September 16, 2003

Satellite Communications

Chen, Zhi Ning

„e-mail: chenzn@i2r.a-star.edu.sg
„URL: http://www1.i2r.a-star.edu.sg/~chenzn

EE5404 link design 1

 7 Link Design
7.1 Introduction

7.2 RF Link Design

• carrier-to-noise ratio C/N
• uplink
• downlink
• overall system C/N
• intermodulation noise
• interference*

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 7.1 Introduction: general description

satellite system desired destination

signal quality Carrier-to-Noise ratio, C /N

proper link parameters

So far, we have discussed the important issues
Earth station related

Satellite related

Radio channel related

related to the RF link of a satellite communication

systems. To deliver the messages with the
acceptable quality to the desired destination, we
should conduct the link design using carrier-to-noise
ratio. The C/N will be determined by properly
choosing various link parameters, which affect the
RF link design.

EE5404 link design 3

 7.1 Introduction: general description
Satellite

Satellite path
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up

In satellite systems, the RF link is the source-to-

destination path. It includes the uplink—from a
transmitting earth station to a satellite, the satellite path
within the satellite, and the downlink—from the
satellite to a receiving earth station. Through the RF
link, the message is delivered from the earth station A
to the earth station B. The satellite in the sky acts a Earth station B
Earth station A relay and greatly extends the communication coverage.

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 7.1 Introduction: general description: earth station

As mentioned above, the link design involves many factors such as the earth station related
factors. They include
•Geographical location Æ rain attenuation, satellite look angle, satellite EIRP, path-loss
•Transmit antenna gain & power Æ earth station EIRP

•Receive antenna gain & system noise temperature Æ G/T and sensitivity of the receiver
at an earth station
•Intermodulation noise Æ the carrier-to-noise ratio
•Equipment characteristics (eg. de-modulator implementation budget, cross-polar
discrimination, filter characteristics) Æ the additional link budget

G/T: the ratio of the receive antenna gain to the system noise temperature

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 7.1 Introduction: general description:satellite

Also many factors are satellite related, such as

•Satellite location: coverage region and earth station look angle
•Satellite transmit antenna gain & radiation pattern: satellite EIRP of a transmitter at the
satellite and coverage region
•Satellite receive antenna gain & radiation pattern: G/T of a receiver at the satellite and
coverage region
•Transmitted power : EIRP of a transmitter at the satellite
•Transponder gain and noise characteristics: EIRP of a transmitter & G/T of a receiver at
the satellite.
•Intermodulation noise: carrier-to-noise power at a receiver of the earth station

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 7.1 Introduction: general description: radio channel

The radio channel related factors include

•Operating radio frequency: path loss & link budget
•Modulation/coding characteristics: carrier-to-noise ratio
•Propagation characteristics: link margin & scheme of modulation/coding
•Channel: total inter-system noise

link design Earth station related

of Satellite related
overall system Radio channel related

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 7.1 Introduction: general description: RF link
RF LINK
C/N
de- down- LNA HPA up- modulator
modulator converter converter

base base
down- down- band
band converter converter
C/N
up- down- de-
modulator converter HPA LNA converter modulator

RF LINK
A typical satellite communication system, including all the basic elements, where the connection
is built up via a satellite in space. The RF link covers all the channels between the modulator of
the transmitter at an earth station to the demodulator of the receiver in the destination earth
station. The target of RF link design is to estimate the C/N at the input of a receiver.
EE5404 link design 8
 7.1 Introduction: frequency allocation
In addition, the frequency allocations for satellite services are mainly dependant on RF link
losses, the state of technology, and economy.
The studies on atmosphere effects and antenna noise have shown that the frequencies used for
satellite systems should be allocated in the range of 1-12GHz.
At lower operating frequencies, the devices may be larger. The equipment will be larger and
heavy. This results in the higher cost especially for satellites.
FSS
- C band: ~6 GHz uplink , ~4 GHz downlink - INTELSAT
- X band: ~ 8 GHz uplink , ~7 GHz downlink- government
- Ku band: ~ 14 GHz uplink , ~12 GHz downlink- EUTELSAT, Telecom I & II -INTELSAT
VSAT – Very Small Aperture Terminals (C and Ku band)
MSS
-L band ~ 1.6 GHz uplink, ~1.5 GHz downlink for the mobiles
-Ku band for Network Control Centre and Hubs.
DBS
- Ku band: ~12 GHz downlink Frequencyuplink > Frequencydownlink

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 7.1 Introduction: frequency allocation

Within a specific band such as C-band, the higher frequency is always allocated for uplink
and the lower ones for downlink.

