| Unit name | RF Subsystems and Satellite Communications |
|---|---|
| Unit code | EENGM5200 |
| Credit points | 10 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Warr |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering |
| Faculty | Faculty of Engineering |
RF Subsystems: This half-unit presents important concepts and techniques used in modern radio transceiver design. The topics covered include practical microwave frequency design considerations, signal mixing circuits and systems, oscillators and frequency synthesisers Satellite Communications: This half-unit gives an overview of regulations and elements that make up Satellite Communications Systems, with the main emphasis on the communications link and the factors that affect system performance. For the space segment of a satellite system, the course considers satellite orbits, the location of a satellite from the earth, and satellite control. Examples of different kinds of satellite are given, together with the functions of subsystems, such as power generation, attitude control, transponders and antennas. The ground segment includes examples of earth stations, their antenna configuration and tracking requirements. For the design of the communications link between the satellite and the earth station, the signal to noise performance of the system needs to be determined. This section of the course includes the influence of the atmosphere (for instance scintillation and absorption) and the antenna and receiver characteristics. The course finishes with a brief description of modulation techniques and multiple access schemes used with satellite systems.
Elements:
RF Subsystems Dr P.A. Warr
Fundamentals of radio frequency design; concepts of power measurement in dBm, characteristic impedance;
Grounding and shielding practice;
Printed circuit transmission lines, and self resonance within lumped elements;
Use and misuse of non-linear devices;
Equipment case study: theory and operation of a spectrum analyser;
Frequency translation; core mixing function and balanced techniques;
Image and filter issues, quadrature and image reject systems;
Oscillating circuits at radio frequency; oscillator theory and forms;
Electrical characteristics of crystals and their practical use in reference oscillator circuits;
The phase locked loop and its use in implementing a synthesised source.
Satellite Communications Dr G.S. Hilton
Basic principles;
satellite orbits and station-keeping;
system performance calculation and link budget;
atmospheric considerations;
G/T;
spacecraft technology and sub-systems;
reliability;
earth stations;
telemetry; tracking and control;
multiple access techniques and modulation;
examples of SCPC and MCPC systems;
channel allocation.
Project Phase
The project contains a research or investigative element which allows you to demonstrate individual talent and intellectual ability. It attempts to mirror a research and/or development project of the type you might encounter upon graduation and as such contains elements of project planning and budgetary control. The project report also provides an opportunity for you to demonstrate report structuring and writing skills.
Teaching takes place over two Semesters, the first lasting for weeks 1-12 and the second for weeks 13-24. Exams normally commence in week 25 and last for approximately three weeks. The remainder of the programme is then dedicated to full-time work on the research project.
Taught phase
The taught units and their associated assessments (including examinations) occur in the first 35 weeks and the research project runs full-time during the latter 15 weeks of the programme. The taught material is presented over 2 Semesters, each 12 weeks in duration; excluding the Christmas and Easter vacations of 8 weeks in total. Further, the examinations are held May/June each year over a 3 week period. During the second Semester you will commence the background reading phase of your research project. The taught material is arranged in units extending over a 12-week period (a Semester), typically with 2 lectures per week, each of 50 minutes duration.
The Laboratory
Laboratory activities are scheduled for two afternoons a week during the first two terms, although you may not have labs scheduled in all sessions. Predominantly, these will take place in the MSc Laboratory. Precise details of activities and a laboratory timetable will be provided separately by the Programme Tutor and will also be available online at: https://www.bris.ac.uk/eeng/intranet/pg/msc
Taught Phase
The assessment of this material is via a combination of continuous assessment (usually laboratory assignments) and formal examination.
Laboratory work
At various times throughout the year you will be asked to write about an aspect of your laboratory. Unless otherwise instructed, you will be asked to submit this either as a Technical Note (TN) or as a Full Report (FR). In either case the report should be written on an individual basis even if the lab was performed in groups.
A TN is briefer than an FR: you should refer to The Guidelines on Writing Technical Reports (Section 2.4) for more information on their structure and content.
As an approximate guide, we suggest that a TN should be 1000 words plus diagrams etc., whereas a FR should be 3000 words plus diagrams etc. Our time calculations are based on you spending (at most) 12 hours writing a TN and (at most) 24 hours writing a FR.
Where appropriate, your laboratory notebook will also be inspected from time to time by a member of staff or a demonstrator. Coursework or laboratory assessments will normally contribute 10-20% of the total unit assessment (see unit breakdown information on the MSc website for specific unit details): http://www.bris.ac.uk/eeng/intranet/units/programmes.html
Project phase assessment
Interim report assessment
The interim report will be independently assessed by both your supervisor and an assessor (these will be notified in advance). The assessment will be based on the following criteria:
Presentation and interview
Poster presentation
This will be performed by two members of staff who will undertake the assessment separately. They will first read through your poster and then ask you a number of questions relating to the work described. You will be given the opportunity to present any demonstrations you have prepared.
RF Subsystems
Background reading and a reference list will be handed out in lectures
Satellite Communications
Pratt, Bostian Alnutt, Satellite Communications, J. Wiley, 1986, 2nd edition, ISBN 0 471 429120 (TK 5104 PRA) Highly Recommended
