R16 JNTUK ECE SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS

SYLLABUS

UNIT I
INTRODUCTION [2]: Origin of Satellite Communications, Historical Back-ground, Basic
Concepts of Satellite Communications, Frequency allocations for Satellite Services,
Applications, Future Trends of Satellite Communications.
ORBITAL MECHANICS AND LAUNCHERS [1]: Orbital Mechanics, Look Angle
determination, Orbital perturbations, Orbit determination, launches and launch vehicles,
Orbital effects in communication systems performance.

UNIT II
SATELLITE SUBSYSTEMS [1]: Attitude and orbit control system, telemetry, tracking,
Command and monitoring, power systems, communication subsystems, Satellite antenna
Equipment reliability and Space qualification.

UNIT III
SATELLITE LINK DESIGN [1]: Basic transmission theory, system noise temperature and
G/T ratio, Design of down links, up link design, Design of satellite links for specified C/N,
System design example.

UNIT IV
MULTIPLE ACCESS [1][2]: Frequency division multiple access (FDMA) Intermodulation,
Calculation of C/N. Time division Multiple Access (TDMA) Frame structure, Examples.
Satellite Switched TDMA Onboard processing, DAMA, Code Division Multiple access
(CDMA), Spread spectrum transmission and reception.

UNIT V
EARTH STATION TECHNOLOGY [3]: Introduction, Transmitters, Receivers, Antennas,
Tracking systems, Terrestrial interface, Primary power test methods.
LOW EARTH ORBIT AND GEO-STATIONARY SATELLITE SYSTEMS [1]: Orbit
consideration, coverage and frequency considerations, Delay & Throughput considerations,
System considerations, Operational NGSO constellation Designs

UNIT VI
SATELLITE NAVIGATION & THE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM [1]: Radio and
Satellite Navigation, GPS Position Location principles, GPS Receivers and codes, Satellite
signal acquisition, GPS Navigation Message, GPS signal levels, GPS receiver operation, GPS
C/A code accuracy, Differential GPS.

TEXT BOOKS:
1. Satellite Communications - Timothy Pratt, Charles Bostian and Jeremy Allnutt, WSE,
Wiley Publications, 2nd Edition, 2003.
2. Satellite Communications Engineering - Wilbur L. Pritchard, Robert A Nelson and
Henri G. Suyderhoud, 2nd Edition, Pearson Publications, 2003.

REFERENCES:
1. Satellite Communications: Design Principles - M. Richharia, BS Publications, 2E, 2003
2. Satellite Communication - D.C Agarwal, Khanna Publications, 5th Ed.
3. Fundamentals of Satellite Communications - K.N. Raja Rao, PHI, 2004
4. Satellite Communications - Dennis Roddy, McGraw Hill, 2nd Edition, 1996.

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UNIT I

INTRODUCTION [2]: Origin of Satellite Communications, Historical Back-ground, Basic

Concepts of Satellite Communications, Frequency allocations for Satellite Services,
Applications, Future Trends of Satellite Communications.
ORBITAL MECHANICS AND LAUNCHERS [1]: Orbital Mechanics, Look Angle
determination, Orbital perturbations, Orbit determination, launches and launch vehicles,
Orbital effects in communication systems performance.