In the uplink, the RF signals will be transmitted by the antennas at the earth stations and
received by antennas at satellites. Use of higher operating frequencies allows the physically
smaller receive antennas at the satellites.

In the downlink, the RF signals will be transmitted by the antennas at the satellites and
received by the antennas at the earth stations. The physical size of the antenna at the
satellite is unchanged but the gain will decrease due to the lower operating frequencies
compared to the antenna in transmitting mode (electrically smaller size). The higher gain of
the larger receive antennas can compensate for this reduction in the gain of the satellite
antenna.

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 7.2 RF link Design: carrier-to-noise ratio (C/N)
To measure the performance of the RF link, we define an important parameter — carrier-
to-noise ratio (C/N). We use the C/N to conduct the RF link design. The carrier-to-noise
ratio is the ratio of carrier power to noise power at any point of the link.

Pc
C N=
PN

C N = Pc − PN dB (7.1)

Particularly, the carrier-to-noise ratio at the input of the de-modulator (receiver) is the
most important in a system design because the goal of the RF link design is to achieve the
desired carrier-to-noise ratio at the input of the receiver at the destination earth station.

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 7.2 RF link Design: carrier-to-noise ratio (C/N)
In general, we don’t consider the bandwidth of the receiver to generalise the discussion. So,
the carrier-to-noise spectral density (or carrier-to-noise density) is often used in link budget.

C N o = Pc − PN + BN = C + BN dB Hz (7.2)
N
at input: Pc, PN at output: Pc, PN

LNA cable receiver

antenna Tant load
G1, Te1 L:1 F

The carrier power is the received signal power by the antenna and then transmitted to the
receiver via a network including a transmission system (cable or waveguide), LNAs and other
lossy networks (transmission system). So, the C/N can be defined at the input or output of the
receiver.

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 7.2 RF link Design: carrier-to-noise ratio (C/N)
The carrier is the power received by a receiver. As discussed in Chapter 5, the receiver
power should include the EIRP at the transmitter and all the losses occurring in the RF
channel.
C=Pc=EIRP-LOSSES dB

On the other hand, the noise power at the input of the receiver include all the noise
generated within the RF channel. They have been discussed in Chapter 6.

N=Pn=κTsBn dB or No=Pn=κTs dBHz

So, the C/N at the receiver can be expressed as,

C/N=EIRP+Gr-κTsBn-LOSSES dB
or C/No=EIRP+Gr-κTs-LOSSES dBHz
or C/No= EIRP+Gr/Ts-κ -LOSSES dBHz (7.3)

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 7.2 RF link Design: C/N-example
Input C, N
RF signals
antenna LNA cable receiver
EIRP load
Gr, Tant G a, Ta L:1 F
receiving system
So, we can use (7.3) to evaluate the C/N and assess the performance of a satellite system.
C/N= EIRP+Gr-κTsBN -LOSSES dB (7.3)

transmit system receive system RF channel

EIRP=Gt+Pt dB Gt: gain of the transmit antenna; Pt: the transmitted power
A em
Gr= e rad 4 π Gr: gain of the receive antenna
λ 2

κTsBN=κ+Ts+BN dB; κ=1.38×10-23 J/K; Boltzmann’s constant

TS: equivalent system noise temperature; BN: operating bandwidth
LOSSES=PL+RFL+AML+AA+PML dB: all the losses in RF link
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 7.2 RF link Design: C/N-example 1
transmitter RF channel receive antenna receiver network
EIRP losses Gr thermal noise Ts
C/No= EIRP+Gr/Ts -κ-LOSSES dBHz (7.3)
Example:
A satellite link operating at 12GHz has the receiver of G/T=19dB and receiver feeder loss
is 1 dB. The free-space loss is 206dB. The atmospheric absorption loss is 2dB, and the
antenna pointing loss is 1dB. EIRP is 48 dB. Depolarization loss may be zero. Calculate
C/No.

Solution:
The total link loss is the sum of all the losses.
LOSSES=PL+RFL+AML+AA=206+1+1+2=210 dB
κ=-228.6 dB
C/No= EIRP+G/T-κ-LOSSES=48+19+228.6-210=85.6 dBHz #

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 7.2 RF link Design: C/N-example 2

C/N= EIRP+G /T-κ-LOSSES-Bn dB

Example:
In a link budget operating at 12GHz with a 10-MHz bandwidth, the free-space loss is 208dB,
the antenna pointing loss is 1dB, and the atmospheric absorption loss is 2.5dB. The satellite
receiver G/T ratio is 19dBK-1 and feeder losses are 1.2dB. The earth station ERIP is 49dB.
Calculate C/N.

