JEPPIAAR ENGINEERING COLLEGE

DEPARTMENT OF ECE
EC6004 - SATELLITE COMMUNICATION
QUESTION BANK
SEM/YEAR : VII/IV
OBJECTIVES:
 To understand the basics of satellite orbits.
 To understand the satellite segment and earth segment.
 To analyze the various methods of satellite access.
 To understand the applications of satellites.
 
UNIT: I       SATELLITE ORBITS (9)
 Kepler‟s Laws, Newton‟s law, orbital parameters, orbital perturbations, station
keeping, geo stationary and non Geo-stationary orbits – Look Angle
Determination- Limits of visibility –eclipse-Sub satellite point –Sun transit outage-
Launching Procedures – launch vehicles and propulsion.

UNIT: II    SPACE SEGMENT AND SATELLITE LINK DESIGN (9)

Spacecraft Technology- Structure, Primary power, Attitude and Orbit control,
Thermal control and Propulsion, communication Payload and supporting
subsystems, Telemetry, Tracking and command. Satellite uplink and downlink
Analysis and Design, link budget, E/N calculation- performance impairments-
system noise, inter modulation and interference, Propagation Characteristics and
Frequency considerations- System reliability and design lifetime.

UNIT: III   EARTH SEGMENT (9)

 Introduction – Receive – Only home TV systems – Outdoor unit – Indoor unit for
analog (FM) TV – Master antenna TV system – Community antenna TV system –
Transmit – Receive earth stations – Problems – Equivalent isotropic radiated
power – Transmission losses – Free-space transmission – Feeder losses – Antenna
misalignment losses – Fixed atmospheric and ionospheric losses – Link power
budget equation – System noise – Antenna noise – Amplifier noise temperature –
Amplifiers in cascade – Noise factor – Noise temperature of absorptive networks –
Overall system noise temperature – Carrier to- Noise ratio – Uplink – Saturation
flux density – Input back off – The earth station – HPA – Downlink – Output back
off – Satellite TWTA output – Effects of rain – Uplink rain– Fade margin –

1
Downlink rain – Fade margin – Combined uplink and downlink C/N ratio – Inter
modulation noise.

UNIT: IV   SATELLITE ACCESS (9)

Modulation and Multiplexing: Voice, Data, Video, Analog – digital transmission
system, Digital video Brodcast, multiple access: FDMA, TDMA, CDMA,
Assignment Methods, Spread Spectrum communication, compression –
encryption.

UNIT: V    SATELLITE APPLICATIONS (9)

 INTELSAT Series, INSAT, VSAT, Mobile satellite services: GSM, GPS,
INMARSAT, LEO, MEO, Satellite Navigational System. Direct Broadcast
satellites (DBS)- Direct to home Broadcast (DTH), Digital audio broadcast (DAB)-
Worldspace services, Business TV(BTV), GRAMSAT, Specialized services – E –
mail, Video conferencing, Internet.
TOTAL: 45 PERIODS
 OUTCOMES: Upon Completion of the course, the students will be able to:
 Analyze the satellite orbits.
 Analyze the earth segment and space segment.
 Design various satellite applications
 
TEXT BOOK:
 1. Dennis Roddy, “Satellite Communication”, 4th Edition, Mc Graw Hill
International, 2006. 
REFERENCES:
1. Wilbur L.Pritchard, Hendri G. Suyderhoud, Robert A. Nelson, “Satellite
Communication Systems Engineering”, Prentice Hall/Pearson, 2007.
2. N.Agarwal, “Design of Geosynchronous Space Craft”, Prentice Hall, 1986.
3. Bruce R. Elbert, “The Satellite Communication Applications”, Hand Book,
Artech House Bostan London, 1997.
4. Tri T. Ha, “Digital Satellite Communication”, II nd edition, 1990.
5. Emanuel Fthenakis, “Manual of Satellite Communications”, Mc Graw Hill Book
Co., 1984.
6. Robert G. Winch, “Telecommunication Trans Mission Systems”, Mc Graw-Hill
Book Co., 1983.
7. Brian Ackroyd, “World Satellite Communication and earth station Design”, BSP
professional Books, 1990.
8. G.B.Bleazard, “Introducing Satellite communications“, NCC Publication, 1985.
UNIT I- SATELLITE ORBITS
PART A (2 Mark Questions)
2
1. What are the different applications of satellite systems?
*Largest International System (Intel sat)
*Domestic sat system in united states (Dom sat)
*U.S National Oceanography Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

2. Mention the different services of satellite systems.

*Fixed satellite services
*Broadcasting satellite services
*Mobile satellite services
*Navigational satellite services
*Meteorological satellite services.

3. Define Polar-orbiting Satellites.

Polar orbiting Satellites orbit the earth in such a way as to cover the north & south polar
regions.

4. State kepler s first law. (Dec 2016)

It states that the path followed by the satellite around the primary will be an ellipse. An
ellipse has two focal points F1 &F2.The center of mass of the two body system, termed the
barycenter is always centered on one of the foci.

5. StateKepler s second law.

It states that for equal time intervals,the satellite will sweep out equal areas in its orbital
plane,focused at the barycenter.

6. State kepler s third law. (Dec 2016)

It states that the square of the periodic time of orbit is perpendicular to the cube of
the mean distance between the two bodies.

7. Define apogee & perigee.

*The point farthest from the earth is known as apogee.
*The point closest from the earth is known as perigee.

8. What is line of apsides?

The line joining the perigee & apogee through the center of the earth.

9. Define ascending & descending node.

The point where the orbit crosses the equatorial plane going from South North.
10. Define inclination.
The angle between the orbital plane & the earth s equatorial plane. It is measured at the
ascending node from the equator to the orbit going from east to north.
3
11. Define mean anomaly & true anomaly .
Mean anomaly: It gives an average value of the angular position of the satellite with reference
to the perigee.
True anomaly: It is the angle from perigee to the satellite position, measured at the earth s
center.

12. Mention the apogee &perigee height.

Ra = a (1+e)
Rp = a (1+e)
Ha = ra-Rp
Hp =rp-Rp

13. Define Universal time.

It is the time used for all civil time keeping purposes & it is the time reference
which is broadcast by the national bureau of standards as a standard for setting clocks.

14. Mention the julian dates.

JD = JD010 + day number + Utday

15. What is sideral time?

Sideral time is time measured relative to the fixed stars. It will be seen that one complete
rotation sideral time relative to the sun .This is because the earth moves in its orbit around the
sun.

16. Define Sideral day.

It is defined as one complete rotation of the earth relative to the fixed stars. It is measured as
23h56m04s mean solar time.

17. Define Greenwich hour angle (GHA).

The angular distance from the I axis to the Greenwich meridian is measured directly as
Greenwich sideral time ,also known as the Greenwich hour angle.

18. Write the formula for GST.

GST = 99.6910+ 36000.7689Xt +0.0004Xt +2+UT deg

19. Define geocentric latitude.

20. What are the differences between the geodetic & geocentric latitudes?
The latitudes reaches a maximum at a geocentric latitude of 45deg, when the geodetic
latitude is 45.192deg.
21. What is satellite?
4
 An artificial body that is projected from earth to orbit either earth (or) another body of
solar systems.
Types: Information satellites and Communication Satellites
22. Define Satellite Communication.
It is defined as the use of orbiting satellites to receive, amplify and retransmit data to
earth stations.
23. What are the geostationary satellites?
The satellites present in the geostationary orbit are called geostationary satellite. The
geostationary orbit is one in which the satellite appears stationary relative to the earth. It
lies in equatorial plane and inclination is ‘0’. The satellite must orbit the earth in the same
direction as the earth spin. The orbit is circular.

24. What is sun transit outage.

The sun transit is nothing but the sun comes within the beam width of the earth station
antenna. During this period the sun behaves like an extremely noisy source and it blanks
out all the signal from the satellite. This effect is termed as sun transit outage.

25. Define look angles.

The azimuth and elevation angles of the ground station antenna are termed as look
angles.
26. Write short notes on station keeping.
It is the process of maintenance of satellite’s attitude against different factors that can
cause drift with time. Satellites need to have their orbits adjusted from time to time, because
the satellite is initially placed in the correct orbit, natural forces induce a progressive drift.

