Module Details

Module Code: SYST H2606
Module Title: Satellite and Microwave Systems
Title: Satellite and Microwave Systems
Module Level:: 6
Credits:: 5
Module Coordinator: Cathal Nolan
Module Author:: Diarmuid OBriain
Domains:  
Module Description: To understand the application of information theory and digital communications concepts in the design of microwave wireless communication systems and to appreciate the operational conditions and constraints of modern microwave systems.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Understand terrestrial and satellite microwave transmission fundamentals.
LO2 Consider and select microwave antenna types appropriate to given scenarios.
LO3 Determine antenna installation considerations, physical, alignment and path loss.
LO4 Contrast the types of transmission lines associated with microwave and satellite systems.
LO5 Test and maintain terrestrial and satellite microwave transmission systems.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Additional Requisite Information
No Co Requisites listed
 
Indicative Content
Fundamentals of Microwave Radio
Spectrum, propagation characteristics, Freznel zone.
Fundamentals of Satellite Systems
Characteristics of Satellites, System Elements, Satellite Orbit Configurations, Frequency Spectrum Allocations, Satellite Network Architectures, Point-to-Multipoint Networks, Point-to-Point Networks, VSAT Networks, Propagation on the Earth-Space Link.
Microwave link Engineering
Antenna choice, positioning, Link Requirements, Electromagnetic Environments, Capacity, Feed Assemblies, Shields and Radomes, High-performance Antennas, High Capacity Antennas, Direct Radio Integration.
Transmission Lines
Types of Waveguide, Flanges, Pressurization, Dehydrators, Waveguide assembly.
Antenna installation
Antenna Path Alignment, Antenna Path Loss, Transmission Line Loss, Compass Readings and Azimuth Markers.
Testing and Maintenance
VSWR, Test Equipment, Maintenance.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment100.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Multiple Choice Questions % of Total Mark 60
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
MCQ: The students will be given MCQs to assess their knowledge of terrestrial and satellite microwave systems during the semester.
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 40
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Each student will be given an aspect of satellite communications to research and report on. This will include a presentation to their peers at the end of the semester.
No Project
No Practical
No End of Module Formal Examination

Part Time

Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Multiple Choice Questions % of Total Mark 60
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
MCQ: The students will be given MCQs to assess their knowledge of terrestrial and satellite microwave systems during the semester.
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 40
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Each student will be given an aspect of satellite communications to research and report on. This will include a presentation to their peers at the end of the semester.
No Project
No Practical
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Category Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lab/Lecture Contact No Description Every Week 3.00 3
Independent Learning Time Non Contact No Description Every Week 3.00 3
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Antonio Raffo,Giovanni Crupi. (2016), Microwave Wireless Communications, Academic Press, p.408, [ISBN: 0128039361].
  • Mike Golio,Janet Golio. (2018), RF and Microwave Applications and Systems, CRC Press, p.690, [ISBN: 1420006711].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
This module does not have any other resources
Discussion Note: