Satellite Communications Training System, LabVolt Series
Table of Contents
General Description _________________________________________________________________________________ 2
System Configurations and Capabilities_________________________________________________________________ 3
Topic Coverage _____________________________________________________________________________________ 3
Features & Benefits _________________________________________________________________________________ 4
List of Available Training Systems______________________________________________________________________ 4
Additional Equipment Required to Perform the Exercises___________________________________________________ 4
Optional Equipment _________________________________________________________________________________ 4
Available Training Systems ___________________________________________________________________________ 5
Equipment Description ______________________________________________________________________________ 7
Optional Equipment Description______________________________________________________________________ 19
General Description
The Satellite Communications Training System is a versatile telecommunications training platform designed to
teach modern telecommunications technologies in the classroom using a fully operational satellite link. The
transmitter, receiver, and satellite repeater operate at realistic uplink and downlink frequencies and at safe
power levels.
The system allows students to observe and study a wide range of telecommunications concepts such as digital
and analog modulation, scrambling, differential encoding, and frequency conversion as well as concepts
specifically related to satellite communications. In addition, since noise and losses affect the performance of all
telecommunications systems, performance-related concepts such as noise figure, figure of merit, link budget,
and the performance ratio C/N0 are also covered.
The Earth Station Transmitter performs analog (wideband FM) or digital (DQPSK) modulation of the baseband
signal, then transmits the upconverted uplink signal to the Satellite Repeater. The Satellite Repeater is a
transparent repeater that shifts the uplink signal to a lower frequency, amplifies it, and then retransmits it as
the downlink signal. The Earth Station Receiver downconverts and demodulates the downlink signal to recover
the baseband signal. The Earth Station Transmitter and the Earth Station Receiver can be placed on the same
table for easy connection to instruments, as shown in the photo above, or can be physically separated.
In order to meet a variety of needs and budgets, a number of options are available. With the Satellite
Communications Training System and customer-supplied conventional instruments, students have all the
components required to study concepts and technology of telecommunications and satellite communications.
The optional Telemetry and Instrumentation Add-On is an economical alternative to expensive, high-frequency
conventional instruments. This add-on, used in conjunction with the Telemetry and Instrumentation software,
provides telemetry with the Satellite Receiver as well as a full suite of virtual instruments.
The Orbit Simulator (included with the Satellite Communications Training System and available separately)
provides interactive visualization of satellite orbital mechanics and satellite coverage. It can be used to study
satellite orbits for any type of application including communications, remote sensing, military reconnaissance,
navigation, scientific research, mapping, or disaster detection. It also illustrates the theory behind antenna
alignment with geostationary satellites. The optional Dish Antenna and Accessories provides hands-on
experience in aligning a typical antenna with real geostationary satellites.
Note: Telemetry and instrumentation equipment is required to perform the exercises using the satellite repeater
in the Satellite Communications Training System. This required equipment is available in the Telemetry and
Instrumentation Add-On, Model 8093-1. Alternately, users can use their own telemetry and instrumentation
Satellite Communications Training System, LabVolt Series
equipment (0-11.26 GHz spectrum analyzer, oscilloscope, BER indicator, function generator, and one or more
data generators).
A Windows-based computer is required to run the applications in the Orbit Simulator and Software Suite.
Customers can supply their own computer or purchase the optional Satellite Communications Host Computer,
Model 9695-B0.
System Configurations and Capabilities
The student manuals contain optional procedure steps to take into consideration the different options
available. The following table shows the possible system configurations and the capabilities of each
configuration:
Note: When performing data transfer using one computer, the data sent from the computer is transmitted over the satellite link and
received by the same computer. The Data Transfer software allows using two computers, a sending computer connected to the Earth
Station Transmitter and a receiving computer connected to the Earth Station Receiver.
Provides hands-on, system-level training in telecommunications and satellite communications technologies.
•
Realistic system reflecting the standards and modulation types used in modern satellite communications
systems.
•
Uses license-free transmission and low power levels for complete safety.
•
Can be interfaced with external analog or digital equipment.
