525.440 - Satellite Communications Systems Course Homepage
Instructor Information
Christopher Deboy
Work Phone: (443) 778-5237Course Information
Course Description
This course presents the fundamentals of satellite communications link design and provides an overview of practical considerations. Existing systems are described and analyzed, including direct broadcast satellites, VSAT links, and Earth-orbiting and deep space spacecraft. Topics include satellite orbits, link analysis, antenna and payload design, interference and propagation effects, modulation techniques, coding, multiple access, and Earth station design.
Prerequisites
525.416 Communication Systems Engineering.
Course Goal
To provide understanding of theoretical fundamentals and practical considerations of satellite communications systems, including commercial and government satellites. Topics include satellite orbits, link equations, system performance, communications payload, modulation techniques, on-board processing, earth stations, and propagation effects.
Course Objectives
To be able to construct or interpret a thorough satellite communications link analysis.
- To understand and be able to describe practical considerations in satellite communications link design.
When This Course is Typically Offered
Syllabus
Topics Covered
- Spacecraft Description
- Orbital Mechanics
- Link Design
- Antennas
- Modulation
- Multiplexing
- Coding Theory
- Propagation
- Interference
- Earth Stations
- VSATs
- Optical Communications
- System Examples
Student Assessment Criteria
| Homework | 33% |
| Midterm | 33% |
| Final | 34% |
Textbooks
Textbook information for this course is available online through the MBS Direct Virtual Bookstore.
Course Notes
There are no notes for this course.
Term Specific Course Website
(Last Modified: 08-31-2009 at 4:23:48 PM)