Solution:
ERIP=49 dB; G/T=19 dB; κ=-228.6 dBK
LOSSES=PL+RFL+AML+AA+PML=208+1.2+1+2.5=212.7 dB
C/No= 49+19 +228.6-212.7= 83.9 dBHz
Bn=10log107=70 dBHz
C/N= C/No – Bn= 83.9–70= – 13.9 dB

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 Satellite path

Satellite

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7.2 RF link Design: uplink

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As mentioned, the radio link of satellite communication systems
consists of uplink, satellite path and downlink. So, the link design
includes the C/N calculation for each link. First, we discuss the
C/N in the uplink where the earth station transmits the signals and
the satellite receives them. We use eq. (7.4) for the calculation.
Earth stations

C/NoU= EIRPU +G /TU -κ-LOSSESU dBHz (7.4) Of the parameters, the EIRP is for the earth
station, the G/T and receiver feeder losses are
for the satellite receiver.
receiver earth [PL]+[RFL]+[AML]+[AA ]+[PML]
satellite station The path loss occurs in free-space and the
atmospheric attenuation in radio channel. All
free-space receiver channel the losses are frequency-dependent and can be
satellite calculated at the uplink frequency.
transmit antenna at earth station & The antenna misalignment loss and
receive antenna at satellite polarization mismatch loss are related to both
transmit antenna at the earth station and the
all frequency-dependent!!! receive antenna at the satellite.
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 7.2 RF link Design: uplink=uplink+satellite path
C/NoU= EIRPU -LOSSESU dBHz

feed wideband feed

coupler transmitter
network receivers network

C/NoU= EIRPU +G /TU -κ-LOSSESU dBHz

Uplink=uplink +satellite path

As described above, the uplink is the link between the transmit antenna at the earth station and
the receive antenna at the satellite. So, the losses exclude the losses after the receive antenna.
Usually, the EIRP at the transmit antenna is determined by the amplifier at the satellite. So, we
consider the satellite path before the amplifier as part of the uplink. So, the losses should include
the receiver feed losses after receive antenna.
Sometimes, we even consider all the satellite path as the part of the uplink.
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 7.2 RF link Design: uplink:transponder

In the uplink design, we are going to calculate the power flux density illuminating at the
receive antenna not EIRP at the transmitter. The power flux density is determined by the
requirement from an amplifier in the transponder.
Transponder: The transponder is the series of interconnected units which forms a single
communication channel between the receive and transmit antennas at a communication
satellite.
The figure shows a transponder consists of some basic elements, such as input filter,
wideband receiver, 3-dB coupler, demultiplexer, attenuator, TWTA and multiplexer. The
TWTA, travelling-wave tube amplifier is a power amplifier in a satellite transponder.

Transponder

receive input wideband 3-dB transmit

TWTA
antenna filter receiver coupler demultiplexer attenuator multiplexer antenna

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 7.2 RF link Design: uplink:transponder: TWTA

TWTA: travelling-wave tube amplifier

TWTAs are widely used in transponders to provide the final
output power required to the transmit antennas at the satellite.
Pout saturation TWTA can provide the same amplification over a very wide
point bandwidth (a wideband amplifier). However, its power transfer
Pout, max
characteristics may be nonlinear when its input power level is
1dB higher than certain value as shown. So, the input power levels to
a TWTA must be carefully controlled to minimize signal
distortion due to its non-linearity. The point of the maximum
output power Pout, max is a saturation point, where the
corresponding input power is called saturation power Ps.
thermal The region between a thermal noise limit point and a 1-dB
noise compression point is a linear region. At the compression point,
limit the output power level will drop 1dB below the extrapolated
Ps Pin straight line. So, due to the power transfer characteristics of the
Linear region
TWTA, we should control the input power levels to avoid signal
distortion.

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 7.2 RF link Design: uplink:saturation flux density

In RF link design, we must take saturation of a TWTA it into account. To describe the effect
of the saturation power on the link design, we define the power flux density required at the
receive antenna to produce the saturation of the TWTA called saturation flux density, ψ. The
saturation flux density ψ is a specified quantity in link budget calculations. After obtaining
it, we can calculate the required EIRP at the earth station.
Assuming that the minimum saturation flux density of the TWTA is ψm. It is the power flux
density at a receive antenna when the transmission is in free-space. We do not consider any
possible losses between the transmit antenna at an earth station and the receive antenna at the
satellite. So, we can calculate the required EIRP at the earth station. The R is the distance
between the earth station and the satellite.