•
Fault-insertion capability in the Earth Station Transmitter, Earth Station Receiver, and Satellite Repeater (via
telemetry) allows the teaching of troubleshooting.
•
Comprehensive courseware provides theory and step-by-step laboratory procedures.
•
Includes both analog and digital modulators/demodulators to provide an analog or digital link from transmitter
to repeater to receiver.
•
The analog link uses Wideband FM Modulation allowing transmission and reception of analog (e.g. audio or
video) signals. The 10 MHz bandwidth is sufficient for transmission of composite video or multiplexed (FDM)
signals from external equipment.
•
The digital link allows data rates up to 20 Mbit/s and includes a built-in 4-channel TDM multiplexer and
demultiplexer. On the transmitter and the receiver, three TDM channels have BNC connectors; one channel has a
USB port for data transfer with a computer running the Data Transfer applications.
•
The Data Transfer applications allow transmission of files, text messages and real-time data over the satellite
link.
•
The Orbit Simulator software provides interactive visualization of satellite orbital mechanics and satellite
coverage and illustrates the theory behind antenna alignment with geostationary satellites.
•
The Telemetry and Instrumentation Add-On provides waveform and data generation, data acquisition, virtual
instruments, and telemetry with the Satellite Repeater.
•
Telemetry capabilities include remote power measurement, gain control, and redundancy switching, as well as
remote fault insertion and diagnostics for troubleshooting the Satellite Repeater.
•
Optional Telemetry and Instrumentation Add-On is an economical alternative to expensive, high-frequency
conventional instruments
•
Can expand and complete existing telecommunication programs (radar, antenna, microwave, etc.)
•
With the horn antennas included, the maximum transmission distance (between the transmitter or receiver and
the repeater) is at least 4 m (13 ft).
Satellite Communications Training System, LabVolt Series
List of Available Training Systems
Qty Description
1Satellite Communications Training System ___________________________________________ 582081 (8093-00)
1Telemetry and Instrumentation - Add-On ____________________________________________ 582084 (8093-10)
Model
number
Additional Equipment Required to Perform the Exercises
Satellite Communications Training System, LabVolt Series
Available Training Systems
Satellite Communications Training System
582081 (8093-00)
The Satellite Communications Training System is a state-of-theart training system that covers the field of satellite
communications. Specifically designed for hands-on training,
the system covers modern satellite communication technologies
including analog and digital modulation. This system is designed
to use realistic satellite uplink and downlink frequencies at safe
power levels and to reflect the standards commonly used in
modern satellite communications systems.
This training system must be used in conjunction with either the
Telemetry and Instrumentation - Add-On, Model 8093-1, or telemetry devices provided by the user.
List of Equipment
Qty Description
1Earth Station Transmitter _________________________________________________________ 581864 (9570-00)
1Earth Station Receiver ____________________________________________________________ 581867 (9571-00)
1Satellite Repeater _______________________________________________________________ 581870 (9572-00)
1Cables and Accessories __________________________________________________________ 581876 (9579-00)
1Orbit Simulator Software _________________________________________________________ 581877 (9581-00)
3Power Cord - Type B ____________________________________________________________ 789405 (95451-00)
Model
number
List of Manuals
Description
Principles of Satellite Communications (Student Manual) __________________________________580537 (86311-00)
Principles of Satellite Communications (Instructor Guide) __________________________________580538 (86311-10)
Satellite Communications Training System (User Guide) ___________________________________580540 (86311-E0)
Link Characteristics and Performance (Student Manual) ___________________________________580541 (86312-00)
Link Characteristics and Performance (Instructor Guide) ___________________________________580542 (86312-10)
Satellite Orbits, Coverage, and Antenna Alignment (Student Manual) ________________________580610 (87768-00)
Satellite Orbits, Coverage, and Antenna Alignment (Instructor Guide) ________________________580611 (87768-10)
Manual
number
Table of Contents of the Manual(s)
Principles of Satellite Communications (Student Manual) (580537 (86311-00))
Satellite Communications Training System, LabVolt Series
•
4-3 Troubleshooting the Satellite Repeater using Telemetry (Optional, Requires the Telemetry and
Instrumentation Add-On)
•
4-4 Troubleshooting a Satellite Communication Link
Link Characteristics and Performance (Student Manual) (580541 (86312-00))
•
1 Power Gain and Antenna Parameters
•
2 Losses, Radiated Power and Receiver Input Power
•
3 Noise and the Link Budget
Satellite Orbits, Coverage, and Antenna Alignment (Student Manual) (580610 (87768-00))
•
1 Orbital Mechanics
•
2 Satellite Orbits and Coverage
•
3 Antenna Alignment for Geostationary Satellites
System Specifications
ParameterValue
Computer Requirements
Physical Characteristics
Intended LocationOn a table
Dimensions (H x W x D)450 x 5540 x 1850 mm (17.7 x 218.1 x 72.8 in)
Net WeightTBE
A currently available personal computer running under one of the following operating systems: Windows® 7 or
Windows® 8.