27. Given the geoststionary orbital radius r the earth radius R and speed or light c
how will you compute the time taken for a signal to pass from earth to the
satellite and back again?

28. Enlist the traditinal orbital keplerian elemants?

5
29. Write the advantages and disadvantages of Satellite Communication.

Advantages:
  • Wide Area of Coverage.
• Point to Multipoint Links whereas many terrestrial links are point to
point.
• Mobile Communication can be established.
• Economical when long distance is involved.
• For Geo Stationary Satellite Doppler shift is negligible.

Disadvantages:
  • Propagation delay is very high.
• Impedance mismatch + Propagation delay produces echo in telephone
systems.
• Echo Suppressors or Echo chancellors are to be added so that complexity
Increases.
• Propagation Delay reduces the efficiency of the data transmission over
satellite communication

30. What do you understand by Hohmann Transfer?

   While launching satellites in orbits greater than 200 km it is not economical in

terms of launch power to perform direct injection, and satellite must be placed into
transfer orbit between the initial low earth orbit and the final high altitude orbit. In most
of the cases, the transfer orbit is selected to minimize the energy required for transfer and
such and orbit is known as Hohmann Transfer Orbit.

6
 31. What is limit of visibility? (Dec 2016)
There will be east and west limits on the geostationary arc visible from any given earth
station. The limits will be set by the geographic coordinates of the earth station and the
antenna elevation.

PART-B

1. i)Explain the orbital plane. Draw it neat sketch

Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 16-17
ii) Explain how keplers law and newton’s law used to describe an orbit
Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 21-23

2. Explain the Orbital perturbations.

Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 30-35

3. i) Explain the geocentric equatorial &top centric co-ordinate system.

Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 46,53
ii) Explain the sub satellite point
Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 57

4.i)A satellite is orbiting the equatorial plane with a period from perigee to perigee of 10 h.
given that the eccentricity is 0.002 and the earth’s equatorial radius is 6378.1414 km how
will you calculate the major axis?
Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 62
(ii) Summarize how you will determine the look angles for the geo-stationary orbit? What
are known as sun-synchronous orbits.
Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 68,60

5. Give a detailed note on launching Vehicles and the procedures employed for launching
spacecraft in GEO orbits
Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 83

7. i)Determine the limits of visibility for an earth station situated at mean sea level, at latitude
48.42° north, and longitude 89.26 degrees west. Assume a minimum angle of elevation of
5°
Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 77,86
ii) Discuss about launching procedure.
Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 83

8. (a) (i) Illustrate the orbital parameters used for positioning a satellite. (8) (Dec 2016)

Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication” 4th Edition, McGraw Hill International, 2006.
Pg: 29-37
9 (ii) Estimate the suitable equations for look angles and the range for geostationary satellite. (8)
(Dec 2016)

Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication” 4th Edition, McGraw Hill International, 2006.
Pg: 78

7
 10. (a) (i)Categorize the frequency allocations and draw the frequency spectrum for satellite services.
(12) (Dec 2016)

Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication” 4th Edition, McGraw Hill International, 2006.
Pg: 2

UNIT-II SPACE SEGMENT AND SATELLITE LINK DESIGN

PART-A

1. What is meant by azimuth angle?

It is defined as the angle produced by intersection of local horizontal plane & the plane
passing through the earth station ,the satellite & center of earth.

2. What are the conditions of location of the earth station & sub satellite point of the Azimuth
angle?

3. Write short notes on attitude control system.

It is the system that achieves & maintains the required attitudes. The main functions
of attitude control system include maintaining accurate satellite position throughout the life
span of the system.

4. What is an polar antenna?

A single actuator is used which moves the antenna in a circular arc ie known as polar mount
antenna.

5. What is declination?
The angle of tilt is often referred to as the declination which must not be confused with the
magnetic declination used in correcting compass readings.

6. Define the terms in Eclipse.

During equinox periods, the earth the sun & the satellite are in alignment with the result
that earth s shadow eclipses the satellite & the sunlight fails to reach the satellite solar cells.
The eclipse effect is noticeable for periods of about four weeks & the maximum daily eclipse
duration is about 1.20hours.

7. What is meant by payload?

8
 The payload refers to the equipment used to provide the service for which the satellite has
been launched.
8. What is meant by transponder?
In a communication satellite, the equipment which provides the connecting link between the
satellite s transmit& receive antennas is referred to as the transponder.

9. Write short notes on station keeping.

It is the process of maintenance of satellite s attitude against different factors that can cause
drift with time. Satellites need to have their orbits adjusted from time to time because the
satellite initially placed in the correct orbit, natural forces induce a progressive drift.

10. What is mean by Pitch angle?

Movement of a spacecraft about an axis which is perpendicular to its longitudinal axis. It is
the deg of elevation or depression.

11. What is an propellant?

A solid or liquid substance burnt in a rocket for the purpose of producing thrust.

12. What is an Yaw?

Yaw is the rotation of a vehicle about its vertical axis.

13. What is an Zero g ?

Zero g is a state when the gravitational attraction is opposed by equal & opposite inertial
forces & the body experiences no mechanical stress.

14. Describe the spin stabilized satellites.

In a, spin stabilized satellites, the body of the satellite spins at about 30 to 100rpm about the
axis perpendicular to the orbital plane. The satellites are normally dual spin satellites with a
spinning section & a despun section on which antennas are mounted. These are kept
stationary w.r.to earth by counter rotating the despunsection

15. What is meant by frequency reuse?

The carrier with opposite senses of polarization may overlap in frequency this technique is
known as frequency reuse.

16. What is meant by spot beam antenna?

A beam generated by a communication satellite antenna of sufficient size that the angular
spread of sufficient size that the angular spread of the energy in the beam is very small with the
result that a region that is only a few hundred km in diameter is illuminated on earth.

17. What is an TWTA?

The TWTAS are widely used in transponder to provide the final output power required to the
transtube & its power supplies.

18. What is meant by Intermodulation distortion?

The AM/PM conversion is then a complicated function of carrier amplitudes, but in addition,
9
 the nonlinear transfer characteristic introduces a more serious form of distortion known as
intermodulation distortion.

19. Define input back off.

In order to reduce the intermodulation distortion, the operating point of the TWT
must be shifted closer to the linear portion of the curve, the reduction in input power being
referred to as i/p back off.

20. Define diplexer.

The transmit & receives signals are separated in a device known as diplexer.

21. Why is Uplink frequency greater than the downlink frequency?

The gain of an Antenna is α operating frequency.  
3  α 1/Beam Width.
If the high band were used for downlink any given antenna would have a narrower BW
thereby increasing the problems of maintaining antenna alignment as the satellite drifts around in
space about its mean position to overcome this a high cost servo control Steering System would
be required. By using the high band for uplink the extra gain can be usefully employed to make
up for the extra path length attenuation. As the losses increase with frequency with this
arrangement the overall system signal to noise ratio can be better managed. The large dish
ground transmitting station will require a servo controlled Tracking system. So there is no added
cost in this case

22. What are the methods used for attitude control?

   The methods for attitude control are
Active attitude control:  Momentum Wheels, Electromagnetic coils, mass explosion devices.
Passive attitude control: Spin Stabilization and gravity gradient stabilization.

23. What ate the functions of Telemetry, Tracking and Command Subsystem?
   The functions of Telemetry, Tracking and Command functions are complex operations
which require special ground facilities in addition to the TT&C sub system aboard the satellite.

24. What are the types of redundancy connections used in Spacecraft?

   Different types of redundancy connections used in Spacecraft are
• Series Connections.
• Parallel Connections.
• Series/Parallel Connections.
• Switched Connection.

25. How the Capacity of a Satellite Communication System can be increased?

Capacity of Satellite Communication System can be increased by employing frequency
reuse technique etc.

26. What is meant by thermal control and why this is necessary in a satellite?
Equipment in the satellite generates heat which has to be removed. The element used in
the satellite to control thermal heat is called thermal conrol. The most important
consideration is that the satellite’s equipment should operate as nearly as possible in a
stable temperature environment

10
27. What is meant by redundant receiver?
A duplicate receiver is provided so that if one fails, the other is automatically
switched in. The combination is referred to as a redundant receiver, meaning that
although two are provided, only one is in use at a given time.

