Digital Modulation, DVB-S2X and Link Budgets

SAT 115 Digital Modulation, DVB-S2X and Link Budgets is a technician-level course designed for individuals seeking to master the principles and practicalities of digital satellite communications. The curriculum delves into various digital modulation schemes, error correction coding, and the intricacies of the DVB-S2X standard, highlighting its advanced features for enhanced efficiency and performance. A significant portion of the course is dedicated to developing proficiency in calculating and analyzing link budgets, a critical skill for designing, operating, and optimizing satellite communication systems. Furthermore, students will gain valuable insights into identifying, characterizing, and troubleshooting common interference issues that impact satellite link reliability. This course combines theoretical knowledge with practical application to prepare technicians for real-world challenges in satellite ground systems.

InstructorJacob Calhoun

Prerequisites

SAT 105 SAT 110

Course outline

Lectures, virtual labs, and graded assignments — completed in your browser.

01Lesson 1: Introduction to Digital Modulation Principleslecture

02Lesson 2: Advanced Modulation Techniques (QPSK, 8PSK, 16APSK, 32APSK)lecture

03Lesson 3: Forward Error Correction (FEC) and Coding Schemeslecture

04Hands-on Lab: Analyzing Digital Modulation Constellationslab

05Lesson 5: Introduction to DVB-S2X Standard Featureslecture

06Lesson 6: DVB-S2X Operational Modes and Demodulationlecture

07Lesson 7: Understanding Satellite Link Budget Componentslecture

08Hands-on Lab: Calculating a Basic Satellite Link Budgetlab

09Lesson 9: Advanced Link Budget Parameters and Marginslecture

10Lesson 10: Sources and Effects of Satellite Interferencelecture

11Hands-on Lab: Identifying and Mitigating Interference Scenarioslab

12Lesson 12: System Performance Metrics and Quality of Servicelecture

13Lesson 13: Satellite Ground Segment Equipment Overviewlecture

14Capstone Service Project: Optimizing a DVB-S2X Satellite Linkassignment

Syllabus

["Week 1: Lesson 1: Introduction to Digital Modulation Principles","Week 2: Lesson 2: Advanced Modulation Techniques (QPSK, 8PSK, 16APSK, 32APSK)","Week 3: Lesson 3: Forward Error Correction (FEC) and Coding Schemes","Week 4: Hands-on Lab: Analyzing Digital Modulation Constellations","Week 5: Lesson 5: Introduction to DVB-S2X Standard Features","Week 6: Lesson 6: DVB-S2X Operational Modes and Demodulation","Week 7: Lesson 7: Understanding Satellite Link Budget Components","Week 8: Hands-on Lab: Calculating a Basic Satellite Link Budget","Week 9: Lesson 9: Advanced Link Budget Parameters and Margins","Week 10: Lesson 10: Sources and Effects of Satellite Interference","Week 11: Hands-on Lab: Identifying and Mitigating Interference Scenarios","Week 12: Lesson 12: System Performance Metrics and Quality of Service","Week 13: Lesson 13: Satellite Ground Segment Equipment Overview","Week 14: Capstone Service Project: Optimizing a DVB-S2X Satellite Link"]