Telemetry and Instrumentation - Add-On
582084 (8093-10)
The Telemetry and Instrumentation Add-On is used with the
Telemetry and Instrumentation software to provide virtual
instruments and telemetry with the repeater. This add-on
consists of two modules: the Data Generation/Acquisition
Interface, Model 9573, and the Virtual Instrument Package,
Model 1250-A. These modules, used in conjunction with the
Telemetry and Instrumentation software, provide virtual
instruments designed for the display and measurement of the
baseband, IF and RF signals present in the system as well as
virtual generators used to generate analog and digital baseband signals for transmission.
List of Equipment
Qty Description
1Data Generation/Acquisition Interface ______________________________________________ 581873 (9573-00)
1Power Cord - C7 Type A __________________________________________________________ 782859 (85978-00)
1Power Cord - Type B ____________________________________________________________ 789405 (95451-00)
System Specifications
ParameterValue
Computer Requirements
A currently available personal computer running under one of the following operating systems: Windows® 7 or
Satellite Communications Training System, LabVolt Series
Equipment Description
Earth Station Transmitter
581864 (9570-00)
The Earth Station Transmitter is designed to teach groundsegment signal processing, modulation, and frequency
conversion techniques. It includes an Analog Modulator and a
Digital Modulator as well as two up converters.
The Analog Modulator section provides pre-emphasis baseband
processing as well as wideband FM modulation, both commonly
used in satellite communications systems. The 10 MHz
bandwidth is sufficient for transmitting one composite television
signal. The Wideband FM Modulator generates a modulated
signal at 340 MHz, the first intermediate frequency (IF 1) of the
transmitter.
The Digital Modulator section provides time-division
multiplexing (TDM), scrambling, encoding and digital
modulation. The TDM multiplexer allows multiplexing up to four
data streams at a maximum data rate of 4 Mbit/s per stream. Three of the multiplexer inputs have BNC
connectors whereas the fourth input has a USB connector for transmitting data from a computer. A fifth BNC
input connector with its own Sampler is provided for a high bit-rate, unmultiplexed data stream of up to 20
Mbit/s. A switch allows selecting either the multiplexed or the high-bit rate data.
A Scrambler is used to ensure frequent transitions in the data and to spread the power smoothly over the
available bandwidth. A Clock & Frame Encoder is used to add transitions to the multiplexed data in order to
ensure reliable clock recovery in the receiver as well as control bits for frame synchronization. Both the
Scrambler and the Clock & Frame Encoder can be switched on or off independently.
The Digital Modulator section uses DQPSK (differential quadrature phase-shift keying) modulation, a type of
digital modulation commonly used in satellite communications systems. BNC connectors provide access to the I
and Q channel signals of the DQPSK modulator. Front-panel test points provide access to signals at each
intermediate stage of the modulation process. The DQPSK modulator generates a modulated signal at 340 MHz,
the first intermediate frequency (IF 1) of the transmitter.