EIRP
Ψm = W / m2 (7.5)
4π R 2

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 7.2 RF link Design: uplink:saturation flux density
We also rewrite it in dB form. Consider the
1 definition of the path loss in free-space, we can
Ψm = EIRP + 10 log dBW/m2
4π R 2 rewrite it.
 4π R 
2
Further we define the last term as the effective
− PL = − 10 log   area of an isotropic antenna Ao (with G=1 or 0dB)
 λ 
and re-arrange the expression. The Ao is only
λ 2
1 frequency-dependent.
= 10 log + 10 log dB
4π 4π R 2

This formula can be used to calculate the required

minimum EIRP transmitted by the earth station
λ2 under the saturation flux density ψm appearing at
Ψm = EIRP − PL − 10 log dBW/m2
4π the receive antenna at the satellite.
λ2
Ao = 10 log or Ao = − 21 . 45 − 20 log f dBm2 f in GHz
4π

EIRP=Ψm+PL+Ao dBW

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 7.2 RF link Design: uplink:saturation flux density

Based on previous discussions, we should consider other link losses, such as AA, AML,
PML. Therefore, the EIRP should includes the compensation for the losses.

EIRPS = ΨS + PL + Ao + AA + PML + AML dBW (7.6)

The ERIPS at the earth station is the minimum value for the saturation flux density at a
satellite. This formula is used to evaluate the minimum EIRP which the earth station must
provide to produce a given saturation flux density at a satellite receive antenna. In other
words, to produce a given saturation flux density at a satellite receive antenna, the earth
station must provide the minimum ERIP calculated in (7.6).

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 7.2 RF link Design: uplink:example 3

Problem
An uplink operates at 14 GHz, and the flux density required to saturate the transponder
is –120 dB W/m2. The free-space loss is 207 dB and the other propagation losses
amount to 2 dB. Calculate the earth-station EIRPS required for the saturation.

Solution
EIRPSU=ΨS+Ao+PL+LOSSES

At 14GHz, Ao= –21.45-20log f = –(21.45+20log14)= –44.37dBm2

The losses in the propagation path amount to 207+2=209 dB.

So, EIRPSU= –120 –44.37+209=44.63 dBW

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 7.2 RF link Design: uplink:C/N at a receiver

EIRPSU=ΨS+Ao+PL+AA+AML+PML dBW (7.6)

C/No= EIRP+Gr/Ts -κ-LOSSES dBHz (7.3)

Then, we can calculate the carrier-to-noise density ratio at the input of the receiver at the
satellite. Please note that the losses in (7.3) include the RFL. Substituting (7.6) for EIRP in
(7.3) gives

C/No=ΨS+Ao+PL+AA+AML+PML+Gr/Ts-κ-LOSSES= ΨS+Ao +Gr/Ts-κ-RFL dBHz (7.7)

The (7.7) shows that we can calculate the carrier-to-noise density ratio at the input of the
receiver at the satellite after determining the saturation power flux density. This calculation
is independent of the link from an earth station to the receive antenna at a satellite because
the saturation power flux density is defined at the receive antenna at the satellite.
The term ΨS+Ao is required by the TWTA at a receiver but determines the transmitted
EIRP at an earth station with losses together. The term Ts-κ-RFL is determined by the
receiving system.
EE5404 link design 25
 7.2 RF link Design: uplink:input backoff
As mentioned above, the transfer characteristics of the
Pout saturation TWTA is not always linear. When the input power level
1-dB point is higher than certain value, the transfer characteristics
compression will be nonlinear. For multiple carrier operations, this
point non-linearity results in intermodulation (noise!). So, the
Pout max
backoff TWTA must operate at really linear region to suppress
0dB
operation the effect of intermodulation and TWTA must back off
backoff
point its operating point from the saturation point (in nonlinear
portion for single carrier!) to a linear portion of the
transfer characteristics. So the difference between the
saturation EIRP and the required EIRP is termed input
backoff (BOin).
Linear region Ps Pin EIRPU=EIRPSU-BOin
0dB
•EIRPU : saturation EIRP for multiple-carrier
•EIRPSU : saturation EIRP for single carrier
•BOin :input backoff
EE5404 link design 26
 7.2 RF link Design: uplink:input backoff

The truth is that we should design the proper EIRP. Too low EIRP can’t meet the saturation
power flux density to waste the TWTA capability. However, too high EIRP will cause the
waste of the EIRP for single-carrier or the intermodulation for multi-carrier.
We can modify the uplink budget again due to the input backoff. The carrier-to-noise
density ratio (7.7) at the input of the receiver can be calculated in (7.8). The input backoff is
taken into account.

