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Elements and Performance Criteria

Research satellite communication systems
Analyse uplink and downlink variables
Conduct a link budget analysis
- Produce a satellite link budget and calculate link margin for a satellite system with specified modulation types
- Analyse the relationship between the bit error ratio (BER) for a given energy per bit per noise power density (Eb/No) and forward error correction (FEC) parameter for determining the operational performance of the link
Analyse properties of geostationary satellites

Required Skills

Required skills

analytical skills to solve complex problems by making informed judgements and assumptions

literacy skills to prepare reports following an analysis or evaluation

planning and organisational skills to develop systems and procedures in solving complex mathematical formulas

problem solving and contingency management skills to manage unforeseen issues

research skills to gather and record data from measurements

technical skills to visualise radio frequency RF systems on board operational satellite platforms

Required knowledge

antenna calculations

effective isotropic radiated power EIRP

carriernoise ratio

constellation and eye diagrams

decibels dB dBm dBW

distance to satellite and typical delays

frequency spectrum satellite bands

geostationary orbit

link budget calculation

look angle calculations

low earth orbiting LEO satellites

modulation types

spread spectrum

direct sequence

frequency hopping

Evidence Required

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria required skills and knowledge range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the ability to

analyse satellite communications system architecture

produce a satellite link budget and calculate link margin for a range of digital modulation types

calculate the look angles for a geostationary satellite from any receiving location

analyse and specify the major features of VSAT systems

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure

site on which satellite analysis may be conducted

data calculators and appropriate software tools

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge The following examples are appropriate for this unit

direct observation of the candidate performing analysis

review of link budget documentation completed by the candidate

review of look angle calculation reports

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of satellite communications systems

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector workplace and job role is recommended for example

ICTRFNB Produce a radio link budget

ICTRFN7182B Produce a radio link budget.

Aboriginal people and other people from a non English speaking background may have second language issues

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and assessment support when required

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the oral communication skill level and language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed

In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess required knowledge Questioning techniques should not require language literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit of competency

Where applicable physical resources should include equipment modified for people with special needs

Range Statement

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Satellite applications may include:	broadcasting: broadcast satellite service (BSS) fixed service satellite (FSS) defence domestic communications earth observation: mapping meteorology international communications: Intelsat global positioning system (GPS) navigational.
Orbit may include:	geostationary inclined orbit low earth orbiting (LEO): polar non-polar Molniya highly elliptical orbit.
Multiple access techniques may include:	code division multiple access (CDMA) frequency division multiple access (FDMA) hybrid multiple access schemes: FDMA/time division multiple access TDMA polarisation division multiple access (PDMA) space division multiple access (SDMA) time division multiple access (TDMA).
Uplink and downlink criteria may include:	antenna gain bandwidth error correction bits modulation type path loss transmitter power.
Specified modulation types may include:	m-PSK: 8PSK OQPSK QPSK M-QAM: 16QAM spread spectrum: direct sequence frequency hopping.
Look angles include:	azimuth elevation.
Frequency re-use may include:	orthogonal polarisation spatial discrimination directional beams.
Very small aperture terminal may include:	availability latency multicast topology.