PART- A

1. What is Satellite? Define Satellite Communication. Describe briefly the main advantages
offered by satellite communication. [4]
2. Discuss the satellite development in India. [4]
3. Explain the brief history of Satellite communications. [4]
4. What is INTELSAT I? Explain. [3]
5. List the applications of satellites. [4]
6. Give and explain the 3 different types of applications with respect to Satellite systems.
[4]
7. Write the Kepler’s laws of planetary motion. [4]
8. Define Kepler’s laws and list the orbital elements of a satellite. [4]
9. Give all the three Kepler's laws of planetary motion. [4]
10. Define perigee of a satellite. [3]
11. Define apogee of a satellite. [3]
12. Define subsatellite point of a satellite. [4]
13. Explain the basic difference between an active and passive satellite [4]
14. Define Ascending node & Descending Node. Mention the apogee and perigee height. [4]
15. What is Geostationary orbit? Explain. [3]
16. Write short notes on orbital perturbations. [3]
17. What are the various forces acting on the satellite in the orbit? Explain with necessary
expressions. [3]
18. A satellite is in an elliptical orbit with a perigee of 1000 km and an apogee of 4000 km.
Find the period of the orbit and eccentricity of the orbit. [3]
19. Explain the different orbital effects in satellite communication system performance. [3]
20. What is elevation angle and draw its geometry? [4]
21. Define the azimuth angle. [3]
22. What is an elevation angle? [4]
23. What are the various orbital elements? [4]
24. What is Doppler frequency shift? Write the expression for it. [4]
25. What is meant by transponder? Write short notes on station keeping. [4]
26. What are the basic concepts needed to determine look angles and its ranges?
What is anomalistic period (From perigee to perigee)? [4]
27. Give the frequency ranges of VHF, UHF, L, S, and C, X, Ku, K and Ka Bands. [4]
28. Give the two segments of basic satellite communication. Write short notes on altitude
control system. [4]
29. What are the future trends of satellite communications? [4]

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PART- B

1. a) Draw the block diagram for satellite communication system. Explain the function of
each block. [8]
b) Explain the various frequency band allocations used for satellite services. [8]
2. a) Explain the functions of space segment and ground segment of a satellite system. [8]
b) What is an Eclipse? How it affects the satellite function? Explain the way by
which the satellite functions normally. [8]
3. a) Define the following terms:
i) Time of perigee ii) First point of Aries iii) Mean Anomaly iv) Right Ascension [8]
b) Explain the basic differences between an Active and passive satellites. [8]
4. a) List the various frequency bands being used in satellite communication.
Compare the advantages and disadvantages of different bands considering the effects
of propagation media. [16]
5. a) Give a brief history of satellite communications. [8]
b) What are different satellite systems? Explain. [8]
6. a) Explain the frequency allocations for satellite services. [8]
b) Why the uplink frequency is always greater than the downlink frequency in satellite
communication? Explain. [8]
7. a) What are the different segments in satellite architecture? Explain. [8]
b) Why the uplink and downlink frequencies are different? Explain. [8]
8. a) Explain the history of Indian satellite communications. [8]
b) Describe the various frequencies used for satellite communications. [8]
9. a) Explain the architecture of a satellite communication system. [8]
b) Explain the various applications of satellite communications. [8]
10. a) Discuss the future trends and advanced concepts relating to the satellite
communication. [8]
b) Draw a basic block diagram of satellite communication system and explain each
block in detail. [8]
11. a) Write a brief history of Indian satellite communication. [8]
b) Discuss the various satellite services in brief. [8]
12. a) Write a short note on origin of satellite communication. [8]
b) Explain about the basic components of satellite in detail. [8]
13. a) Explain various reasons for preferring satellite communication over optical fiber
communication. [8]
b) Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of satellite communication over other types
of communication methods. [8]
14. a) Give the overview of satellite communications. [8]
b) What are the satellite navigation systems? Discuss. [8]

15. a) What are two approaches used for equipment reliability in the event of failure of
communication capacity of the satellite? Explain [8]
b) What are look angles? How do you determine? Explain with the help of neat
diagrams [8]
16. a) Explain as to how a satellite is placed into geostationary orbit from earth? [8]
b) Discuss the procedure for launches and launch vehicles for spacecrafts. [8]
17. a) What are the different launch vehicle selection factors? Explain [8]
b) Draw and explain the simplified single conversion transponder (bent pipe) for 6/4
GHz band. [8]