C/NoU= ΨS+Ao +Gr/Ts-κ-RFL-BOin dBHz (7.8)

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 7.2 RF link Design: uplink:input backoff:example

Problem:
An uplink at 14GHz requires a saturation power flux density of 90dB dB W/m2 and
an input backoff of 11dB. The satellite G/T is -7dBK-1, and receiver feeder losses
amount to 0.5dB. Calculate the carrier-to-noise density ratio.

Solution:
The carrier-to-noise density ratio at the input of satellite: (without path loss and other
fade losses)
C/NoU= ψs +Ao -BOin +G /TU -κ-RFL dBHz
Ao=-44.37dB, Saturation power flux density ψs = -90dB, input backoff BOin=11dB,
satellite G/T= -7dBK-1, -κ=228.6dB, RFL=0.5dB.

C/NoU= -90-44.37-11-7+228.6-0.5=75.73 dBHz

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 7.2 RF link Design: uplink:HPA+TFL

In the uplink design, we often design the EIRP at the transmit antenna. To supply the
transmitted power required by a system, a high-power amplifier HPA must be used to supply
the required output EIRP at the earth station. If an HPA has the power gain of Gt and the
input power PHPA, the EIRP can be obtained
EIRP=PHPA+GT dBW
Another important loss TEL, transmit feeder losses should be considered when we design
the link between the input of the HPA and the antenna at the earth station. This loss is
similar to the receive feeder losses and occurs in the transmitter at the earth station. For a
typical earth station, the transmit feeder losses may include waveguide, filter and coupler
losses between the output of the HPA and the transmit antenna. So, the EIRP at the transmit
antenna can be calculated.

EIRP=PHPA+GT -TFL dBW

PHPA =EIRP-GT +TFL dBW

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 7.2 RF link Design: uplink:HPA+TFL

In an earth station!

TFL

High-
power coupler filter waveguide Transmit
amplifier antenna

PHPA PHPA+GT PHPA+GT-TFL ERIP

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 7.2 RF link Design: uplink:HPA→TWTA
for single carrier

EIRPSU=ΨS+PL+Ao+LOSSES -BOin
EIRP=PHPA+GT-TFL for multi-carrier
for single carrier
PHPA=EIRP-GT+TFL ΨS
EIRPSU=ΨS+Ao+RFL-BOin

Transmitter for multi-carrier

at earth station
transponder

PL+LOSSES(AA+PML+AML)

This figure shows the EIRP at different points of an uplink. We can calculate the required input
power of an HPA to supply the required EIRP at the transmit antenna at an earth station. Based
on the saturation power flux density required by a TWTA, we can calculate the required EIRP at
the transmit antenna at an earth station or at the receive antenna at the satellite for single and
multiple carrier.
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 7.2 RF link Design: uplink:HPA→TWTA
for single carrier

C/NoU= ΨS+Ao +Gr/Ts-κ-BOin dBHz (7.8)

for multi-carrier
for single carrier

C/NoU= ΨS+Ao +Gr/Ts-κ-RFL-BOin dBHz (7.8)

for multi-carrier
transponder

Then, we can calculate the carrier-to-noise density ratio at different points based on
the calculated ERIP.

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 Satellite path
Satellite

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7.2 RF link Design: downlink

li
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upli
Similar to the analysis of uplink+satellite path, downlink can be
evaluated based on the C/N calculation. We also use eq. (7.4) for
the calculation.

C/NoD= EIRPD +G /TD -κ-LOSSESD dBHz (7.4)

Earth stations

receiver satellite [PL]+[RFL]+[AML]+[AA ]+[PML] Of the parameters, the EIRP is for the transmit
earth
station antenna at a satellite, the G/T and feeder losses
receiver channel are for the receiver at an earth station.
free-space
earth station The path loss occurs in free-space and the
atmospheric attenuation in radio channel. All
receive antenna at earth station & the losses are frequency-dependent and can be
transmit antenna at satellite
calculated at the uplink frequency.
all frequency-dependent!!! The antenna misalignment loss and
polarization mismatch loss are related to both
receive antenna at the earth station and the
transmit antenna in the satellite.
EE5404 link design 33
 7.2 RF link Design: downlink: example 4

Problem
A satellite signal occupies the bandwidth of 40MHz, and it must provide a C/N at the
destination earth station of 25dB. Given that the total transmission losses are 200dB and
the destination earth station G/T ratio is 31 dB/K. Find the satellite EIRP required.

