Earth Station

Communication by Satellite Relay

Communications Satellite 1
Intersatellite link

Communications Satellite 2

Earth terminal
Relay to 2nd satellite

Earth terminal

Analog and Digital lines

Analog and Digital lines

Uplink Model
Satellite Transponder receive section

Other losses Free space losses

Upconverter Antenna Data Modulator BPF in IF

X LO

BPF

Satellite Transponder
From earth station

Filter

TDA

Frequency translator

Towards earth station

X
LO
4

Filter

TDA

Mux

Downlink Model
Satellite transmitter

Free space losses Other losses BPF

Earth station Antenna
5

Down converter

X LO

BPF

IF

Demod

Data out

INTELSAT ???
INternational TELecom SATellite Organization Commercial global satellite system Owned & operated by more than 100 nations

Provides modern, high quality services to its members

Uses TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) Uses QPSK (Quadri Phase Shift Keying)
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Satellite Communications

First satellite Intelsat I (called Early Bird) was designed to handle 240 voice channels (in 1965) Telephone and television broadcast signals are beamed up to the satellite from an earth through the use of a large, highly directive microwave dish antenna that is synchronized to the position of the satellite

Types of Earth Station Antennas

Standard A Earth Station Antenna
Standard B Earth Station Antenna Transportable Earth Station Antenna Small Earth Station Antenna Ship Earth Station Antenna
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Types of Earth Stations

Heavy Route Light Route Broadcast Type
Thousands of voice and data channels 5 to 300 channels

Used in Cable TV (CATV) systems

Rooftop Type

Only used for reception. Available in 12 GHz band

Antenna
The first part of any typical large satellite earth station is the "antenna". The antenna is also frequently referred to as a "dish" or "reflector". The typical large earth station system uses a 7 meter diameter or larger antenna. The large size is usually to guarantee maximum CNR (carrier to noise ratio) under all circumstances. Large earth stations normally require a crane to install them, and have massive concrete foundations that support them.
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Continued..
These earth stations can be used to transmit and receive voice, data, FAX, or Internet almost anywhere world wide. The antenna gathers the receive signal into the area out in front of the dish which is called the "focal point". The parabolic curve of the dish reflects the signal into a pyramid shape out in front of the antenna at the focal point. Most large earth station antennas incorporate what is called a "subreflector", which is mounted at this focal point. The subreflector reflects the signal back towards the dish, and focuses it into what is called the "feed horn". The feed horn is usually mounted inside the antenna's hub and channels the signal into what is called an "LNA" (low noise amplifier). The feed horn is where the "polarity" of a system is selected. Most systems use a vertical and horizontal polarity format. The majority of satellites have dual polarity with 24 transponders (channels). In most cases 12 channels (transponders) will be vertical, and 12 channels (transponders) will be horizontal. Physically rotating the feed horn by hand is usually how the polarity is selected. Some systems do incorporate a motorized feed for peaking and selecting the satellite polarity. Other systems use a dual port feed to receive both polarities simultaneously.

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Continued.
The LNA takes the signal that the dish has gathered up from the feed horn, and amplifies it over 100,000 times. It also filters out noise in the signal, which is where we get the noise temperature ratings on LNAs. The lower the noise temperature rating of an LNA, the better the carrier to noise ratio will usually be. In simple terms. The lower the noise temperature of an LNA, the better it will perform. The LNA is normally attached to the "transmit reject filter" of the feed horn. The transmit reject filter prevents the transmit signal from reflecting into the receive signal. The receive signal travels from the transmit reject filter through a large high frequency cable into the indoor electronics location. The signal is now directed into what is called the "down converter". The purpose of the down converter is to convert the high frequency satellite signal down into a lower (usually 70 Mhz) frequency. The down converter sends the lower converted frequency into what is called a "satellite modem". The satellite modem selects the audio, video, or data frequency you want to receive.
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How do large earth stations transmit?

The data, voice, or FAX you want to transmit is fed into the satellite modem which selects it's bandwidth and frequency. The satellite modem then sends the signal into what is called the "up converter". The up converter converts the low (usually 70 Mhz) signal into a much higher satellite frequency. The signal is then directed into a high power amplifier. The amplifier (usually 5 to 1000 watts) sends the high power and high frequency signal out to the antenna through what is called the "transmit waveguide". Waveguide is a metal conduit that carries the high frequency signal with minimal signal lose. It can be flexible or rigid for use in various applications. It is also necessary to handle the heat created by the high power of the signal at this point. The waveguide channels the high power signal back into the feed horn located out at the antenna. The feed horn focuses the amplified signal onto the subreflector. The subreflector focuses the signal onto the dish and reflects it back up to the satellite.

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Satellite Antenna Installation

The most important part of any satellite antenna installation is the "site survey". The primary reason for a site survey is to insure a clear line of site to the satellite you are trying to access. Trees, buildings, mountains, and even homes that are situated between your satellite antenna and the satellite you are trying to receive, can reflect the signals away and block them from being accessed. The main part of any site survey is to verify you can access the satellite signals.