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18. a) Discuss the factors which determine the choice of orbit for a communication satellite.
[8]
b) Define elevation angle and derive the expression for it. [8]
19. a) Draw the geocentric equatorial system and explain the process of locating the satellite
with respect to earth. [8]
b) A satellite is in an elliptical orbit with a perigee of 1100 km and an apogee of 4200
km. Using the mean earth radius of 6378.14 km, find the period of the orbit and the
eccentricity of the orbit [8]
20. a) Derive the expression for the time period of satellite's orbit. [8]
b) A satellite is in an elliptical orbit with a perigee of 1000 km and an apogee of 4000
km. using a mean earth radius of 6378.14 km, find the period of the orbit. [8]
21. a) Define the azimuth angle and derive the expression for it. [8]
b) Describe the history of satellite launch vehicles. [8]
22. a) Define the elevation angle and derive the expression for it. [8]
b) What are the various types of satellite launch vehicles? Explain. [8]
23. a) What are the various satellite launch vehicle selection factors? Explain them. [8]
b) Explain the various orbital effects in satellite communication systems performance[8]
24. a) Explain the launching procedure of geo-stationary satellites using launch vehicles.
Give diagrams. [8]
b) Explain in detail about of Orbit perturbations. [8]
25. What are orbit effects? Which effects the performance of satellite? Explain in detail. [16]
26. a) State the Kepler’s laws. Discuss its importance in satellite communications. [8]
b) Explain the effects of the Sun and the Moon on satellite. [8]
27. a) State and derive the expressions for the look angles. Give necessary diagrams. [8]
b) Explain the procedure of Orbit determination. [8]
28. a) Derive expression for the period of satellite's orbit. [8]
b) Draw the orbital plane and discuss the process of locating satellite in the orbit. [8]

UNIT II

SATELLITE SUBSYSTEMS [1]: Attitude and orbit control system, telemetry, tracking,
Command and monitoring, power systems, communication subsystems, Satellite antenna
Equipment reliability and Space qualification.

PART- A

1. Write short notes on satellite antennas. [3]

2. List out the main types of antennas used on satellite. [4]
3. What is meant by spot beam antenna? [2]
4. Write short notes on equipment reliability in a satellite system. [3]
5. Write short notes on the power systems used in the spacecraft. [3]
6. Draw the typical tracking, telemetry, command and monitoring system and explain [4]
7. What is a transponder? What are its types? [3]
8. What are the types of rocket motors used on satellites? [3]
9. What are the differences between the geosynchronous and geostationary orbits? [4]
10. Write short notes on Geosynchronous orbit and Geostationary orbit. [4]
11. Define following terms:
(i) Pitch angle (ii) Frequency Reuse (iii) Spot beam antenna (iv) S/N Ratio [4]

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12. Explain the orbit control system for a spacecraft. [3]

13. Explain about orbit control system. [3]

PART- B

1. a) Explain the working of telemetry, tracking, Command and monitoring subsystem of a

spacecraft. [8]
b) Draw the block diagram of typical onboard control system for a spinner satellite and
explain its operation. [8]
2. a) Write a short note on Telemetry and Tracking. [8]
b) Explain the communication sub-system for the spacecraft. [8]
3. a) Discuss in detail Altitude and orbit control system for a spacecraft. [8]
b) What are the four main types of antennas used in satellites? Explain any two with neat
diagrams [8]
4. a) With the help of a neat diagram, explain the functions of TTC&M system. [8]
b) Explain the operation of a 14/11 GHz transponder with a neat diagram. [8]
5. a) What are different antennas used on satellites? Explain with the help of typical
satellite antenna patterns and coverage zones [8]
b) What is reliability? Explain and derive expression for average failure rate. [8]
6. a) What are the various subsystems in the satellite? Explain the power system. [8]
b) Explain the redundancy type of approach used for improving reliability in satellite.[8]
7. a) Explain the TTC&M satellite subsystem with a neat diagram. [10]
b) Describe the functions of satellite communication subsystem. [6]
8. a) Explain the altitude and orbit control system (AOCS) with necessary diagrams. [8]
b) What are the various approaches used to improve the reliability of the satellite?
Explain anyone. [8]
9. a) What are the various forces acting on the satellite? Explain. [8]
b) Explain the transponder for use in 14/11 GHz band with the help of a neat diagram.[8]
10. a) Write notes on:
(i) Space qualification (ii) Satellite antenna equipment reliability [8]
b) Differentiate the multiplexing and multiple access techniques. [8]
11. a) Explain the satellite antennas. [8]
b) Explain about 6/4 GHz communication subsystem in detail with neat schematics. [8]
12. a) Explain how altitude control is established through various satellite stabilization
techniques. [8]
b) Explain how power is generated in satellite. [8]
13. Explain telemetry, tracking, command and monitoring in detail. [16]
14. a) Draw the simplified block diagram of an INTELSAT V communication system and
explain about transponders [8]
b) Calculate the total power radiated by the Sun in watts and in dB W. Given that the sun
is about 150 million kilometers from the earth and the flux density produced by sun is
1.39 kW/m2 [8]

