Unit Code: PHY823

Unit Name: Propagation Effects in Satellite Communication Systems

Description: The rapid advancements in wireless communications have seen the evolution of smart devices and technology, but at the same time, congestion of most frequency bands. It is essential to understand the performance of existing links and propagation effects to suggest modifications in existing models. This paves the pathway for signal attenuation modelling of other available communication bands which can be utilized in future. The purpose of this course is to provide a fundamental understanding of topics in the areas such as satellite communications, radio waves and modes of wave propagation, satellite communications link, signal impairment mechanisms on the propagation path: atmospheric gases, aerosols, clouds, fog, rain, lightning, and electrons and ions and their effects on propagation. This course ends with propagation effects modelling and prediction. The student will be introduced to internationally accepted models for satellite communication links. In the delivery of this course, emphasis will be placed on instrumentation techniques for data collection for possible and relevant research projects.

Learning Target Outcomes: The course will involve theoretical and practical aspects. As a result of successfully completing this unit, the students will be able to: 1. Explain the fundamentals of satellite communication systems and satellite orbits. 2. Distinguish signal attenuation effects on radio wave propagation and the radio frequency (RF) link. 3. Analyze tropospheric effects on signal propagation due to clouds and rain. 4. Explain the time-varying structure of Earth\'s ionosphere and ionospheric effects on signal propagation. 5. Design data acquisition based measurement systems for downlink signal monitoring to investigate propagation effects modelling and prediction.

Prerequisite: Bachelor Degree with Physics as a major subject

Prerequisite Sentence: N/A

Credit Point: 30

Offered In: Semester 1,2