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At least 1,801 records · Page 100

A Study of Synchronization Techniques for Optical Communication Systems

The study of synchronization techniques and related topics in the design of high data rate, deep space, optical communication systems was reported. Data cover: (1) effects of timing errors in narrow pulsed digital optical systems, (2) accuracy of microwave timing systems operating in low powered optical systems, (3) development of improved tracking systems for the optical channel and determination of their tracking performance, (4) development of usable photodetector mathematical models for application to analysis and performance design in communication receivers, and (5) study application of multi-level block encoding to optical transmission of digital data.

Gagliardi, R. M.↗

Communications and data handling

The communications system for the planetary entry missions is discussed with emphasis on the basic problems of the data link: uncertainty about atmospheric composition, time limitation for transmission, and geometry variation or change in aspect angles. The baseline design for Pioneer is reviewed. In this design, telemetry is transmitted only during the descent phase of probe entry at 44 bits-per-second. It is indicated that this design encompasses different atmospheric entries for different planets, different atmospheric models of planetary atmospheres, and allows for dispersion in the entry angle and phasing. The radio frequency environment is considered to be the prime problem of the communication link, therefore a discussion of the ionospheric absorption and turbulence models is included.

Grant, T. L.↗

Pseudo-noise test set for communication system evaluation

A test set for communications systems is described which includes a pseudo noise sequence generator providing a test signal that is fed to a pair of signal channels. The first channel includes a spectrum shaping filter and a conditioning amplifier. The second channel includes a variable delay circuit, a spectrum shaping filter matched to the first filter, and an amplifier. The output of the first channel was applied to the system under test. The output of the system and the output of the second channel are compared to determine the degree of distortion suffered by the test signal due to the communications system.

Wallace, G. R.↗

S-band antenna phased array communications system

The development of an S-band antenna phased array for spacecraft to spacecraft communication is discussed. The system requirements, antenna array subsystem design, and hardware implementation are examined. It is stated that the phased array approach offers the greatest simplicity and lowest cost. The objectives of the development contract are defined as: (1) design of a medium gain active phased array S-band communications antenna, (2) development and test of a model of a seven element planar array of radiating elements mounted in the appropriate cavity matrix, and (3) development and test of a breadboard transmit/receive microelectronics module.

Delzer, D. R.↗

Application of mobile digital communications in law enforcement, an introductory planning guide

A set of planning guidelines for the application of digital communications techniques to law enforcement use is presented. Some essential characteristics of digital techniques and their applications are outlined, as are some principles of system analysis, evaluation, and planning. Requirements analysis, system concept design, implementation planning, and performance and cost modeling are described and demonstrated with respect to this application problem. Information on law enforcement digital communications systems and equipment and a list of vendor sources are given in appendices.

Sohn, R. L.↗

Test plan/procedure for the checkout of the USA cable communications test configuration for the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) tests

A series of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) tests were conducted in May, 1975 in the Soviet Union. The purpose of the EMC tests was to determine the effects of the operating environment of the Soviet aircraft, Soyuz, upon the electrical performance of the USA's cable communications equipment located in Soyuz. The test procedures necessary to check out the cable communications test configuration in preparation for the EMC tests are presented.

Perry, J. C.↗

Application of communications satellites to educational development

A summary of research is presented. The broad objectives of this interdisciplinary research effort were: (1) to assess the role of satellite communications as a means of improving education in the United States, as well as in less-developed areas of the world; (2) to generate basic knowledge which will aid in making rational decisions about satellite application in the field of education in the years ahead; (3) to devise systems and strategies for improving education; and (4) to educate individuals who will be knowledgeable about aspects of satellite communications policy which transcend any single discipline.

Morgan, R. P.↗

Communication system for the Viking mission to Mars

The Viking communications system discussed comprises a UHF relay link and an S-band communication link. The design of both links was guided by the design of the mission itself and its constraints. The most important of these are: the available launch opportunities; the effect of interplanetary distances on the power and bandwidth of the S-band link; weight; reliability and survival in the Martian environment; the up-link command philosophy; the landing problem; and the requirements for planetary quarantine and cleanliness. The Viking mission, with its orbits and trajectories, launch and landing sequences is described and illustrated.