28. List out the advantages of TWT.

The advantage of the TWT over other types of tube amplifiers is that it can
provide amplification over a very wide bandwidth. Input levels to the TWT must be
carefully controlled, however, to minimize the effects of certain forms of distortion

29. Define orthocoupler.

The polarization separation takes place in a device known as an orthocoupler, or
orthogonal mode transducer (OMT). Separate horns also may be used for the transmit and
receive functions, with both horns using the same reflector.

30. Examine why noise temperature is a useful concept in communication receivers?

(Dec 2016)
The noise figure can also be seen as the decrease in signal to noise ratio (SNR) caused by
passing a signal through a system if the original signal had a noise temperature of 290 K. This
is a common way of expressing the noise contributed by a radio frequency amplifier
regardless of the amplifier's gain.

31. Formulate uplink and downlink equation of a satellite access. (Dec 2016)
The gain of an Antenna is α operating frequency.  
3  α 1/Beam Width.
If the high band were used for downlink any given antenna would have a narrower BW
thereby increasing the problems of maintaining antenna alignment as the satellite drifts around in
space about its mean position to overcome this a high cost servo control Steering System would
be required. By using the high band for uplink the extra gain can be usefully employed to make
up for the extra path length attenuation. As the losses increase with frequency with this
arrangement the overall system signal to noise ratio can be better managed. The large dish
ground transmitting station will require a servo controlled Tracking system. So there is no added
cost in this case

PART-B
1.(i) Discuss in detail about attitude control of a satellite. [8]
Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 170-174
(ii) What is the chief advantage of the TWTA used aboard satellites compared to other
types of high power amplifiers? What are the main disadvantages of TWTA? [4]
Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 326-329
(iii) What is thermal control? Why is it required? [4]
Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 179

2. How do the TT and C Subsystem perform aboard the spacecraft? Also explain the
working of a transponder unit ?
11
 Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 180-186

3. How is the performance of a satellite impaired due to external factors? Also suggest
suitable methods to overcome the same.
Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 183

4.i)Explain TT&C in detail

Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 180
ii)Derive the downlink C/N ratio for the satellite
Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 320

5. i)Explain how intermodulation noise originates in a satellite link and describe how it
is reduced
Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 312-319
ii) Derive the link-power budget equation
Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 311
6.List and explain the factors governing the design of satellite links
Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 322-329
7. (a) (i) Justify the reasons behind why the transponders are connected in the communication channel
with a neat diagrams. (4) (Dec 2016)
Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication” 4th Edition, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg:
213

8. (ii) Analyze the wideband receiver and input de-multiplexer with appropriate diagrams. (12) (Dec
2016)
Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication” 4th Edition, McGraw Hill International, 2006.
Pg: 215 - 218

9. (b) Examine how the attitude and orbit control system (AOCS) is achieved through spin
stabilization systems? Give necessary diagrams (16) (Dec 2016)
Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication” 4th Edition, McGraw Hill International, 2006.
Pg: 204 - 206

UNIT-III EARTH SEGMENT

1. Define earth segment.

Earth segment of a satellite communication system consists of transmit earth station and
receive earth station.
Example : TV Receive Only systems (TVRO systems)

2. What is mean by ODU and IDU.

ODU – The Home Receiver Outdoor Unit
IDU – The Home Receiver Indoor Unit
12
3. Explain about MATV system. (Dec 2016)
MATV – Master Antenna TV system.
It is used to provide reception of DBS TV channels to the user group. Example :
Apartment users It consists of one outdoor unit and various indoor units. Each user can
independently access all the channels.

4. Write about CATV system.

CATV – Community Antenna TV system.
As in MATV system, it consists of one out door unit and separate feeds for each sense of
polarization.

5. Define S/N ratio.

The S/N introduced in the preceding section is used to refer to the ratio of signal power
to noise power at the receiver output. This is known as S/N ratio.

6. What is noise weighting?

The method used to improve the post detection signal to noise ratio is referred to as noise
weighting.

7. What is an EIRP?
EIRP means Equivalent Isotropic Radiated Power. It is a measure of radiated or
transmitted power of an antenna.

8. What is noise power spectral density?

Noise power per unit Bandwidth is termed as the noise power spectral density.

9. What is an inter modulation noise?

Inter modulation distortion in high power amplifier can result in signal product which
appear as noise and it is referred to as inter modulation noise.

10. What is an antenna loss?

It is added to noise received as radiation and the total antenna noise temperature is the
sum of the equivalent noise temperature of all these sources.

11. Define noise factor.

An alternative way of representing amplifier noise is by means of its noise factor. In
defining the noise factor of an amplifiers, usually taken as 290 k.

13
 12. A satellite downlink at 12GHz operates with a transmit power of 6 W and an antenna gain of 48.2
dB. Calculate the EIRP in dbw. (Dec 2016)

EIRP means Equivalent Isotropic Radiated Power. It is a measure of radiated or

transmitted power of an antenna.
EIRP = 10 log 6 + 48.2 = 56 dBW

13. The range between a ground station and a satellite is 42000 km. Calculate the free space loss
a frequency of 6 GHz.
[Free space loss] = 32.4 + 20 log 42000 + 20 log 6000 = 200.4 dB 15.

14. Define Saturation flux density.

The flux density required at the receiving antenna to produce saturation of TWTA is
termed the saturation flux density.

15. What are the types of Antennas used in Earth Stations?

Different types of Antennas used in Earth Stations are
1. Paraboloid Antenna with a focal point feed.
2. Cassegrain Antenna.

16. What are the requirements of an Earth Station antenna?

The requirements of Earth Station Antenna are
• High Directive Gain.
• Low Noise Temperature.
• Easily Steerable

17. What are the functions of Monitoring and Control Unit?

The Monitoring and control system must have the capability to collect status data for
classification. Convey status data to network operator. Interpret fault isolations. Switch over
redundant equipment on command. Convey control data to the baseband equipment for traffic
assignment, antenna pointing, and so forth maintain surveillance of equipment shelter facilities.

18. What is the need for demodulation and remodulation in TVRO?

A major difference between DBS TV and conventional TV is that with DBS Frequency
Modulation is used where as in conventional TV amplitude modulation in the form of Vestigial
Side band is used. Hence the received FM wave is demodulated and remodulated in amplitude.

19. What is DSI?

The DSI gain is the ratio of the number of terrestrial channels to number of satellite
14
 channels. It depends on the number of satellite channels provided as well the design
objectives stated above.

20. What is the advantage of SPEC method over DSI method?

The SPEC method over DSI method is that freeze-out does not occur during overload
conditions.

21. What is ratio of bit rate IF bandwidth?

m is the roll of factor m=1 for BPSK

M=2 for QPSK.

22. What are the demerits of conventional approach method?

*Excessive size, weight
*Power consumption.

23. What is known as polarization interleaving with reference to the down link frequency?
The downlink frequency band of 12.2 to 12.7 GHz spans a range of 500 MHz,
which accommodates 32 TV/FM channels, each of which is 24-MHz wide. Obviously some
overlap occurs between channels, but these are alternately polarized left-hand circular and
right hand circular or vertical/horizontal to reduce interference to acceptable levels. This is
referred to as polarization interleaving. A polarizer that may be switched to the desired
polarization from the indoor control unit is required at the receiving horn.

24. Define Y-factor.

Y-factor is the ratio of output noise measured when the receiver is connected to a
hot noise to the output noise measured when connected to the cold source (Tc)
The receiver excess noise Te is related to the Y-factor by
Tw=(Tb-YTc)/(Y-1)

25. What are the basic requirements of an earth station antenna?

The basic requirements of an earth station antenna are listed below
 The antenna must have a low noise temperature. The ohmic losses of antenna must
also be maximum.
 The antenna must be rotated or steered easily so that a tracking
system can be employed to point the antenna beam accurately
 The antenna radiation must have a low side lobe level to reduce
interference from unwanted signals and also to minimize
interference into other satellites and terrestrial systems.
 The antenna must have a high directive gain

26. Write short notes on TVRO.

The TVRO is a Receive Only Home TV systems. TVRO transmission takes place
in Ku- band. Single mesh type reflector may be used which focuses the signal into a
15
 single feed horn, which has 2 separate outputs, one for c-band signals and other for ku-
band signals.

27. A transponder require a saturation flux density of -110 d Bw/m 2, operating frequency of
14 GHz. Total loss =200dB Find [EIRP].

