Unit information: RF Subsystems and Satellite Communications in 2014/15

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	E2, E3, E5
Co-requisites	None
School/department	Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering
Faculty	Faculty of Engineering

Description including Unit Aims

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.

Intended Learning Outcomes

RF Subsystems

The subject, when taken with RF and Microwave Techniques and Antennas and Electromagnetic Compatibility will give the student the core knowledge required to practice as a radio engineer. The student will gain knowledge of the frequency translation of signals and the continuous wave signal sources. By the end of the course, students will be familiar with radio frequency design considerations, frequency translation, CW signal sources and will have undertaken an RF equipment case study on the spectrum analyzer, which is considered the most useful tool of RF designers.

Satellite Communications

Having completed this module, the students should be aware of all the components that should be considered when designing for a satellite communication system. Their understanding should be such that they can apply their knowledge to the design of a satellite communications link for a specific application.

Teaching Information

Combination of lectures and laboratory sessions

Assessment Information

Terminal Exam 100% 2hrs

Reading and References

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