BITS PILANI K. K.

BIRLA GOA CAMPUS

SEMESTER-I, 2019-2020
Course Handout (Part- II)
Date: 2 August 2019

In addition to part I (General Handout for all courses appended to the timetable) this portion gives
further specific details regarding the course.

Course no.: EEE F472

Course Title: Satellite Communication
Instructor in-charge: Dr. Hrishikesh S. Sonalikar

Scope and Objective:

This is an introductory course. Diverse topics pertaining to Satellite Communication Systems
ranging from radio-wave propagation, antennas, modulation, demodulation, coding, orbital
mechanics, spacecraft link analysis and link design, multiplexing techniques, commercial
applications, etc., to present day technologies such as VSAT, Mobile satellite communication,
Personal Satellite communication, principles of GPS and regulatory issues, will be discussed. Also,
the course will provide opportunities for exploratory self-learning.

Text Book (T):

I. “Satellite Communication” by T. Pratt, C.W. Bostian and J.E. Allnut, John Wiley & Sons (Asia),
2003 (Paperback).

Reference Book (R):

1. “Satellite Communication Systems - Systems, Techniques and Technology” by G. Maral and M.
Bousquet, 4th edition, John Wiley & Sons, 2002.

Course Plan:
Lecture no. Topic Learning objectives Ref. to text &
refrence book
1-2 Introduction Satellite communication system and Ch 1 - T1
components, advantages and disadvantages,
unique advantages, major factors in
development of satellite technology
3-4 Radio wave Effects and choice of frequencies for Ch 8 - T1
propagation communication and communication window
5-6 Satellite RF link Introduction Ch 4 - T1
analysis Ch 5 - R1
7-9 The communication The communication channel and its major Ch 3 - T1
transponder components Ch 9 - R1
10-11 Intermodulation Definition of intermodulation (IM) Ch 6 - T1
12-13 Link design with Illustration with a typical link design Ch 6 - T1
IM
14-16 Spacecraft sub Power, telemetry, telecommand, structure, Ch 3 - T1
systems AOCS, sensors, thermal systems, propulsion Ch 10 - R1
17-19 Earth segment Earth station engineering aspects Ch 8 - R1
20-24 Analog & digital Demodulation and error correction techniques Ch 5 - T1
signals employed Ch 3, 4 - R1
25-28 Satellite multiple FDMA, TDMA and CDMA Ch 6 - T1
access Ch 6 - R1
29-30 Error control for Block coding, convolution codes Ch 7- T1
satellite links
31-32 Satellite orbits LEO, MEO & GEO Ch 2, 10 - T1
Ch 2, 11 - R1
33 Space environment The outer space and how it impacts the design Ch 3 - T1
of spacecraft subsystems Ch 12 - R1
34 Reliability Design of satellite systems for unattended Ch 3 - T1
operation and incorporation of reliability into Ch 13 - R1
system design
35-36 Very Small Aperture VSAT system planning, implementation and Ch 9 - T1
Terminal (VSAT) VSAT earth station engineering
systems
37-38 Mobile satellite Mobile and personal communication Ch 10 - T1
communication and
non geostationary
satellite systems
39-40 Global positioning GPS principles, receivers and its application Ch 12 - T1
system and future
trends

Evaluation Scheme:
Component Duration Weightage % Date and Time Remarks
Mid-term exam 90 minutes 30 28 September 2019, Closed book
4 PM to 5:30 PM
Quiz 1 30 minutes 10 To be announced Open book,
surprise
Quiz 2 30 minutes 10 To be announced Open book,
surprise
Compre exam 180 minutes 50 6 December 2019, FN Closed book

Important notes:
1. The home work and take home assignments will be announced during regular classes and these
will be included in the syllabus for subsequent evaluation components.
2. A few pages containing hand written complex mathematical formulars may be allowed to be
carried into the examination hall. This does not include photocopied or printed material.
3. Chamber consultation hour will be announced in the class.
4. Prior permission is must for make-up and make-up shall be granted only in genuine cases based
on individual’s need and circumstances There will be no make up for surprise quizzes.
5. All announcements will be displayed on the course server “Photon”.

Inctructor-in-charge
EEE F472