Solution:

Here, [Ψs]=-110dB

F=14GHz

[L]=200dB
[A]=-(21 45+20logf)=-44.37

[EIRP] =[ Ψs]+[A]+[L]
[EIRP]=-110-44.37+200

[EIRP]=45.63 dB.

28. What is a tracking?

The tracking is an important operation of the earth station. The efficiency of earth
station depends as to how efficiently it points the antenna beam to the satellite both in the
transmit and receive mode.

29. Write short notes on step by step technique.

The step by step technique is the most popular technique used for tracking. In this
technique maximum reception of the received signal is needed and it is performed by
moving and checking the beam continuously. This tracking gives a systematic pointing
of the order of 0.20 3db

30. What is polarization interleaving?

Overlap occurs between channels, but these are alternatively polarized left hand
circular and right hand circular to reduce interference to acceptable levels. This is
referred to as polarization interleaving.
31. Why antenna tracking system necessary?
Tracking is essential when the satellite drift, as seen by an earth station antenna is a
significant fraction of an earth station’s antenna beam width.

An earth station’s tracking system is required to perform some of the functions such as

i) Satellite acquisition
16
 ii) Automatic tracking
iii) Manual tracking
iv) Program tracking.

32. What is DBS service?

Planned broadcasting directly to home TV receivers takes place in the Ku (12-GHz)
band. This service is known as direct broadcast satellite (DBS) service.

PART-B

1. i)Explain the EIRP& Transmission losses.

Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 370,383,
ii)Describe how the gain of large antennas can be optimized.
Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 351

2. Explain the carrier to noise ratio of uplink & downlink frequency.

Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 320

3. i) Draw the block diagram and explain the TVRO system

Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 209-212
ii) Explain in detail the test equipment measurement on G/T, C/No.
Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 335

4. i) Explain earth station transmitter and receiver with necessary block diagram
Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 214
ii) Explain CATV in detail with a neat diagram
Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 213

5. Describe and compare the MATV and the CATV systems

Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 212-213

6. i) Explain any one test equipment for Earth stations.

Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 219
ii) Draw the basic block of earth segment and explain.
Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 218

7. Show how MATV is used to provide reception of DDS to a small group of users.when
this group is large what type of antenna should be used ?Explain?
Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 212

8. (a) (i) Point out the calculation of link power budget equation. (4) (Dec 2016)

Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 311
(ii) List the various types of system noise. Explain it in detail. (12) (Dec 2016)
Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication” 4th Edition, McGraw Hill International, 2006.
17
 Pg: 357
(Or)

(b) (i) Derive the expression of output back-off, satellite TWTA output for the downlink
communication. (8) (Dec 2016)
Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication” 4th Edition, McGraw Hill International, 2006.
Pg: 371 - 374

(ii) Calculate the carrier-to-noise-ratio for the combined uplink and downlink communication. (8)
(Dec 2016)
Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication” 4th Edition, McGraw Hill International, 2006.
Pg: 380

UNIT-IV SATELLITE ACCESS

PART-A

1. What is an OMT?
The polarization separation takes place in a device known as an orthocoupler or orthogonal
mode transducer.

2. What is an polarization interleaving?

Overlap occurs between channels, but these are alternating polarized left hand
circular & right-hand circular to reduce interference to acceptable levels. This is referred to as
polarization interleaving.

3. What is an SCPC?
In a thin route circuit, a transponder channel(36mhz) may be occupied by a no. of single
carriers, each associated with its own voice circuit.

4. Define S/N ratio.

The S/N introduced in the preceding section is used to refer to the ratio of signal power to
noise power at the receiver output. This ratio is sometimes referred to as the post Detector.
18
5. What is noise weighting?
Improve the post detection signal to noise ratio is referred to as noise weighting.

6. What is an EIRP?
It is a measure of radiated or transmitted power of an antenna. It can be completed from
the antenna gain & the power fed to the antenna input.

7. Write the equations of losses for clear sky conditions. Losses=(FSL)+(RFL)+(AML)+(AA)+

(PL)

8. What is an noise power spectral density?

Noise power per unit BW is termed the NPS density. N0 = PN/BN=KTN joules

9. What is an Intermodulation noise?

Intermodulation distortion in high power amplifier can result in signal products which
appear as noise & in fact is referred to as Intermodulation noise.

10. What are the types of antenna losses?

*sky noise
*Antenna losses

11. What is an antenna losses?

It is add to noise received as radiation & the total antenna noise temperature is in the sum
of the equivalent noise temperature of all these sources.

12. Define sky noise.

It is a term used to describe the microwave radiation which is present throughout
universe & which appears to originate from matter in any form ,at finite temperature.

13. Define noise factor.

An alternative way of representing amplifier noise is by means of its noise factor. In
defining the NF of an amplifier, denoted by two usually taken as 290k N0, out = FGKT0

14 What is an Absorptive n/w?

It is one which contains resistive elements. These introduce losses by absorbing energy
from the signal& converting it to heat. Resistive attenuators, transmission lines & waveguides
are all examples of absorptive networks.

15. Write the equation of system noise factor.

TS =Tant+ Te1+(L-1)T0/G1+L(F-1)T0/G1

16. Define saturation flux density.

The flux density required at the receiving antenna to produce saturation of
TWTA is termed the saturation flux density.

19
17. A satellite downlink at 12GHZ operates with a transmit power of 6w & an antenna gain of
48.2db.Calculate the EIRP in Db.
EIRP = 10log6+48.2 =56Dbw.

18. Calculate the gain of a 3m parabolidal antenna operating at a frequency of 12GHZ.Assume

an aperture efficiency of 0.5.
G=10log78168 =48.9Db

19. The range between a ground station & a satellite is 42000km. Calculate the free space loss a
frequency of 6GHZ.
(FSL)=32.4+20log42000+20log6000 =200.4Db.

20. An antenna has a noise temperature of 35k & its matched into a receiver which has a noise
temp of 100k. Calculate the noise power density & the noise power for a BW of 36MHZ.
N0=(35+100)X1.38X10-23 =1.86X10-21J
PN = 1.86X10-21JX36X106 =0.067PW

21. What is an TDMA? What are the advantages?

TDMA – Time Division Multiple Access Techniques
Only one carrier uses the transponder at any one time, and therefore Inter modulation products,
which results from the non -linear amplification of multiple carriers are absent.
Advantages: The transponder traveling wave tube can be operated at maximum power output.

22. What is burst code word and burst position acquisition?

Burst code word: It is a binary word, a copy of which is stored at each earth station.
Burst position acquisition: A station just entering, or reentering after a long delay to acquire its
correct slot position is known as burst position acquisition.

23. What is an single access and multiple access technique?

Single access technique: A transponder channel aboard a satellite may be fully loaded by a
single transmission from earth station is called single access technique.
Multiple access technique: A transponder to be loaded by a number of carriers. These may
originate from a number of earth station may transmit one or more of the carriers. This mode of
operation known as multiple access technique.

24. What is VSAT? Write its Applications and Advantages.

VSAT stands for Very Small Aperture Terminal.
Applications:
• Data Broadcasting Service.
• 2 way data Service.
Advantages:
1. VSAT find advantage over terrestrial packet networks due to simpler flow and
20
 congestion control.

25. Distinguish between Demand assigned and Pre assigned Multiple Access.

26. What is meant by space division multiple access?

The satellite as a whole to be accessed by earth stations widely separated
geographically but transmitting on the same frequency that is known as frequency reuse. This
method of access known as space division multiple access.

27. What are the limitations of FDMA-satellite access?

a. If the traffic in the downlink is much heavier than that in the uplink, then FDMA
is relatively inefficient.
b. Compared with TDMA, FDMA has less flexibility in reassigning channels.
b. Carrier frequency assignments are hardware controlled.

28. What is the Concept of SS-TDMA?

The spread spectrum is one in which the transmitted signal is spread over a wide band of
frequency much wider than minimum band width required to transmit the information being
sent. The spreading is accomplished by means of a spreading signal called as code signal which
is independent of data.

29. What is meant by digital speech interpolation?

The point is that for a significant fraction of the time, the channel is available for other
transmission and advantages are taken of this in a form of demand assignment known as digital
speech interpolation.