An SMA cable is used to connect the IF 1 signal from either the Analog Modulator or the Digital Modulator
section to Up Converter 1, which shifts the signal frequency up to the IF 2 range (1.56 GHz). Up Converter 2
further shifts the signal frequency to produce the RF Output signal. Up Converter 2 includes a Channel selector
to select one of six uplink frequencies in the 11 GHz range. It also has a Power Sensor to facilitate measurement
of the transmitted power. A large-aperture horn antenna connected to the RF output transmits the uplink signal
to the Satellite Repeater.
Additional Equipment Required to Perform the Exercises
Qty Description
1
Power Cord - Type F ____________________________________________________________ 789182 (93992-05)
Model
number
2
2
The power cord line is not included with stand-alone Earth Station Transmitters. Please add the right power cord line for the region. Note that when
ordering a system, all power cord lines are included.
Satellite Communications Training System, LabVolt Series
Qty Description
1
Power Cord - Type B ___________________________________________________________ 789405 (95451-00)
1
Power Cord - Type I ____________________________________________________________ 789406 (95451-0A)
Specifications
ParameterValue
Analog Modulation TypeWideband FM (10 MHz bandwidth)
Analog Baseband Signal ProcessingPre-emphasis
Analog Inputs
Connector TypeBNC
Voltage RangeCalibrated for 1.0 Vpp, 5.0 Vpp max.
Digital Modulation TypeDQPSK (differential quadrature phase-shift keying)
Digital Baseband Signal Processing4-channel TDM (time-division multiplexing), scrambling, clock & frame encoding
Data Inputs
Connector Type3 BNC and 1 USB for TDM channels, 1 BNC for unmultiplexed data
Voltage LevelTTL (for BNC inputs)
Maximum Bit Rates4 Mbit/s per BNC TDM channel, 2 MBit/s for USB TDM channel, 20 Mbit/s for unmultiplexed data
Intermediate Frequencies340 MHz (IF 1) and 1.56 GHz (IF 2)
RF Output
Connector TypeSMA
Power Level5 dBm (typical, varies slightly with selected channel)
Plane-Wave Equivalent Power Density
Carrier Frequency Range10.7 – 11.2 GHz
Uplink Channels6
Power Sensor Output Characteristic
Slope12.5 dBm/V approx. (at 11 GHz)
Intercept0 V corresponds to approx. -16.6 dBm (at 11 GHz)
Faults7 (switch-insertable)
Power Requirements
From dc source15 V (60 VA max.)
External power adapter100 - 240 V AC, 50-60 Hz, 2A
Service InstallationStandard single-phase outlet
Physical Characteristics
Dimensions (H x W x D)305 x 330 x 305 mm (12 x 13 x 12 in.)
Net Weight4.5 kg (12.0 lb.)
0.04 mW/cm² with Large-Aperture Horn Antenna (Health Canada and FCC maximum exposure recommendation
for the general public at this frequency is 1 mW/cm²)
Model
number
3
4
3
The power cord line is not included with stand-alone Earth Station Transmitters. Please add the right power cord line for the region. Note that when
ordering a system, all power cord lines are included.
4
The power cord line is not included with stand-alone Earth Station Transmitters. Please add the right power cord line for the region. Note that when
ordering a system, all power cord lines are included.
Satellite Communications Training System, LabVolt Series
Earth Station Receiver
581867 (9571-00)
The Earth Station Receiver is designed to teach ground-segment
frequency conversion, demodulation, and signal processing
techniques. It includes two down converters as well as an
Analog Demodulator and a Digital Demodulator.
A large-aperture horn antenna with an integrated LNA (low-noise
amplifier) receives the downlink signal from the Satellite
Repeater. This antenna is connected to the RF Input of Down
Converter 2, which includes a Channel selector to select one of
six downlink frequencies in the 9 GHz range. Down Converter 2,
which also includes a Power Sensor to facilitate measurement of
the received power level, shifts the signal down to the 1.56 GHz
range (IF 2). Down Converter 1 further shifts the signal down to
the 280 MHz range (IF 1). An SMA cable is used to connect the IF
1 signal to either the Analog Demodulator or the Digital Demodulator section.
The Analog Demodulator section provides wideband FM demodulation as well as de-emphasis baseband
processing.
