Satellite Network Design

In this unit students will acquire advanced theoretical knowledge, practical and critical analytical skills which can be applied to investigation and resolution of complex problem solving scenarios inherent in microwave and satellite communication systems. The unit material has been developed to enhance students' communication skills, individual and group project participation and other professional capabilities important to practice as an Engineer. This unit has been developed to cover principles of modern microwave systems planning and design. Students will study microwave propagation, Beam bending, K-factor and Fresnel zone clearance and are expected to critique and implement Free space loss calculation methodologies. In addition this unit is comprised of: Component characterisation, Microwave antennas, oscillators, amplifiers, mixers, filters and isolators. Modulation schemes for analogue and digital radio systems will be covered together with Multiplexing techniques, access techniques and system loading effects. This will lead into Microwave link planning and design techniques taking into account Noise budget calculations and Reliability calculations for uplink and downlink. In general, Satellite orbits, Elevation angles, Polarisation and frequency re-use techniques will be studied including System EIRP and figure of merit Effects of system non-linearity. Mastering these topics will enhance a student's employability with a service provider company or a private company that owns or deploys microwave and satellite communication systems.