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UNIT III

SATELLITE LINK DESIGN [1]: Basic transmission theory, system noise temperature and
G/T ratio, Design of down links, up link design, Design of satellite links for specified C/N,
System design example.

PART- A

1. Derive the expression for link equation. [4]

2. What do you understand by the term ‘satellite link'? Explain [3]
3. Define the processing gain. [4]
4. Derive the expression for system noise temperature in a satellite receiver. [4]
5. Write the formula to find the overall C/N ratio in a satellite when the uplink and downlink
C/N ratio are given. [3]
6. Write about rain effects at Ku-band. [4]

PART- B

1. a) Discuss various modulation and multiplexing techniques used with satellite links [8]
b) Explain the design procedure of satellite communication link. [8]
2. a) Define G/ T ratio and give its importance in satellite communication. [8]
3. a) Derive the power received from the satellite at the earth station from the basic
transmission theory. [8]
4. b) Write short notes on the Low noise amplifier used in the receiver of an earth station.
[8]
5. b) A satellite at a distance of 40,000 km from a point on the earth's surface radiates a
power of 10 W from an antenna with a gain of 17 dB in the direction of the observer.
Find the flux density at the receiving point, and the power received by an antenna at
this point with an effective area of 10 m2 . [8]
6. a) What is G/T ratio of a satellite link? Derive the expression for it. [8]
7. a) Derive the expression for system noise temperature of a satellite link. [8]
8. a) What is satellite link equation? Derive the expression for it. [8]
9. a) Derive the expression for C/N ratio in a satellite link. [8]
b) Low earth orbit satellites use mainly L band, with ranges varying from 1000 km to
2500 km. Calculate the maximum and minimum path loss from earth to a satellite, in
dB, for the uplink frequency of 1.6 GHz and down link frequency of 1.5 GHz. [8]
10. a) Explain the design of uplinks and downlinks in detail. [8]
11. a) How does the system noise temperature effect the performance? Derive the
expression for overall system noise temperature at the receiving earth station. [8]
b) Discuss about design of satellite links for specified C/N in detail. [8]
12. b) Design a transmitting earth station to provide a clear air C/N of 26 dB in a C- band
transponder at a frequency of 6.285 GHz. Use an uplink antenna with a diameter of 9
m and an aperture efficiency of 68%, and find the uplink transmitter power to achieve
the required C/N. The uplink station is located on the 2 dB contour of the satellite
footprint. Allow 0.5 dB for clear air atmospheric attenuation and other losses. [8]

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UNIT IV

MULTIPLE ACCESS [1][2]: Frequency division multiple access (FDMA) Intermodulation,

Calculation of C/N. Time division Multiple Access (TDMA) Frame structure, Examples.
Satellite Switched TDMA Onboard processing, DAMA, Code Division Multiple access
(CDMA), Spread spectrum transmission and reception.