The Digital Demodulator section provides DQPSK demodulation, decoding, descrambling and demultiplexing.
Front-panel test points provide access to signals at each intermediate stage of the demodulation process. The
DQPSK demodulator uses a Costas loop to recover the carrier from the IF 1 signal. BNC connectors provide
access to the I and Q channel signals of the QPSK Costas loop. The demodulator also has a Clock Recovery block
to recover a clock signal which is made available at a BNC connector. The serial data from the DQPSK
demodulator is sent through a Clock & Frame Decoder and a Descrambler and then to the TDM demultiplexer
which demultiplexes the data into four data streams. Three of the demultiplexer outputs have BNC connectors
whereas the fourth output has a USB connector for sending the received data to a computer. A fifth BNC output
connector with its own Descrambler is provided for a high bit-rate, unmultiplexed data stream.
Additional Equipment Required to Perform the Exercises
Qty Description
1
Power Cord - Type F ____________________________________________________________ 789182 (93992-05)
1
Power Cord - Type B ___________________________________________________________ 789405 (95451-00)
1
Power Cord - Type I ____________________________________________________________ 789406 (95451-0A)
Specifications
ParameterValue
Analog Demodulation TypeWideband FM (10 MHz bandwidth)
Analog Baseband Signal ProcessingDe-emphasis
Analog Output
Connector TypeBNC
Digital Demodulation TypeDQPSK (differential quadrature phase-shift keying)
Model
number
5
6
7
5
The power cord line is not included with stand-alone Earth Station Receivers. Please add the right power cord line for the region. Note that when
ordering a system, all power cord lines are included.
6
The power cord line is not included with stand-alone Earth Station Receivers. Please add the right power cord line for the region. Note that when
ordering a system, all power cord lines are included.
7
The power cord line is not included with stand-alone Earth Station Receivers. Please add the right power cord line for the region. Note that when
ordering a system, all power cord lines are included.
Satellite Communications Training System, LabVolt Series
ParameterValue
Digital Baseband Signal ProcessingDescrambling, clock & frame decoding, 4-channel TDM (time-division demultiplexing)
Data Outputs
Connector Type3 BNC and 1 USB for TDM channels, 1 BNC for unmultiplexed data
Voltage LevelTTL (for BNC outputs)
Maximum Bit Rates4 Mbit/s per BNC TDM channel, 2 MBit/s for USB TDM channel, 20 Mbit/s for unmultiplexed data
Intermediate Frequencies1.56 GHz (IF 2) and 280 MHz (IF 1)
RF Input
Connector TypeSMA
Power Level-50 dBm
Carrier Frequency Range8.7 – 9.2 GHz
Downlink Channels6
IF 1 Input
Power Level+5 to +7 dBm to Analog Demodulator; -5 to -3 dBm to Digital Modulator
Gain35 to 65 dB (variable)
Power Sensor Output Characteristic
Slope24.0 dBm/V approx.
Intercept0 V corresponds to approx. -65.9 dBm
Faults7 (switch-insertable)
Power Requirements
From dc source15 V (60 VA max.)
External power adapter100 - 240 V AC, 50-60 Hz, 2A
Service InstallationStandard single-phase outlet
Physical Characteristics
Dimensions (H x W x D)305 x 330 x 305 mm (12 x 13 x 12 in.)
Net Weight6 kg (12.4 lb.)
Satellite Repeater
581870 (9572-00)
The Satellite Repeater is designed to teach the operation of a
transparent satellite payload, including telemetry and remote
troubleshooting and maintenance using redundancy switching.
A small-aperture horn antenna receives the uplink signal from
the Earth Station Transmitter. A low-noise block (LNB) shifts all
frequencies in the uplink signal range (11 GHz) to the downlink
frequency range (9 GHz). The bandwidth of the LNB is sufficient
to include all six channels. A single Satellite Repeater can
therefore be used with up to six different earth stations simultaneously.