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Typical Small Transmit & Receive System

The first part of any typical small transmit/receive (tx/rx) satellite system is the "antenna". The antenna is also frequently referred to as a "dish" or "reflector". The typical tx/rx system uses what is called a "spoon" or "offset" type antenna. Spoon and Offset antennas offer the benefit of lower noise and better filtering of terrestrial interference. Spoon and Offset antennas are the preferred choice for most small transmit and receive applications. These systems are similar to the typical TVRO system, with one exception. They transmit a signal back to the satellite orbiting out in space. This allows two way communications between the user (customer) and the vendor (broadcaster). This type of system can be used to transmit and receive voice, data, FAX, or Internet almost anywhere world wide.

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Typical TVRO (Television Receive Only) Antenna

The first part of any typical TVRO (television receive only) satellite system is the antenna. The antenna is also frequently called "dish" or "reflector". The antenna gathers the signal up into the area out in front of the reflector which is called the "focal point". The parabolic curve of the dish reflects the signal into a pyramid shape out in front of the reflector at the focal point of the antenna. The "feed horn" is mounted at this focal point and channels the signal into what is called an LNA, LNB, or LNC. The feed horn is where the "polarity" of a system is selected. Most systems use a vertical and horizontal polarity format.

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LNA & LNB

The most widely used receive amplifier design in TVRO systems today is the LNB (low noise block converter). An LNB sends all tunable satellite signals out of what is called a "down converter" simultaneously, while an LNA only sends a single tuned satellite signal out of the "down converter". LNB type systems have the down converter and amplifier built together all in one unit, and make multiple receiver applications much more cost effective. LNA and LNC type systems usually have the down converter built as a separate unit.

Each LNB style is made in two versions - single and dual. A single LNB has only one output and can be connected to only one receiver. This signal cannot be split to two receivers because this would interfere with the polarity control and cause loss of channels. A dual LNB has two independent outputs which can be connected to two receivers each with full control of all channels. More than two receivers requires the use of a multiswitch.

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LNA Noise Temperature

Is measured in Kelvin (K) - the lower the better! Is a measure of the amount of noise generated by the LNA Typical performance: 30 K to 70 K Isolated LNAs have higher noise temperatures or cost more for the same performance (but have better input VSWR). The noise temperature of an LNA is the temperature a terminating resistor would have to have if connected to the input of the LNA (assuming it does not generate any noise) to result in the same noise power at the LNA output. LNA noise performance is sometimes specified in terms of Noise Figure which is measured in dB.

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Malachh Earth Station

In Pakistan , Satellite Communication Started with installation of Dehmandro Standard- A Earth Station near Karachi in 1972 It catered for the needs of International telecommunication services including international TV for more than a decade satisfactorily. Increase in National network demanded increased International connectivity. A second Earth Station was proposed near Islamabad (Malachh) to cater for the increased telecommunication needs of the country. .

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Major Sub-Systems

Ground Communication Equipment Backhaul Link Antenna Sub-system Low Noise Amplifier Sub-system High Power Amplifier Sub-system Control&Monitor Console & CSMS Power Supply Sub-system Air Conditioning Sub-system

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Ground Communication Equipment

GCE equipment initially comprised of FDM transmitters and receivers. Gradually the FDM system has been phased out with IDR Digital Carriers. IDR is a Digital Transmission mode ,efficient in satellite bandwidth utilization and low maintenance. IDR/TCM Modems Variable Data Rate IDR/TCM IDR Modems 64 kbps~8448 Mbps) 8+1 Redundancy Configuration Automatic switching to standby in case of any modem failure Up Converters Operating bandwidth of 140+36 MHz 3+1 Redundancy Configuration Automatic switching to standby in case of any Up converter failure

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contd.

Down Converters Operating bandwidth of 140+36 MHz 7+1 Redundancy Configuration Automatic switching to standby in case of any Down converter failure

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Antenna Sub System

The 32 meter Intelsat Standard A Antenna is the most prominent feature of the Earth Station. Frequency Band (Enhanced C-Band) Tx: 5850~6425 MHz Rx: 3625~4200 MHz Main Reflector Dia: 32 Meters Type: Wheels on Track Tracking: Automatic Weight: 243 Tons

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High Power Amplifier Sub-system

Initially, Klystron Power Amplifiers were installed which have now been replaced by TWT HPAs. Four TWT HPAs each capable of transmitting a maximum power of 700 Watts. 1+1 redundancy configuration One (1+1) Unit in A-POL One (1+1) Unit in B-POL Automatic switching facility

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Low Noise Amplifier Sub-system

Three thermo-electrically cooled amplifier units in 2+1 redundancy configuration. Control & Monitor Units Automatic Switchover facility

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Control&Monitor and CSMS

Control&Monitor Console provides: Antenna Control status indication Operational status indication for FDM equipment & Power Supply sub-system. TV Signal monitor Standard Time Clock Earth station to Earth Station co-ordination telephone network Computerized Station Management System provides: Control and Monitor functions of IDR Modems, Up/Down Converters, HPAs and LNAs. Alarm logging facility

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Power Supply Subsystem

Automatic Voltage Regulator. standby Engine -Generators. AC Un-interruptible Power Supply Storage Battery Bank The station normally works on commercial power which is stabilized by Automatic Voltage Regulator. In the event of commercial power failure, standby engine-generator starts and takes over the station load. Until the generator is stabilized, all the critical equipment load is fed from the storage battery bank of the UPS. AC UPS is normally on line and acts as a buffer against commercial power transients.

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Air-conditioning Subsystem

The building is fully air-conditioned

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THANKYOU

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