. 30. What is meant by direct closed loop feedback and feedback closed loop control?
Direct closed loop feedback: The timing positions are reckoned from the last bit of the
unique word in the preamble. The loop method is also known as direct closed loop feedback.
Feedback closed loop control: The synchronization information is transmitted back to
an earth station from a distant that is termed feedback closed loop control.

21
31. Point out the pre-assigned TDMA satellite access. (Dec 2016)
These are allocated on fixed or partially fixed basis to certain users. It is simple to
implement but efficient only for circuits only with continous traffic.
32. How does the spread spectrum system differ from conventional communication system?
(Dec 2016)
In Spread Spectrum communication, the bandwidth occupancy of a single transmitted
signal is much higher than in systems using conventional modulation methods. This
band-spreading is achieved by selecting appropriate transmission waveforms with a wide
bandwidth
PART-B

1. i) Describe the ways in which demand assignment may be carried out in FDMA
Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 375
ii) What is known as pre-assigned traffic?
Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 395

2. i) Calculate the probability of false detection when N=10 and d=4

Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 483
ii) For digital video broadcasting what type of multiple access is best suited. Justify
your answer.
Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 465

3. i)Explain FDMA in detail and also enumerate the interference in FDMA

Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 370-379
ii) Explain direct sequence spread spectrum communication in detail.
Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 420

4. i)What is meant by back off and why it is necessary in multiple access systems.
Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 380-382
ii) Explain digital video broadcasting in detail.
Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 465

5. i) Explain what is meant by FDMA and show how this differs from FDM
Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 370-379
ii) Briefly describe the ways in which demand assignment may be carried out in FDMA
network.
Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 375

6. Explain the principle behind spectrum spreading and dispreading and how this is used
to minimize interference in a CDMA system.
Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 427

7. Briefly discuss about analog voice transmission

22
 Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 488

8. Compare the silent features of FDMA, TDMA, CDMA

Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 370,383,
417

9. (a) (i) Express FDMA in detail and also enumerate the interference in FDMA. (8) (Dec 2016)

Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication” 4th Edition, McGraw Hill International, 2006.
Pg: 425
(ii) Explain direct sequence spread spectrum communication in detail. (8) (Dec 2016)

Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication” 4th Edition, McGraw Hill International, 2006.
Pg: 473
10. (a) (i) Identify the band limited and power limited TWT amplifier operation. (10) (Dec 2016)

Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication” 4th Edition, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg:
432
(ii) Explain the operation of digital TASI in TDMA operation. (6) (Dec 2016)

Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication” 4th Edition, McGraw Hill International, 2006.
Pg: 436

UNIT-V SATELLITE APPICATIONS

PART- A

1. Give the 3 different types of applications with respect to satellite systems.

• The largest international system (Intelsat)
• The domestic satellite system (Dom sat) in U.S.
• U.S. National oceanographic and atmospheric administrations (NOAA)

2. Mention the 3 regions to allocate the frequency for satellite services.

a. Region1: It covers Europe, Africa and Mangolia
b. Region2: It covers North & South Ameriaca and Greenland.
c. Region3: It covers Asia, Australia and South West Pacific.

3. Give the types of satellite services.

a. Fixed satellite service
b. Broadcasting satellite service
c. Mobile satellite service
d. Navigational satellite services
e. Meteorological satellite services

4. What is mean by Dom sat?

Domestic Satellites. These are used for voice, data and video transmissions within the
country.

23
5. What is mean by INTELSAT?
. INTELSAT stands for International Telecommunication Satellite. In April 6, 1965 first
INTELSAT was launched. It is nicknamed as EarlyBird. Initially 11 members are made in
present; there are more than 155 members and 700 earth station. INTELSAT-6 uses
microprocessor with switching process. These are used for whether, DTH, telex etc.,

6. What are the applications of Radarsat?

a. Shipping and fisheries.
b. Ocean feature mapping
c. Iceberg detection
d. Crop monitoring

7. What is ECEF?
The geocentric equatorial coordinate system is used with the GPS system. It is called as
earth centered, earth fixed coordinate system.

8. What is dilution of precision?

Position calculations involve range differences and where the ranges are nearly equal,
any error is greatly magnified in the difference. This effect, brought a result of the satellite
geometry is known as dilution of precision.

9. What is PDOP?
With the GPS system, dilution of position is taken into account through a factor known
as the position dilution of precision.

10. What is DBS?

Satellites are used to provide the broadcast transmissions. It is used to provide direct
transmissions into the home. The service provided is known as Direct Broadcast Satellite
services.
Example: Audio, TV and internet services.

11. Give the frequency range of US DBS systems with high power satellites.
a. Uplink frequency range is 17.3 GHz to 17.8 GHz
b. Downlink frequency range is 12.2 GHz to 12.7 GHz

12. Give the frequency range of US DBS systems with medium power satellites.
a. Uplink frequency range is 14 GHz to 14.5 GHz
b. Downlink frequency range is 11.7 GHz to 12.2 GHz

13. What is DTH?

DBS television is also known as Direct To Home ( DTH ).
 DTH stands for Direct-To-Home television. DTH is defined as the reception of
satellite programmes with a personal dish in an individual home.
 DTH Broadcasting to home TV receivers take place in the ku band(12 GHz).This
service is known as Direct To Home service.

14. Write about bit rates for digital television.

It depends format of the picture.

24
 Uncompressed Bit rate = (Number of pixels in a frame) * (Number of pixels per second) *
(Number of bits used to encode each pixel)

15. Give the satellite mobile services.

a. DBS – Direct Broadcast satellite
b. VSATS – Very Small Aperture Terminals
c. MSATS – Mobile Satellite Service
d. GPS – Global Positioning Systems
e. Micro Sats
f. Orb Comm – Orbital Communications Corporation
g. Iridium

16. What is GCC and GEC?

GCC - Gateway Control Centers
GEC – Gateway Earth Stations

17. What is INMARSAT?

It is the first global mobile satellite communication system operated at L-band and
internationally used by 67 countries for communication between ships and coast so that
emergency life saving may be provided. Also it provides modern communication services to
maritime, land mobile, aeronautical and other users.

18. List out the regions covered by INMARSAT.

a. Atlantic ocean region, east (AOR-E)
b. Atlantic ocean region, west (AOR-W)
c. Indian ocean region (IOR)\• Pacific ocean region (POR)

19. What is INSAT?

INSAT – Indian National Satellite System.
INSAT is a Indian National Satellite System for telecommunications, broadcasting,
meteorology and search and rescue services. It was commissioned in 1983. INSAT was the
largest domestic communication system in the Asia-Pacific region.

20. List out the INSAT series.

•INSAT -1
• INSAT-2
• INSAt-2A
•INSAT-2E
•INSAT-3

21. What is GSM?

GSM (Global System for Mobile communications: originally from Groupe Spécial
Mobile) is the most popular standard for mobile phones in the world. GSM differs from its
predecessors in that both signaling and speech channels are digital , and thus is considered a
second generation (2G) mobile phone system. This has also meant that data communication was
easy to build into the system.

22. What is GPRS?

25
 General packet radio service (GPRS) is a packet oriented mobile data service available to
users of the 2G cellular communication systems global system for mobile communications
(GSM), as well as in the 3G systems. In the 2G systems, GPRS provides data rates of 56 -114
kbit/s.

23. What is GPS?

In the GPS system, a constellation of 24 satellites circles the earth in near-circular inclined
orbits. By receiving signals from at least four of these satellites, the receiver position (latitude,
longitude, and altitude) can be determined accurately. In effect, the satellites substitute for the
geodetic position markers used in terrestrial surveying. In terrestrial the GPS system uses one-
way transmissions, from satellites to users, so that the user does not require a transmitter, only a
GPS receiver.

24. Define LEO.

LEO stands for Low Earth Orbit. It is defined as orbit within the locus extending from
the earth surface up to an altitude of 2000 km, the commonly accepted definition for LEO is
between 160-200 km above the earth surface.

25. Define MEO.

MEO stands for Medium Earth Orbit. It lies between 8000km and 18000km above the
earth surface. MEO satellite ranges for orbital period for about 2 to 12 hrs Some MEO orbits are
in near perfect circles and therefore have constant altitude and travel at a constant speed.