PART- A

1. What is intermodulation in FDMA? [4]

2. Define Intermodulation. [3]
3. Describe the basic principle of DAMA. [4]
4. Compare FDMA, TDMA and CDMA. [4]
5. What are the limitations of FDMA-satellite access? [4]
6. What are a single access and multiple access techniques? Define the term frequency
reuse. [4]
7. What is an TDMA? What are the advantages? [4]
8. What are the methods of multiple access techniques? What is CDMA? Give the types of
CDMA. [4]

PART- B

1. b) What is the first multiple access technique used in satellite communication systems?
Explain in detail. [8]
2. b) Explain in detail about the Time division Multiple Access (TDMA) Frame structure.
[8]
3. a) Compare FDMA, TDMA and CDMA techniques [8]
4. a) Draw the TDMA frame structure and explain. [8]
5. b) Explain the principle of CDMA with an example. [8]
6. b) Explain the frame structure of TDMA with a neat sketch. [8]
7. a) What is satellite link equation? Derive the expression for it. [8]
b) Explain the principle FDMA with a neat diagram. [8]
8. a) Explain the TDMA frame structure. [8]
b) Explain the spread spectrum transmission and reception. [8]
9. b) What is the guard time estimation in TDMA? [8]
10. a) Calculate the C/N with inter modulation. [8]
b) Explain FDMA of satellite system with one example. [8]
11. a) Illustrate the basic principle of a direct sequence spread spectrum CDMA system. [8]
.

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UNIT V

EARTH STATION TECHNOLOGY [3]: Introduction, Transmitters, Receivers, Antennas,

Tracking systems, Terrestrial interface, Primary power test methods.
LOW EARTH ORBIT AND GEO-STATIONARY SATELLITE SYSTEMS [1]: Orbit
consideration, coverage and frequency considerations, Delay & Throughput considerations,
System considerations, Operational NGSO constellation Designs

PART- A

1. Explain the delay and throughput considerations of MEO satellites. [4]

2. Describe the system design considerations of GEO satellites. [4]
3. Explain the coverage considerations of GEO satellites. [4]
4. List out the disadvantages of LEO satellites. [4]
5. With a neat diagram explain the various functions of earth station tracking system. [4]
6. Write about Sun synchronous orbit? [4]
7. What are the various types of power amplifiers used at satellite earth station? [4]
8. Define throughput. [3]
9. What is an antenna loss? Define noise factor. [2]
10. What is an antenna loss? The Range between a ground station and a satellite is 42000 km.
calculate the free space loss a frequency of 6 GHz. [4]
11. Write about CATV system. [4]
12. Define Earth segment. Explain about MATV system. [4]
13. Explain about equatorial orbits. [4]

PART- B

1. a) What is meant by sun sync orbit? Explain. [8]

b) Explain the general aspects of coverage and frequency considerations of low earth
orbit. [8]
2. a) Compare LEO and GEO satellites. [8]
b) Define a Geostationary satellite and explain the frequency considerations for the
same. [8]
3. a) Explain briefly about the transmitters and receivers used in satellite earth station? [8]
b) What are different satellite constellation designs? Explain any two of them. [8]
4. a) Define a Geostationary satellite and explain the frequency considerations for the
same. [8]
b) Write notes on Delay & Throughput considerations for a geo stationary satellite. [8]
5. a) Discuss about the primary power test methods used in satellite earth stations? [8]
b) Discuss the following NGSO (Non-Geo Stationary Orbit Constellation
designs: i. Globalstar ii. Teledesic [8]
6. a) Draw the general configuration of an earth station and explain each block. [8]
b) What are the different satellite constellation designs? Explain anyone. [8]
7. a) Explain the operation of earth station receiver with the help of a neat block
diagram. [8]
b) Explain the delay considerations of LEO, MEO and GEO satellites. [8]
8. a) What are the different types of antenna mounts used at earth station? Explain. [8]
b) Compare the low earth orbit and geostationary satellite systems. [8]

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9. a) Explain the operation of earth station transmitter with the help of a neat block
diagram. [8]
b) Explain the throughput considerations of LEO, MEO and GEO satellites. [8]
10. a) Which factors influences the design of any satellite communication systems?
Explain. [8]
b) Explain the terminal characteristics and common requirements of NGOS. [8]
11. a) Why high-power amplifiers are necessary for an earth station? What are its
characteristics? [8]
b) Explain in detail about tracking system in earth station. [8]
12. a) Draw the transmitter and receiver block diagrams of an earth station and
explain its working. [8]
b) Explain coverage and frequency consideration. [8]
13. a) Explain the delay and through put consideration in satellite systems. [8]
b) How to determine the optimum orbital altitude? [8]
14. a) Explain in detail about the earth station antennas used in VSAT earth stations. [8]
b) Discuss about the delay and throughput considerations of a satellite communications
link? [8]

UNIT VI

SATELLITE NAVIGATION & THE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM [1]: Radio and
Satellite Navigation, GPS Position Location principles, GPS Receivers and codes, Satellite
signal acquisition, GPS Navigation Message, GPS signal levels, GPS receiver operation, GPS
C/A code accuracy, Differential GPS.