Solution: EIRPD =C/N-G /TD +κ+LOSSESD +B [J=W/Hz, κT=No (J=W/Hz)]

B=10log(4×107) =76 dBHz;
C/N=25dB;
-G /TD= -31dBK-1;
κ= -228.6dBJK-1;
LOSSESD=200dB.
The required satellite EIRP = 25-31-228.6+200+76=41.4 dBW

EE5404 link design 34

 7.2 RF link Design: downlink:output backoff
The satellite EIRP depends on the saturation output power of
the TWTA for the single carrier operation. For the multi-
carrier operation, the input backoff is necessary to keep the
Pout
saturation TWTA operate in its linear region for the depression of the
point intermodulation. The input backoff results in the difference
5 dB between the saturation output power and the output power at
output the operation point in the linear portion. The difference is
backoff backoff termed output backoff. The output backoff is not linearly
BOout operation related to the input backoff. Often, the relationship between
point the input and output backoff is
input
backoff BOout=BOin-5dB,
BOin where linear portion has a 1:1 change in dB. So, the EIRP is
Linear portion Pin EIRPD=EIRPSD-BOout
•EIRPD : output EIRP for multiple-carrier
•EIRPSD : saturation output EIRP for single carrier
•BOout : output backoff
EE5404 link design 35
 7.2 RF link Design: downlink:at earth station

The C/No at a receive antenna of an earth station can be calculated.

C/NoD= EIRPSD –PL +G /TD –κ – LOSSESD – BOout dBHz (7.9)

Where the EIRPSD is the EIRP produced by the transmit antenna at the satellite for single
carrier operation. G /TD is for the receive antenna of the earth station. LOSSESD includes
all the path losses such as PL, AA, AML, PML. BOout is the output backoff for the multi-
carrier operation, which should be allowed.
If considering the receive feeder loss, RFL occurring between the receive antenna and the
receiver at the receiving earth station, the C/No can be rewritten as

C/NoD= EIRPSD –PL +G /TD –κ – LOSSESD –RFL – BOout dBHz (7.9)

EE5404 link design 36

 7.2 RF link Design: downlink:example 5

Problem:
For a multi-carrier system, the specified parameters for a downlink are satellite saturation
EIRP of 25dBW; output back of 6dB; path loss of 196dB; allowance for other losses of
1.6dB; and earth station G/T is 41dBK-1. Find the carrier-to-noise density ratio at an
earth station.

Solution:
The carrier-to-noise density ratio at the earth station
C/NoD= EIRPSD-BOout +G /TD-κ-LOSSESD –RFL dBHz
EIRPSD=25dB, PL=-196dB, output backoff: BOout=6dB,
G/T=41dB, -κ=228.6dB, RFL=0dB,
other losses:LOSSESD=1.6dB.
C/NoD=91 dBHz

EE5404 link design 37

 7.2 RF link Design: downlink

EIRPD=EIRPSD-BOout

Transmitter Receiver of
at a satellite earth station
single carrier

C/NoD= EIRPSD –PL +G /TD –κ – LOSSESD – BOout

multi-carrier
single carrier

C/NoD= EIRPSD –PL +G /TD –κ – LOSSESD –RFL – BOout

multi-carrier
This figure shows the EIRP at the different point of the downlink. We can calculate the output
EIRP at the transmit antenna at the satellite for both single and multiple carrier operations.
EE5404 link design 38
 7.2 RF link Design: overall link=uplink+downlink
NoU NoD
CU C = G CU
+ G +
No= GNoU+ NoD

The complete system link consists of the uplink and downlink. On the uplink, noise density NoU
is applied at the satellite receiver input with the receive carrier CU at the same point. So the
carrier-to-noise density ratio on the uplink is CU/NoU not in dB.
The received carrier power for the downlink is C. It is G times of the input carrier power at the
satellite. G is the system power gain from the satellite input to the earth station input, including
the satellite transponder and transmit antenna gain, the downlink losses, and the earth station
receive antenna gain and receiver feed losses.
The noise density also appears at the receiving earth station input which is also multiplied by G,
and in addition, the earth station introduces its own noise density including all the noise caused
on the downlink, denoted by NoD. So the noise density at the end of the overall link is GNoU+ NoD.