26. Define Satellite Navigational System.

Satellite Navigation are SATNAV system is a system of satellite that provides
autonomous geospatial positioning with global coverage. It allows electronic receivers to
determine the latitude, longitude and attitude position within a few meters using timing signals
transmitted from a line of sight by radio from the satellite.

27. What is GRAMSAT? (Dec 2016)

This GRAMSAT satellite is carrying six to eight high powered C-band transponders,
which together with video compression techniques can disseminate regional and cultural specific
audio visual programmes of relevance in each of the regional languages through rebroadcast
mode on ordinary TV set.

28. What are the services and features of GSM?

The GSM services are classified into 2.
 Tele services.
 Data services.
Features of GSM:
 Subscriber Indentity Module (SIM)
 On the air privacy.

29. What is the orbital spacing of satellites?

For high power satellites orbital spacing is 90. This orbital spacing is required to avoid
adjacent interference.

30. What are VSATs?

26
 VSAT is a Very Small Aperture Terminal System. It provides two way communication
facilities. Typical user groups include banking and financial institutions, airline, hotel booking
agencies and large retail stores with geographically dispersed outlets.

31. Outline the three regions to allocate the frequency for satellite services. (Dec 2016)

a. Region1: It covers Europe, Africa and Mangolia

b. Region2: It covers North & South Ameriaca and Greenland.
c. Region3: It covers Asia, Australia and South West Pacific.

PART-B
1. Explain the Radar sat & MSAT. Mention the applications.
Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 492

2. i) Explain direct broadcast satellite in detail

Refer notes Pg No: 110

ii) Explain GPS in detail with necessary diagrams.

Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 495

3. Write notes on
i) INTELSAT
ii) E-mail
iii) BTV
iv) DTH
Refer notes Pg No: 91,116,114,111

4. i) Explain the operation of VSAT system in detail

Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 490
ii) Describe the GPS functioning with a block diagram
Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 495

5. i) Explain how DTH operation is carried out with a neat diagram

Refer notes Pg No: 111
ii) Write a brief note on video conferencing
Refer notes Pg No: 117

6. i) Explain the types of INTELSAT satellites with respect to basic space craft
characteristics and vehicle type.
Refer notes Pg No: 91
ii) Explain the block diagram of an outdoor unit for a DBS home receiver
Refer notes Pg No: 110

7. i) Enumerate how GSM and GPS deploying satellites have improved the
mobility of the customers?
Refer notes Pg No: 102-105

8. Elaborate the main features, and services offered by Mobile satellite systems. (16) (Dec 2016)
27
Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication” 4th Edition, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg:
561
9. Discuss the services of the following system with its usage. (Dec 2016)

(i) INTELSAT
Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 4
(ii) E.mail
Bruce R. Elbert, ‘The Satellite Communication Applications’Pg:230
(iii) BTV
Bruce R. Elbert, ‘The Satellite Communication Applications’Pg:140-143
(iv) DTH
Bruce R. Elbert, ‘The Satellite Communication Applications’Pg:210-214

28
 ANNA UNIVERSITY QUESTION PAPER’s
Question Paper Code: 20258
B.E/B.Tech. DEGREE EXAMINATION, MAY/JUNE 2012
Eighth Semester
Electronics and Communication Engineering
EC 2045/EC 810 – SATELLITE COMMUNICATION.
(Regulation 2008)
Time: Three hours Maximum: 100 marks
Answer ALL questions.
PART A – (10 x 2 = 20 marks)

1. State Kepler’s 2nd law of planetary motion.

Kepler’s second law states that, for equal time intervals, a satellite will sweep out
equal areas in its orbital plane, focused at the barycenter

2. State the condition for visibility of satellite to an observer standing on earth surface.
There will be east and west limits on the geostationary arc visible from any given
earth station. The limits will be set by the geographic coordinates of the earth station and
the antenna elevation. The lowest elevation in theory is zero, when the antenna is
pointing along the horizontal. A quick estimate of the longitudinal limits can be made by
considering an earth station at the equator, with the antenna pointing either west or east
along the horizontal, as shown in Fig. 3.6. The limiting angle is given by

The limits of visibility will also depend on the earth-station latitude. let S represent the
angle subtended at the satellite when the angle min 90° Elmin.

29
 3. List some antennas used in communication sub-system of spacecrafts.

4. Define the term “Figure of Merit”.

5. What are spreading sequences?
6. What is meant by encryption?
7. What is the role played by duplexers?
8. State the function of a LNA. Where is it employed?
9. List out the popular ‘INTELSAT’ – series.
10. Mention the application of INMARSAT systems.

PART B – (5 x 16 = 80 marks)

11. (a) What are look angles? Explain how look angles are determined using sub-satellite
points? Derive the necessary expressions for look angles. (16)

Or

(b) Give a detailed note on launching Vehicles and the procedures employed for
launching spacecraft in GEO orbits. (16)

12. (a) (i) With a neat sketch, explain the various modules of Attitude and Orbit control
(AOCS) subsystem. (10)
(ii) Derive the analytical expression for uplink CNR. (6)

13. (a) (i) Explain FDMA in details and also enumerate the interference in FDMA. (8)
Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 370-379

(ii) Explain direct sequence spread spectrum communication in details. (8)

Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 417-420

(Or)
(b) (a) (i)Explain what is meant by back off and why is it necessary in multiple access systems. (6)
Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 370-376

(ii) Explain digital video broadcasting in details. (10)

Wilbur L. Pritchars Henri, Satellite Communication Systems Engineering Pg:323-330

14. (a) (i) Draw the block diagram and explain the TVRO system. (8)
Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 214-219

(ii) Explain in detail the test equipment for the measurement on G/T, C/No. (8)
Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 335

(Or)
(b) (i) Explain earth station transmitter and receiver with necessary block diagram. (10)
Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 214

30
 (ii) Explain CATV in details with a neat diagram. (6)
Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 213

15. (a) (i) Explain direct broadcasting satellite in details. (8)

Bruce R. Elbert, ‘The Satellite Communication Applications’Pg:210-214

(ii)Explain GPS in detail with necessary diagram. (8)

Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 490-495

(Or)
(b) Write notes on:
(i) INTELSAT
Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 4
(ii) E.mail
Bruce R. Elbert, ‘The Satellite Communication Applications’Pg:230
(iii) BTV
Bruce R. Elbert, ‘The Satellite Communication Applications’Pg:140-143
(iv) DTH
Bruce R. Elbert, ‘The Satellite Communication Applications’Pg:210-214

__________

Question Paper Code: 20258

31
 B.E/B.Tech. DEGREE EXAMINATION, NOV/DEC 2012

Eighth Semester

Electronics and Communication Engineering

EC 2045/EC 810 – SATELLITE COMMUNICATION.

(Regulation 2008)

Time: Three hours Maximum: 100 marks

Answer ALL questions.

PART A – (10 x 2 = 20 marks)

1. Where is the determination of antenna look angles used?

2. What is the purpose of station keeping?

3. How does Intermodulation noise originate in a satellite link?

4. What is meant by antenna noise temperature and system noise temperature referred to the
input?

5. A 10 KHz tone is used to frequency modulate a carrier, the peak deviation being 75KHz.
Use Carson’s rule and estimate the bandwidth required.

6. Give the reason for implementing FDMA/TDM in satellite links.

7. Why is the LNA in a satellite receiving system placed at the antenna end of the feeder
cable?

8. Calculate the gain and the effective area of a 30m parabolic antenna at a frequency of
4GHz.

9. What are the services rendered by DTH

10. How is satellite used for video conferencing?

Part B – (5*16 = 80 marks)

11. (a) (i) Explain about the various orbit perturbations. (8)

(ii) With a neat sketch show the various stages involved in satellite launch. (8)

Or

32
 (b) Derive from basic principles, the orbital velocity of a satellite and calculate the same if it
is a circular orbit. (16)

12. (a) Discuss about the TT&C and AOCS subsystems with neat block diagrams. (16)

Or

(b) (i) Derive the satellite uplink and downlink [C/N0] ratio in link budget calculations and
explain the various losses associated with it. (10)

(ii) Discuss about system reliability and design lifetime for the satellite. (6)

13. (a) (i) Explain about the implementation of TDMA and its frame structure in detail.
(10)

(ii) how the schemes for compression and encryption are implemented for satellite
technology? (6)

Or

(b) (i) Explain the principle behind spectrum spreading and despreding and how this is used
to minimize interference in a CDMA system (8)

(ii) Discuss about the digital modulation schemes adopted for satellite links. (8)

14. (a) Write short notes on the following (16)

(i) TVRO

(ii) MATV

(iii) CATV

15. (a) (i) Explain direct broadcasting satellite in details. (8)

Bruce R. Elbert, ‘The Satellite Communication Applications’Pg:210-214

(ii)Explain GPS in detail with necessary diagram. (8)

Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 490-495

(Or)
(b) Write notes on:
(i) INTELSAT
Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 4
(ii) E.mail
Bruce R. Elbert, ‘The Satellite Communication Applications’Pg:230
Question Paper Code : 91387
B.E./ B. Tech. DEGREE EXAMINATION, NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014.
33
 Eighth Semester
EC2045/EC 810/10144 ECE 52-SATELLITE COMMUNICATION
(Regulation 2008/2010)
(Common to PTEC 2045-Satellite Communication for B.E. (Part-Time)
Seventh Semester- ECE- Regulation 2009)
Time: Three hours Maximum:100
marks
Answer ALL questions.

