Description
Quickly grasp the fundamentals of satellite communications and related disciplines with this unique book that explains the underpinnings, introduces key personalities, and probes emerging issues in this exciting field. Starting with the basics, the authors introduce you to key topics such as orbital mechanics, electromagnetic theory, and atmospheric effects on signals, earth stations, digital communication, and video compression. Throughout the book practical examples relate fundamentals to real-world challenges, such as understanding the effect of rain on satellite reception, calculating the ratio of signal to unwanted noise, and determining earth station parameters for satisfactory digital communication performance.
Although packed with over 500 equations, the included mathematics add a valuable perspective to the history of each fundamental and are fully explained as they are introduced. There's a brief review of calculus, an appendix explaining vector analysis, and a section devoted to explaining Maxwell's equations. Plus, you find enlightening historical insights on key figures such as Johannes Kepler, Karl Gauss, and James Clerk Maxwell, to round out your understanding of the development and direction of satellite communications.
Table Of Contents
What this Book is all About. An Overview of Satellite Communications. Gravity and the Geostationary Satellite. The Geometry of the Geostationary Satellite. Electricity and Magnetism. Maxwell 's Equations. The Wave Equation. Transmission Lines and Radiation. Parabolic Antennas. Noise. Atmosphere and Ionosphere. Earth Stations andIntroduction to Modulation. The Satellite Downlink and its Link Budget. The Satellite Uplink, the Satellite, and the Link Budget. The FM Threshold. Digital Communications. Video Compression. Using the CD Program. Conclusion. Appendix 1: An Historical Perspective. Appendix 2: A Review of Vector Analysis. Appendix 3: Link Budget Analysis. Appendix 4: Glossary, Units and Symbols Used.