EE5404 link design 39

 7.2 RF link Design: overall link=uplink+downlink
NoD After determining the carrier-to-noise ratios for both
NoU uplink and downlink, we can evaluate the carrier-to-
CU noise ratio.
+ G + C = G CU
No= GNoU+ NoD For convenient, we describe the link with the noise
density-to-carrier ratio instead of the carrier-to-noise
Power flow diagram in Uplink +Downlink ratio, not in dB.
So, we can obtain the noise density-to-carrier ratio,
No/C =(G NoU+ NoD )/C namely the total noise density over the total noise density
=(G NoU )/ C + NoD /C at the input of the receiver of the receiving earth station
for the overall link.
=(G NoU )/ (G C U) + NoD /C It is clear that the overall noise density-to-carrier ratio is
= NoU / CU + NoD /C simply the sum of the relevant noise-to-carrier ratio of
both uplink and downlink.
=(No/C)U +(No/C)D (7.10)
Then, we can obtain the carrier-to-noise ratio by
where (No /C)D=NoD/CD =NoD/C and No/C is combining the carrier-to-noise ratios of the uplink and
downlink.
noise density to carrier ratio for overall system.
EE5404 link design 40
 7.2 RF link Design: overall link:example 6

Problem:
For a satellite system the individual link carrier-to-noise spectral density ratios are:
uplink 100 dBHz; downlink 87 dBHz. Find the combined carrier-to-noise ratio.

Solution:
No/C=(No/C)U +(No/C)D (7.10)
No/C=(No/C)U +(No/C)D=10-10+10-8.7=2.095×10-9 Hz-1
C /No=10log[1/(No/C)]=-10log(2.095 ×10-9 )=86.79 dBHz

The combined C/No approaches to the lower one

when one of the ratios for uplink and downlink is much less than the other.

EE5404 link design 41

 7.2 RF link Design: intermodulation noise

In the previous discussion on the noise, we just discussed thermal and antenna noise. In
practice, we should consider the intermodulation noise. The intermodulation occurs
where multiple carriers pass through any device with non-linear characteristics. In
satellite communication systems, it most commonly occurs in the TWTA in the satellite
as discussed above. Both amplitude and phase nonlinearities cause the intermodulation
products.
The noise due to Intermodulation products in the transponder is defined as another C/N
ratio, which should be considered in the C/N for overall system. The carrier-to-
intermodulation-noise ratio is usually found experimentally, or in some cases it may be
determined by simulation. Once this ratio is known, it can be combined with the carrier-
to-thermal-noise ratio discussed above.

No/C=(No/C)U +(No/C)D+ (No/C)IM (7.11)

EE5404 link design 42

 7.2 RF link Design: intermodulation noise

f1 3rd order intermodulation

f2 products from f1 and f2
TWTA
amplitude & phase
non-linearities
fn ∆f

Intermodulation noise

Carrier-to-Intermodulation noise ratio (No/C)IM (2f1-f2) f1 f2 (2f2-f1)

experiments computation

Figure shows the third-order intermodulation products fall on neighbouring carrier

frequency. They result in the interference there.

EE5404 link design 43

 7.2 RF link Design: intermodulation noise: example 7

Problem:
For a satellite system the carrier-to-noise ratios are: uplink 23dB; downlink 20dB,
intermodulation 24dB. Find the overall carrier-to-noise ratio.

Solution:
No/C=(No/C)U +(No/C)D+ (No/C)IM (7.11)
The overall noise-to-carrier ratio:N/C=10-2.4+10-2.3+10-2=0.0019
So, the overall carrier-to-noise ratio in dB
C/N=10log(N/C)-1= -10log(0.0019)= -27.2 dB

EE5404 link design 44

 7.2 RF link Design: interference*
Satellite 1 Satellite 2
In addition, there are many ways to cause the interference
E between different sources in the same or different networks. as
shown in Figure
A1 Terrestrial station transmissions, causing interference to
B1 reception by earth stations.
A2 earth station transmissions, causing interference to reception
by terrestrial stations.
C1 B1 Space station transmissions of one system, causing
C2 interference to reception by earth stations of another system.
B2 Earth station transmissions of one system, causing
B2 interference to reception by space stations of another system.
C1 Space station transmissions, causing interference to
A1 reception by terrestrial stations.
F
C2 Terrestrial station transmissions, causing interference to
A2 reception by space stations.
E Space station transmissions of one system, causing
terrestrial earth earth interference to reception by space stations of another system.
station Station 1 Station 2 F Earth station transmissions of one system, causing
interference to reception by earth stations of another system.
EE5404 link design 45
 7.2 RF link Design: interference*

If we consider the interference into the link budget, the link budget equation for the overall
system can be modified as the new one.
The interference can be caused in both uplink and downlink.