The functional blocks after the LNB implement a single transponder. These blocks include a variable-gain
amplifier (VGA), an isolator, a pass-band filter and a power amplifier (PA). The LNB, VGA, filter and PA each have
a MAIN and a BACKUP LED. Internal circuits controlled by telemetry simulate faults and redundancy switching
for troubleshooting exercises. A Power Sensor facilitates direct measurement of the power level of the
transmitted downlink signal. This power level, as well as the status of the redundant functional blocks, can be
monitored at the earth station via the telemetry link. Another small-aperture horn antenna transmits the
downlink signal to the Earth Station Receiver.
Additional Equipment Required to Perform the Exercises
Qty Description
1
Power Cord - Type F ____________________________________________________________ 789182 (93992-05)
8
The power cord line is not included with stand-alone Satellite Repeaters. Please add the right power cord line for the region. Note that when
ordering a system, all power cord lines are included.
Satellite Communications Training System, LabVolt Series
Qty Description
1
Power Cord - Type B ___________________________________________________________ 789405 (95451-00)
1
Power Cord - Type I ___________________________________________________________ 789406 (95451-0A)
Specifications
ParameterValue
Transponders1
Transponder Bandwidth2 GHz
Gain25 dB (typical)
RF Output
Power Level-10 dBm (typical, depends on distance)
Plane-Wave Equivalent Power Density
Telemetry Antenna
Connector TypeSMA (on rear panel)
Power Sensor Output Characteristic
Slope11.2 dBm/V approx.
Intercept0 V corresponds to approx. -43.7 dBm
Faults5 (controlled by telemetry)
Power Requirements
From dc source15 V (60 VA max.)
External power adapter100 - 240 V AC, 50-60 Hz, 2A
Service InstallationStandard single-phase outlet
Physical Characteristics
Dimensions (H x W x D)152 x 330 x 305 mm (6 x 13 x 12 in.)
Net Weight3.7 kg (8.2 lb.)
0.004 mW/cm² (typical) with Small-Aperture Horn Antenna (Health Canada and FCC maximum exposure
recommendation for the general public at this frequency is 1 mW/cm²)
Model
number
9
10
Data Generation/Acquisition Interface
581873 (9573-00)
The Data Generation/Acquisition Interface is part of the
Telemetry and Instrumentation Add-On. It provides a physical
interface (BNC input and output connectors) for the digital
generators and digital instruments of the Telemetry and
Instrumentation software.
The module also provides a Spectrum Analyzer Interface for use
with the Virtual Instrument Package, Model 1250-A. This
interface includes two attenuators and a probe buffer. Any one
of these can be connected to a software-controlled frequency converter which shifts the frequency of the signal
to a range compatible with the Virtual Instrument. Together, the Spectrum Analyzer Interface, the Virtual
Instrument Package, and the software provide a virtual spectrum analyzer covering four frequency ranges from
DC to over 11 GHz, allowing the frequency-domain display and measurement of all signals in the training
system.
The Data Generation/Acquisition Interface also contains the circuitry and the antenna required for telemetry,
over a dedicated RF link, with the Satellite Repeater. The Data Generation and Acquisition Interface
communicates with the host computer via a USB port and includes a 3-port USB bridge with front-panel
connectors to facilitate interfacing the other modules with the host computer.
9
The power cord line is not included with stand-alone Satellite Repeaters. Please add the right power cord line for the region. Note that when
ordering a system, all power cord lines are included.
10
The power cord line is not included with stand-alone Satellite Repeaters. Please add the right power cord line for the region. Note that when
ordering a system, all power cord lines are included.
Satellite Communications Training System, LabVolt Series
The Virtual Instrument Package
The Virtual Instrument Package is
included with this equipment.
The Virtual Instrument Package is an
interface module that provides highspeed sampling (up to 1 GS/s) and
generation of analog signals. It
interfaces to a computer’s USB port
Virtual Instrument Package (USB Version) - Add-On to 8093.
Telemetry and Instrumentation software in order to implement all the analog virtual instruments required to
perform the laboratory exercises.