PART A-(10x2=20 marks)

1. Find the view angle of a geostationary satellite orbiting at 42200 km from an earth station making an
evaluation angle of 25°.

Ee = tan-1((cos(Ngc)-R/(H+R))/sin(Ngc))

R is the radius of the earth (6378*103m)

H(t) is the (instantaneous) altitude of the satellite (geostationary satellite: 35786*103m)
Ngc is the great circle angle

2. What is ascending node and descending node?

The point where the orbit crosses the equatorial plane going from South to North.

3. What is split body stabilization?

As communication satellites have antenna that should always be oriented towards the earth, it is
not possible to have this type of stabilization but still some satellites like INTELSAT IV did use this
technique with modifications. In this method the satellite body is divided into two parts, one, the rotor
that creates gyroscopic stiffness, while the other, a despun platform over which communication
antenna are mounted this is called split body stabilization.

4. What is frequency planning?

Frequency planning is to provide optimized frequency design that will be used to perform
frequency re-plan or tuning on the existing assigned frequencies for a particular area or cluster the
network.

5. What are the advantages of TDMA over FDMA?

Only one carrier uses the transponder at any one time, and therefore Inter modulation
products, which results from the non -linear amplification of multiple carriers are absent.
Advantages: The transponder traveling wave tube can be operated at maximum power output.

6. Define multiplexing.
Multiplexing is a method by which multiple analog message signals or digital data
streams are combined into one signal over a shared medium. 

7. Define antenna gain.

34
 Antenna gain is usually defined as the ratio of the power produced by the antenna from a
far-field source on the antenna's beam axis to the power produced by a hypothetical lossless
isotropic antenna, which is equally sensitive to signals from all directions.

8. A satellite downlink at 10 GHZ operates with a transmit power of 5w and an antenna gain of 48.2dB.
Calculate the EIRP in DBw.
EIRP = 10 log 6 + 48.2 = 56 dBW

9. List the differences between LEO and MEO satellites.

10. What is GRAMSAT?

This GRAMSAT satellite is carrying six to eight high powered C-band transponders,
which together with video compression techniques can disseminate regional and cultural
specific audio visual programmes of relevance in each of the regional languages through
rebroadcast mode on ordinary TV set.

PART B-(5x16=80 marks)

11. (a) (i) Describe the steps involved in launching a satellite. (8)
Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 83

(ii) What are the different types of satellite orbits? Discus their merits and demerits.(8)
Timothy Pratt – Charles Bostian & Jeremy, Satellite Communications Pg: 388-395
(Or)

(b) (i) Define look angle and explain look angle determination in details. (8)
Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 67-77

(ii) If a satellite is at a height of 36000 km and orbiting in equatorial plane, comment whether the
satellite will be under eclipse on equinox days and find the duration of the eclipse. (8)

35
12. (a) (i) Explain how attitude and orbit control is achieved from an earth station.
(8)
Wilbur L. Pritchars Henri, Satellite Communication Systems Engineering Pg:24-245

(ii) Derive the satellite link design equation. (8)

Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 311-320

(Or)
(b) (i) Why ,T,T and C are necessary for a satellite system? Explain in details. (8)
Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 180

(ii) Briefly explain the sources of noise in satellite communication. (8)

Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 312-319

13. (a) (i) Explain FDMA in details and also enumerate the interference in FDMA. (8)
Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 370-379

(ii) Explain direct sequence spread spectrum communication in details. (8)

Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 417-420

(Or)
(b) (a) (i)Explain what is meant by back off and why is it necessary in multiple access systems. (6)
Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 370-376

(ii) Explain digital video broadcasting in details. (10)

Wilbur L. Pritchars Henri, Satellite Communication Systems Engineering Pg:323-330

14. (a) (i) Draw the block diagram and explain the TVRO system. (8)
Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 214-219

(ii) Explain in detail the test equipment for the measurement on G/T, C/No. (8)
Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 335

(Or)
(b) (i) Explain earth station transmitter and receiver with necessary block diagram. (10)
36
 Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 214
(ii) Explain CATV in details with a neat diagram. (6)
Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 213

15. (a) (i) Explain direct broadcasting satellite in details. (8)

Bruce R. Elbert, ‘The Satellite Communication Applications’Pg:210-214

(ii)Explain GPS in detail with necessary diagram. (8)

Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 490-495

(Or)
(b) Write notes on:
(i) INTELSAT
Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 4
(ii) E.mail
Bruce R. Elbert, ‘The Satellite Communication Applications’Pg:230
(iii) BTV
Bruce R. Elbert, ‘The Satellite Communication Applications’Pg:140-143
(iv) DTH
Bruce R. Elbert, ‘The Satellite Communication Applications’Pg:210-214

__________

Question Paper Code : 71428

B.E./ B. Tech. DEGREE EXAMINATION, APIRL/MAY 2015.
37
 Eighth Semester
EC2045/EC 810/10144 ECE 52-SATELLITE COMMUNICATION
(Regulation 2008/2010)
(Common to PTEC 2045-Satellite Communication for B.E. (Part-Time)
Seventh Semester- ECE- Regulation 2009)
Time: Three hours Maximum:100 marks
Answer ALL questions.
PART A-(10x2=20 marks)

1. State Kepler’s Second Law.

It states that for equal time intervals, the satellite will sweep out equal areas in its orbital
plane, focused at the barycenter.

2. Differentiate ascending node from descending node.

The point where the orbit crosses the equatorial plane going from South to North.

3. Why thermal control is necessary?

Equipment in the satellite generates heat which has to be removed. The element used in
the satellite to control thermal heat is called thermal control. The most important
consideration is that the satellite’s equipment should operate as nearly as possible in a stable
temperature environment

4. Which parameters decide the system reliability?

Stringent quality control
Testing of parts and sub systems
Redundancy of key components is built
Hardware and software of satellite can be controlled by ground stations

5. Define single access and multiple access.

Single access technique: A transponder channel aboard a satellite may be fully loaded by a
single transmission from earth station is called single access technique.
Multiple access technique: A transponder to be loaded by a number of carriers. These may
originate from a number of earth station may transmit one or more of the carriers. This mode
of operation known as multiple access technique.

6. What is the need of reference burst in TDMA?

To minimize the interference.

7. What is the difference between DBS TV and conventional TV?

A major difference between DBS TV and conventional TV is that with DBS, frequency
modulation is used, whereas with conventional TV, amplitude modulation in the form of vestigial
single sideband (VSSB) is used.