PART- A

1. What is GPS? Explain [4]

2. Write short notes on GPS receiver operation. [4]
3. Draw the simplified GPS receiver and explain? [4]
4. Describe the applications of GPS [4]
5. Write the various applications of GPS. [4]
6. What are the different functions of GPS? [4]
7. What are the limitations of GPS? [4]
8. What is meant by P-code in GPS satellite? [4]
9. Write short notes on GPS codes. [4]
10. How the position location with GPS is obtained? [4]
11. Give the satellite mobile services. [2]
12. Describe the various sources of errors of a GPS signal. [4]
13. What are the major sources of error in a GPS receiver? [4]
14. What are the different sources of GPS errors? [4]

PART- B

1. a) Explain in detail GPS Position Location principles. [8]

b) Compare GPS and differential GPS. [8]
2. a) Define the following: i) C/A code ii) Selective availability [8]
b) Describe the various sources of errors of a GPS signal. [8]

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3. a) Write notes on GPS Navigation Message and GPS signal levels. [8]
b) Write short notes on GPS Receivers and codes.
4. a) Explain the working of a Differential GPS. [8]
b) What are the different segments in GPS configuration? Explain. [8]
5. Write short notes on the following:
a) GPS receiver operation. [8]
b) GPS Signal levels. [8]
6. a) Explain the operation of GPS receiver. [8]
b) Write short note on GPS C/A code accuracy. [8]
7. a) Explain the generation of GPS signals with a neat sketch. [8]
b) Explain the principle of differential GPS [8]
8. a) Explain the functions of control segment in GPS. [8]
b) Describe the various sources of errors in GPS. [8]
9. a) Draw the block diagram of GPS receiver and explain its operation. [8]
b) Explain the GPS position location principles. [8]
10. a) Explain the position location principles of GPS system. [8]
b) Explain about GPS navigation message. [8]
11. a) Explain about the GPS receivers and its codes. [8]
b) Explain about the differential GPS. [8]
12. a) Explain the trilateration method used for position of GPS receiver. [8]
b) Explain the function of the non-coherent delay lock loop in GPS receiver. [8]
13. a) With neat sketches explain Global positioning satellite system. [10]
b) Explain the technology of range error budget used to provide accuracy in GPS
C/A code receiver. [6]
14. Write short notes on the following:
(a) Differential GPS (b) GPS C/A Code accuracy [16]

Note:
The R13 JNTUK previous questions (Regular April 2017-4 sets, Advance Supply July
2017-1 set, Regular April 2018-4 sets, Regular April 2019-4 sets and Advance Supply July
2019-1 set) are segregated as per R16 JNTUK syllabus, unit wise.

R13 and R16 Syllabus Comparison:

R13
Units 1 (Introduction) and 2 (Orbital
Mechanics and Launchers)
Unit 3 (Satellite Subsystems)
R16
Unit 1 (Introduction & Orbital
=
Mechanics and Launchers)
= Unit 2 (Satellite Subsystems)

Unit 4 (Satellite Link Design & Multiple
Access)
Unit 5 (Earth Station Technology &
Low Earth Orbit and Geo-stationary
Satellite Subsystems)
Unit 6 (Satellite Navigation & The
Global Positioning System)
= Unit 3 (Satellite Link Design)
= Unit 4 (Multiple Access)
Unit 5 (Earth Station Technology &
= Low Earth Orbit and Geo-stationary
Satellite Subsystems)
Unit 6 (Satellite Navigation & The
=
Global Positioning System)

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