Two BNC input connectors on the front panel of the Virtual Instrument Package allow connecting either BNC
cables or the supplied probes. A third BNC connector on the front panel provides the Waveform Generator
output signal. A BNC connector on the back panel of the Virtual Instrument Package unit is used for the external
trigger input of the virtual Oscilloscope.
and is used in conjunction with the
Additional Equipment Required to Perform the Exercises
Qty Description
1
Power Cord - C7 Type A ________________________________________________________ 782859 (85978-00)
1
Power Cord - C7 Type C ________________________________________________________ 782860 (85978-05)
1
Power Cord - C7 Type I _________________________________________________________ 782861 (85978-0A)
1
Power Cord - Type F ___________________________________________________________ 789182 (93992-05)
1
Power Cord - Type B __________________________________________________________ 789405 (95451-00)
1
Power Cord - Type I ___________________________________________________________ 789406 (95451-0A)
Specifications
ParameterValue
Spectrum Analyzer Interface
Attenuators2 (10 dB and 20 dB)
Probe Buffer Bandwidth5 MHz
Frequency Converter Max. Input Level-10 dBm
Digital Inputs
Connector TypeBNC (1 data input, 2 clock inputs)
Voltage LevelTTL
Digital Outputs
Connector TypeBNC (5 configurable outputs)
11
The power cord line is not included with stand-alone Virtual Instrument Package. Please add the right power cord line for the region. Note that
when ordering a system, all power cord lines are included.
12
The power cord line is not included with stand-alone Virtual Instrument Package. Please add the right power cord line for the region. Note that
when ordering a system, all power cord lines are included.
13
The power cord line is not included with stand-alone Virtual Instrument Package. Please add the right power cord line for the region. Note that
when ordering a system, all power cord lines are included.
14
The power cord line is not included with stand-alone Data Generation/Acquisition Interface. Please add the right power cord line for the region.
Note that when ordering a system, all power cord lines are included.
15
The power cord line is not included with stand-alone Data Generation/Acquisition Interface. Please add the right power cord line for the region.
Note that when ordering a system, all power cord lines are included.
16
The power cord line is not included with stand-alone Data Generation/Acquisition Interface. Please add the right power cord line for the region.
Note that when ordering a system, all power cord lines are included.
Satellite Communications Training System, LabVolt Series
ParameterValue
Voltage LevelTTL
USB Connectors4 (1 type B, 3 type A)
Telemetry Antenna
Connector TypeSMA (on rear panel)
Power Requirements
From dc source15 V (60 VA max.)
External power adapter100 - 240 V AC, 50-60 Hz, 2 A
Service InstallationStandard single-phase outlet
Physical Characteristics
Dimensions without the telemetry antenna (H x W x D) 152 x 330 x 305 mm (6 x 13 x 12 in)
Dimensions with the telemetry antenna (H x W x D)178 x 330 x 305 mm (7 x 13 x 12 in)
Net Weight6.5 kg (12.4 lb)
Cables and Accessories
581876 (9579-00)
The Cables and Accessories set includes the following items:
•
SMA cables
•
BNC cables
•
USB cables
•
2 small-aperture horn antennas
•
2 large-aperture horn antennas
•
4 horn antenna supports
•
Adapters
Orbit Simulator Software
581877 (9581-00)
The Orbit Simulator software is a
highly motivating and interactive tool
designed to help students visualize
and grasp these important concepts.
This software provides 2D and 3D
animated views of the Earth and
orbiting satellites as well as a plane
view of one orbit. Students can display
typical orbits of existing satellites,
such as geosynchronous,
geostationary, quasi-geostationary,
quasi-zenith, polar, LEO, MEO and
highly elliptical (e.g. Molniya) orbits
and create their own satellites by
entering the appropriate orbital
elements. They can also modify the orbital elements of any satellite and observe the result. The animation can
be viewed in real time, accelerated or stopped.
The software demonstrates various aspects of satellite coverage such as visibility, footprints, elevation
contours, time of visibility, revisit time, swath, satellite constellations, global and spot satellite antenna beams,
and instantaneous and long-term coverage. It also helps students understand factors critical to the alignment of
Satellite Communications Training System, LabVolt Series
Earth station antennas to geostationary satellites such as satellite longitude, antenna look angles and
polarization angle (skew).