Intermodulation Noise Downlink-interference

Overall
System
No/C=(No/C)U +(No/C)D+ (No/C)IM +(No/C)IU +(No/C)ID
Link

Uplink Downlink Uplink-interference

OR

C/No=[(No/C)U +(No/C)D+ (No/C)IM +(No/C)IU +(No/C)ID]-1

EE5404 link design 46

 Conclusion

•EIRP: Equivalent Isotropic Radiation Power

•Transmission Losses: Path Loss; Feeder Losses; Antenna Misalignment
Losses; Atmospheric Losses
•Link Power Budget Equation

•System Noise: Antenna noise; Amplifier Noise Temperature; Noise Factor

/Figure; Lossy Network Noise Temperature, System Noise
Temperature, Intermodulation noise, Interference noise
•Carrier-to-Noise (density) Ratio

•System Link Design: Uplink & Downlink

EE5404 link design 47

 Problem for Noise

The receiver noise figure is 12dB, the cable loss is 5dB, the LNA gain is 50dB,
and its noise temperature 150K. The antenna noise temperature is 35K.
Calculate the noise referred to the input.

antenna cable LNA receiver

Tant input L:1 G1, Te1 F

EE5404 link design 48

 Solution
TS =Tant + Te1 + Te2/ G1+ Te3/ (G1 G2)+…+ Ten/ (G1 G2... Gn-1)
Te1 =To(L -1) n=3
Te2 =150K TS =Tant + Te1(cable) + Te2(LNA)/ G1+ Te3(receiver)/ (G1 G2)
G1 =1/L
Te3 =To(F-1) TS =Tant + Te1 + To(L -1) /G1+ To(F -1) L/ G1

The receiver noise figure F=12dB=15.85. The cable loss L=5dB=3.16.

The LNA gain G1= 50dB=105, noise temperature Te1=150K.
The antenna noise temperature Tant =35K. To =290 K

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

so TS =35 + (3.16-1) ×290+ 3.16×150+290× (15.85 -1) × 3.16/ 105=1136 K
EE5404 link design 49
 Problem for Link Design

Problem:
A multiple carrier satellite system operates in the 6/4GHz band with the following
characteristics.
Uplink: saturation flux density of -67.5 dBW/m2; input backoff
of 11dB; satellite G/T of -11.6dBK-1;
Downlink: satellite saturation EIRP of
26.6dBW; output backoff of 6dB; path loss of 196.7dB; earth station G/T of
40.7 dBK-1. The other losses are ignore.
Calculate the carrier-to-noise density ratios for uplink, downlink,
and combined value.
EE5404 link design 50
 Solution for uplink:

C/NoU= ψs +PL+Ao -BOin +G /TU -κ-LOSSESU dBHz all in dB.

ψs =-67.5; saturation flux density
PL=0; at the satellite receive antenna
Ao]= -37; at 6GHz for uplink
BOin =11; input backoff
G /TU = -11.6; satellite
-κ=228.6
LOSSESU =0; ignored
C/NoU=-67.5+0-37-11-11.6+228.6-0=101.5 dBHz

EE5404 link design 51

 Solution for downlink:

C/NoD= EIRPSD +G /TD -BOout -κ-LOSSESD dBHz all in dB

EIRPSD = 26.6; satellite
BOout =6; output backoff
G /TD =40.7; earth station
-κ=228.6
LOSSESD =PL=196.7; in downlink
C/NoD=26.6+40.7-6+228.6-196.7=93.2 dBHz

EE5404 link design 52

 Solution for combined uplink & downlink:

No/C=(No/C)U +(No/C)D
(No/C)U =10-10.15
(No/C)D =10-9.32
No/C=5.49×10-10 Hz-1
C/No=-10log (No/C)=10log(5.49×1010)=92.6 dBHz

The combined C/No approaches to the lower one

when one of the ratios for uplink and downlink is much less than the other.

If there are other losses for example, AML, AA, RFL, or (No/C)IM,
how to calculate the problem mentioned above???

EE5404 link design 53

 Thank you &
Good Luck !!!

EE5404 link design 54