Enrollment year
2018/2019
Academic discipline
ING-INF/01 (ELECTRONICS)
Department
DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL,COMPUTER AND BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
Course
ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING
Curriculum
Space Communication and Sensing
Period
1st semester (30/09/2019 - 20/01/2020)
Lesson hours
45 lesson hours
Activity type
WRITTEN AND ORAL TEST
Prerequisites
Electromagnetic theory, antennas, communication theory, and passion for space science.
Learning outcomes
The course provides the fundamental principles of satellite communications, with particular emphasis on the electromagnetic aspects and on the communication architectures. The student will learn how and why systems are designed and operate, consolidating a sound understanding required to work as a satellite professional. The course covers a broad spectrum of topics, reflecting the complexity of satellite communication systems, giving an optimised balance between long-lasting basics and cutting-edge fast-developing trends.
Course contents
The course is organized into a number of sections corresponding to the major areas of satellite communication systems.
Section I: orbits, satellite and probe types, ground station networks
launchers, LEO, MEO, HEO, GEO, polar orbits, probes, deep-space missions, impact on satellite communications
Section II: link budget
G/T, EIRP, noise temperature, dissipative medium, cascaded networks, antenna temperature, C/N, rain effects, link margin
Section III: ground segment – ground station building blocks
reflector antennas, feeds, LNAs, HPAs, OMTs, polarizers, mode-couplers, diplexers, cryogenic devices, frequency and time distribution, mechanics, HVAC, power supply, external facilities, tracking
Section IV: space segment – satellite architectures and communication payloads
attitude and orbit control, TT&C, power systems, thermal control, antennas, space environment and qualification, communication schemes and techniques, multi-beam architectures, broadcasting
Section V: major operational example, including GNSSs (Global Navigation Satellite Systems)
Teaching methods
The course is based on standard lectures, complemented by external seminars, when available
Reccomended or required readings
The course topics are partially or totally covered by several textbooks and advanced books. Among the others, the following books are suggested. The slides of the course will be also available
Timothy Pratt, Charles Bostian, and Jeremy Allnutt. Satellite Communications. John Wiley & Sons, 2nd edition, U.S.A., 2003. classic textbook, excellent coverage of basic and fundamental topics .
Bruce R. Elbert. Introduction to Satellite Communication. Artech House, 3rd edition, U.S.A., 2008. alternative textbook with some room for advanced topics.
Gérard Maral, and Michel Bousquet. Satellite Communications Systems – Systems, Techniques and Technology. John Wiley & Sons, 5th edition, 2009. advanced book with a very broad coverage of satellite communication topics.
Assessment methods
Oral examination. The student is invited to prepare a short presentation about a case study (e.g., a specific satellite, probe, or communication system). Alternatively, the student is invited to present in detail his/her favorite topic. In any case, the second part of the exam comprises some questions about the overall course.
Further information
Oral examination. The student is invited to prepare a short presentation about a case study (e.g., a specific satellite, probe, or communication system). Alternatively, the student is invited to present in detail his/her favorite topic. In any case, the second part of the exam comprises some questions about the overall course.
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