2 and 3 series of satellites. They were superseded by the Insat 4 series.

Prepared by Krishna Deepth C.T., Asst Professor, ASIET. These notes are for easy reference only and students must use references books for in depth knowledge.