This updated and expanded second edition reflects the state of earth station design and ground segment architecture. From international telephone network gateways to direct broadcast home receivers, today's broad range of ground systems and devices require satellite communication engineers and business managers to have a broad and sound understanding of the design and operating principles of earth stations and ground control facilities. This book explores the delivery end of the satellite link and its relationship to delivery of services. Authored by a leading authority in the field, the book provides engineers and managers with the knowledge they need to devise their own approach to implementing and managing earth stations and the overall ground segment. Readers find practical guidance in an array of critical areas, including: preparing requirements, performing preliminary analyses, reviewing hardware designs, managing the introduction of the overall ground segment, and more.
Preface. ; Introduction to the Satellite Communication Ground Segment - Space and Ground Segments. First Space Application of Radio. Microwave and Radio Telescope Development. First Satellite Earth Stations. Commercialization of the Ground Segment. Growth in Government Use for Mobility and Flexibility.Introduction of Consumer Terminals and Applications. Satellite COTM. The Future of Earth Stations. ; Earth Station Design Philosophy - Network Topology and Information Formats. The Major Earth StationHub, Gateway, Teleport, and Tracking Station. User Terminals. Microwave Systems Engineering. Modem Design. Multiple-Access Control. The Internet Protocol and End-to-End Satellite Networks. Satellite Systems Engineering and Operation. ; Space-Ground Interface Requirements - Satellite Orbital Characteristics. GEO Link Characteristics with Link Budgets. GEO Orbit Spacing. Non-GEO Satellites. Link Margin. ; Two-Way Communications Service Requirements - Single Channel per Carrier (SCPC) Networks. VSAT Broadband Networks.; One-Way (Broadcast) Service Requirements for TV, Data, and Audio - Digital Video Broadcasting and Backhaul. Data Broadcasting and Content Distribution Networks. Receiving Dish Selection. Digital Audio Radio Service by Satellite. ; Ground Segment Baseband Architecture and Equipment - Architecture Definition and Design. Baseband Architecture. Baseband and Modem Equipment. Baseband Systems for Scientific Missions. ; Earth Station RF Design and Equipment - Uplink Design and the EIRP Budget. Uplink Power Control. Transmit Gain Budget. Downlink G/T and RF Level Analysis. Antenna and Microwave Design. High-Power Amplification. Up- and Down-Conversion. ; Signal Impairments and Service Optimization - Allocation of Digital Signal Impairments Between Space and Ground. Spectrum Monitoring and Analysis. Software Design Tools. Optimizing the Ground Segment. ; Fixed and Mobile User Terminals - General Configurations. Antennas for User Terminals. Power Amplifiers. Baseband Functions. Fixed Terminals. Design Requirements for Portable and Handheld Terminals. ; Earth Station Facility Design and Site Selection - Prime Power and Uninterruptible Power Systems. Heating, Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning. Building Design and Construction. Grounding and Lightning Control. Designing the Sustainable Ground Segment. Radio Frequency Clearance and Interference Analysis. Site Selection. Facility Implementation Guidelines and Scheduling. ; Principles of Effective Operations and Maintenance - Structure of Earth Station O&M. Earth Station Alignment with the Satellite. Service Support for User Terminals. Management of O&M. A Final Word. ; Acronyms and Abbreviations Used in Satellite Communications.; About the Author. Index.;
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Bruce Elbert
Bruce Elbert is president of Application Technology Strategy, L.L.C., and was formerly senior vice president of applications systems development at Hughes Space and Communications. Bruce is a series editor for Artech House. He holds an MSEE in communications engineering and computer science from the University of Maryland and a BSEE from the City College of New York.