A Student Manual and an Instructor Guide with exercises on satellite orbits and coverage are included.
The Orbit Simulator Software includes three software applications: Telemetry and Instrumentation, Data
Transfer and Orbit Simulator. For convenience, all three applications are included in the Orbit Simulator
Software. The installation program allows installing some or all of the applications, depending on the
Equipment purchased by the user.
Telemetry and Instrumentation
The Telemetry and Instrumentation software, used in conjunction with the Telemetry and Instrumentation AddOn, provides a user interface for telemetry with the Satellite Receiver. It also provides the following virtual
instruments:
•
Oscilloscope
•
Spectrum Analyzer
•
True RMS Voltmeter / Power Meter
•
BER Tester
•
Waveform Generator
•
Three user-configurable Binary Sequence Generators
The following figures show some of the virtual instruments.
Satellite Communications Training System, LabVolt Series
Spectrum analyzer
True RMS Voltmeter / Power Meter
Binary Sequence Generator and Waveform Generator settings
Data Transfer
The Data Transfer software consists of two separate applications designed to demonstrate the transfer of
computer data over a satellite link. Data is sent using the Data Transmitter application via the Earth Station
Transmitter. The data is received using the Data Receiver application via the Earth Station Receiver. The Data
Transfer applications can be run on the same computer or on two different computers.
Satellite Communications Training System, LabVolt Series
Orbit Simulator
Because the space segment is an essential part of every satellite system, whether it is intended for
communications, remote sensing, military reconnaissance, navigation, scientific research, mapping, or disaster
detection and relief or for any other application, it is vitally important to understand the behavior of the
satellites when designing, using or maintaining a satellite system. For this reason, educational programs for
these fields usually cover orbital mechanics and satellite coverage.
Earth-station dish antennas used to link with geostationary satellites must be correctly pointed at the desired
satellite. To carry out the alignment procedure accurately and efficiently, it is important to understand the
different types of antennas used, the earth station-satellite geometry involved, and the different adjustments
required. It is also important to acquire an effective procedure that can be used in the field.
Unfortunately, these subjects are usually taught using static images in text books, requiring students to
imagine unfamiliar concepts such as inertial and rotating frames of reference and coordinate systems, satellite
state vectors and Keplerian orbital elements, the apparent movement of satellites relative to observers on the
rotating earth, and the characteristics of different types of orbits, as well as satellite visibility, ground tracks,
footprints, elevation contours, and global and spot beams.
The Orbit Simulator software is a highly motivating and interactive tool designed to help students visualize and
grasp these important concepts. This software provides 2D and 3D animated views of the Earth and orbiting
satellites as well as a plane view of one orbit. Students can display typical orbits of existing satellites, such as
geosynchronous, geostationary, quasi-geostationary, quasi-zenith, polar, LEO, MEO and highly elliptical (e.g.
Molniya) orbits and create their own satellites by entering the appropriate orbital elements. They can also
modify the orbital elements of any satellite and observe the result. The animation can be viewed in real time,
accelerated or stopped.
The software demonstrates various aspects of satellite coverage such as visibility, footprints, elevation
contours, time of visibility, revisit time, swath, satellite constellations, global and spot satellite antenna beams,
and instantaneous and long-term coverage. It also helps students understand factors critical to the alignment of
Earth station antennas to geostationary satellites such as satellite longitude, antenna look angles and
polarization angle (skew).
The Orbit Simulator (included with the Satellite Communications Training System and available separately)
comes with a Student Manual and an Instructor Guide with exercises on satellite orbits, coverage, and antenna
alignment. To practice antenna alignment with real geostationary satellites, the optional Dish Antenna and
Accessories is used.
The following figures illustrate some of the possibilities of this software.
World-wide coverage provided by the IRIDIUM satellite system
Satellite Communications Training System, LabVolt Series
Reflecting the commitment of Festo Didactic to high quality standards in product, design, development, production,
installation, and service, our manufacturing and distribution facility has received the ISO 9001 certification.