8. A satellite downlink at 12GHz operates with a transmit power of 6 W and an antenna gain of 48.2dB.
Calculate the EIRP in dBW.
EIRP = 10 log 6 + 48.2 = 56 dBW

9. Name the services provided by GSM.

Call holding and waiting
38
 Conference calling
Call diversion
Roaming

10. What are the features of LEO?

 They complete one orbit every 90 minutes
 The large majority of satellites are in low earth orbit
 The Iridium system utilizes LEO satellites (780km high)
 The satellite in LEO orbit is visible to a point on the earth for a very short time
PART B-(5x16=80 marks)

11. (a) (i) A satellite is orbiting in the equatorial plane with a period from perigee to perigee of 12 h.
Given that the eccentricity is 0.002.Calculate the semi major axis. The earth’s equatorial
radius is 6378.1414km. (4)

(ii) Explain the orbital perturbations in detail. (12)

Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 30-35
(Or)

(b) (i) Determine the limits of visibility for an earth station situated at mean sea level, at latitude
48.42° north and longitude 89.26° west. Assume a minimum angle of elevation o 5°. (6)

(ii) Discuss about launching procedures. (10)

Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 83

12. (a) (i) Explain TT and C system in details. (8)

39
 Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 180-186

(ii) Derive the downlink C/N ratio for the satellite. (8)
Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 320
(Or)
(b) (i) Explain how intermodulation noise originates in a satellite link and describe how it is
reduced? (8)
Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 312-319

(ii) Derive the link-power budget equation. (8)

Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 311

13. (a) (i) Explain what is meant by FDMA, and show how this differs from FDM. (6)
Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 370-379

(ii) Briefly describe the ways in which demand assignment may be carried out in FDMA
network. (10)
Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 375
(Or)
(b) Explain the principle behind spectrum spreading and dispreading and how this is used to
minimize interface in a CDMA system. (16)
Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 427

14. (a) Describe and compare the MATV and the CATV systems. (16)
Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 212-213
(Or)
(b) (i) Explain any one test equipment for the measurement on C/No. (8)
Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 219

(ii) Draw the basic block of earth segment and explain. (8)
Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 218

15. (a) (i) Explain the operation of VSAT system in details. (8)
Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 490

(ii)Describe the GPS functioning with a block diagram. (8)

Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 495
(Or)
(b) (i) Explain how DTH operation is carried out with a neat diagram. (10)
Bruce R. Elbert, ‘The Satellite Communication Applications’ Pg: 210-214

(ii)Write a brief note on video conferencing. (6)

Bruce R. Elbert, ‘The Satellite Communication Applications’ Pg: 230-235
__________

Question Paper Code : 80315

B.E./ B. Tech. DEGREE EXAMINATION, NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016.
Seventh Semester
EC6004 - SATELLITE COMMUNICATION
40
 (Regulation 2013)
Time: Three hours Maximum:100 marks
Answer ALL questions.
PART A-(10x2=20 marks)

1. State Kepler’s First and Third Law.

Kepler’s First Law: It states that the path followed by the satellite around the primary will be
an ellipse. An ellipse has two focal points F1 &F2.The center of mass of the two body
system, termed the barycenter is always centered on one of the foci.

It states that the square of the periodic time of orbit is perpendicular to the cube of
the mean distance between the two bodies.

2. What is limit of visibility?

There will be east and west limits on the geostationary arc visible from any given earth
station. The limits will be set by the geographic coordinates of the earth station and the
antenna elevation.

3. Examine why noise temperature is a useful concept in communication receivers?

The noise figure can also be seen as the decrease in signal to noise ratio (SNR) caused by
passing a signal through a system if the original signal had a noise temperature of 290 K. This
is a common way of expressing the noise contributed by a radio frequency amplifier
regardless of the amplifier's gain.

4. Formulate uplink and downlink equation of a satellite access.

The gain of an Antenna is α operating frequency.  
3  α 1/Beam Width.
If the high band were used for downlink any given antenna would have a narrower BW
thereby increasing the problems of maintaining antenna alignment as the satellite drifts around in
space about its mean position to overcome this a high cost servo control Steering System would
be required. By using the high band for uplink the extra gain can be usefully employed to make
up for the extra path length attenuation. As the losses increase with frequency with this
arrangement the overall system signal to noise ratio can be better managed. The large dish
ground transmitting station will require a servo controlled Tracking system. So there is no added
cost in this case

5. Write the features of MATV.

MATV – Master Antenna TV system.
It is used to provide reception of DBS TV channels to the user group. Example :
Apartment users It consists of one outdoor unit and various indoor units. Each user can
independently access all the channels.

6. A satellite downlink at 12GHz operates with a transmit power of 6 W and an antenna gain of 48.2
dB. Calculate the EIRP in dbw.

41
 EIRP means Equivalent Isotropic Radiated Power. It is a measure of radiated or
transmitted power of an antenna.
EIRP = 10 log 6 + 48.2 = 56 dBW
7. Point out the pre-assigned TDMA satellite access.
These are allocated on fixed or partially fixed basis to certain users. It is simple to
implement but efficient only for circuits only with continous traffic.
8. How does the spread spectrum system differ from conventional communication system?
In Spread Spectrum communication, the bandwidth occupancy of a single transmitted
signal is much higher than in systems using conventional modulation methods. This
band-spreading is achieved by selecting appropriate transmission waveforms with a wide
bandwidth

9. What do you infer about GRAMSAT?

This GRAMSAT satellite is carrying six to eight high powered C-band transponders,
which together with video compression techniques can disseminate regional and cultural
specific audio visual programmes of relevance in each of the regional languages through
rebroadcast mode on ordinary TV set.

10. Outline the three regions to allocate the frequency for satellite services.
d. Region1: It covers Europe, Africa and Mangolia
e. Region2: It covers North & South Ameriaca and Greenland.
f. Region3: It covers Asia, Australia and South West Pacific.

PART B-(5x16=80 marks)

11. (a) (i) Illustrate the orbital parameters used for positioning a satellite. (8)

Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication” 4th Edition, McGraw Hill International, 2006.
Pg: 29-37
(ii) Estimate the suitable equations for look angles and the range for geostationary satellite. (8)

Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication” 4th Edition, McGraw Hill International, 2006.
Pg: 78
(Or)

(b) (i)Categorize the frequency allocations and draw the frequency spectrum for satellite services.(12)

Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication” 4th Edition, McGraw Hill International, 2006.
Pg: 2
(ii) Illustrate the effects of non-spherical earth. (4)

Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication” 4th Edition, McGraw Hill International, 2006.
Pg: 38 - 43

12. (a) (i) Justify the reasons behind why the transponders are connected in the communication channel
with a neat diagrams. (4)
42
 Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication” 4th Edition, McGraw Hill International, 2006.
Pg: 213

(ii) Analyze the wideband receiver and input de-multiplexer with appropriate diagrams. (12)

Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication” 4th Edition, McGraw Hill International, 2006.
Pg: 215 - 218
(Or)
(b) Examine how the attitude and orbit control system (AOCS) is achieved through spin stabilization
systems? Give necessary diagrams (16)

Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication” 4th Edition, McGraw Hill International, 2006.
Pg: 204 - 206

13. (a) (i) Point out the calculation of link power budget equation. (4)

Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 311

(ii) List the various types of system noise. Explain it in detail. (12)

Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication” 4th Edition, McGraw Hill International, 2006.
Pg: 357
(Or)

(b) (i) Derive the expression of output back-off, satellite TWTA output for the downlink
communication. (8)

Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication” 4th Edition, McGraw Hill International, 2006.
Pg: 371 - 374

(ii) Calculate the carrier-to-noise-ratio for the combined uplink and downlink communication. (8)
Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication” 4th Edition, McGraw Hill International, 2006.
Pg: 380

14. (a) (i) Express FDMA in detail and also enumerate the interference in FDMA. (8)

Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication” 4th Edition, McGraw Hill International, 2006.
Pg: 425
(ii) Explain direct sequence spread spectrum communication in detail. (8)

Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication” 4th Edition, McGraw Hill International, 2006.
Pg: 473
(Or)

(b) (i) Identify the band limited and power limited TWT amplifier operation. (10)

Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication” 4th Edition, McGraw Hill International, 2006.
Pg: 432
43
 (ii) Explain the operation of digital TASI in TDMA operation. (6)

Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication” 4th Edition, McGraw Hill International, 2006.
Pg: 436

15. (a) Elaborate the main features, and services offered by Mobile satellite systems. (16)

Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication” 4th Edition, McGraw Hill International, 2006.
Pg: 561
(Or)

(b) Discuss the services of the following system with its usage.

(i) INTELSAT
Dennis Roddy, ‘Satellite Communication’, McGraw Hill International, 2006. Pg: 4
(ii) E.mail
Bruce R. Elbert, ‘The Satellite Communication Applications’Pg:230
(iii) BTV
Bruce R. Elbert, ‘The Satellite Communication Applications’Pg:140-143
(iv) DTH
Bruce R. Elbert, ‘The Satellite Communication Applications’Pg:210-214

44
45
46