Brown, I.↗

Spacelab communications experiments

The Space Shuttle launched Spacelab is planned to provide the communications community with a platform to develop the technology required for NASA's and DOD's missions, and future domestic and international communications satellites in the 1980s. The Laboratory, with a weight carrying capability of 14,500 kg into a low-earth orbit and return to earth, is being planned to carry laser telescopes; large (greater-than 10 meter) deployable antennas; spaceborne receivers to map terrestrial noise sources in a variety of frequency bands, and other advanced technology applicable to the 1980s and 1990s. Spacelab will also facilitate ease of comparative testing between alternative or competing experiments, subsystems and components prior to a commitment to an automated satellite.

Ehrlich, E.↗

Carrier tracking, bit synchronization, and coding for S-band communications links

This paper presents the results of a study of the performance of Viterbi-decoded convolutional codes in the presence of nonideal carrier tracking and bit synchronization. A constraint length 7, rate 1/3 convolutional code and parameters suitable for the space shuttle coded communications links are used. Mathematical models are developed and theoretical and simulation results are obtained to determine the tracking and acquisition performance of the system. It is shown that the combined energy-to-noise degradation due to nonideal carrier tracking and bit synchronization over that required for the ideal tracking case can be held to less than 1.5 dB and that combined carrier tracking and bit timing can be acquired in only a few seconds for the parameters and operating ranges of the space shuttle coded communications links.

Odenwalder, J. P.↗

Analysis of synchronous digital-modulation schemes for satellite communication

The multipath communication channel for space communications is modeled as a multiplicative channel. This paper discusses the effects of multiplicative channel processes on the symbol error rate for quadrature modulation (QM) digital modulation schemes. An expression for the upper bound on the probability of error is derived and numerically evaluated. The results are compared with those obtained for additive channels.

Takhar, G. S.↗

Utility of space transportation system to space communication community: Executive summary

The space transportation system (STS) offers the opportunity for maintaining, and perhaps accelerating, growth of the space communication community. This new launch vehicle service, however, must be obtained at a cost lower than the current expandable launch vehicles cost. A cost competitive STS is defined for geostationary payloads. It is concluded that the STS will be useful to the space communication community, as well as to other geostationary satellite system users, if the proposed recommendations are adapted.

Bronstein, L. M.↗

Communications techniques and equipment: A compilation

This Compilation is devoted to equipment and techniques in the field of communications. It contains three sections. One section is on telemetry, including articles on radar and antennas. The second section describes techniques and equipment for coding and handling data. The third and final section includes descriptions of amplifiers, receivers, and other communications subsystems.

Source record↗

Computer-based communication in support of scientific and technical work

Results are reported of the first experiments for a computer conference management information system at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Between August 1975 and March 1976, two NASA projects with geographically separated participants (NASA scientists) used the PLANET computer conferencing system for portions of their work. The first project was a technology assessment of future transportation systems. The second project involved experiments with the Communication Technology Satellite. As part of this project, pre- and postlaunch operations were discussed in a computer conference. These conferences also provided the context for an analysis of the cost of computer conferencing. In particular, six cost components were identified: (1) terminal equipment, (2) communication with a network port, (3) network connection, (4) computer utilization, (5) data storage and (6) administrative overhead.

Vallee, J.↗

Availability of a communications satellite - Requirement and feasibility

An estimated 45 communications satellites will be in geostationary orbit in the 1980s. Based on past history, half of the subsystem failures will be due to design failures. Methods now used to achieve present availabilities are summarized in this paper. To increase the availability of a single satellite to 99.99%, new techniques are needed; several possibilities are suggested herein. New developments, including nickel-hydrogen batteries, magnetic bearings, and solid-state amplifiers, are possible solutions to long standing problem areas in communications satellites. Launching a satellite two or three years before the system is needed is one way to reduce design failures in subsequent satellites. Diversity of manufacture can be used to obtain the maximum advantage from redundant elements. Finally, unmanned module exchange at geostationary orbit has been shown to be technically feasible.

Gordon, G. D.↗

Basic limits on protocol information in data communications networks

The paper considers basic limitations on the amount of protocol information that must be transmitted in a data communication network to keep track of source and receiver addresses and of the starting and stopping of messages. Assuming Poisson message arrivals between each communicating source-receiver pair, a lower bound is found on the required protocol information for message. This lower bound is the sum of two terms, one for the message-length information, which depends only on the distribution of message lengths, and the other for the message-start information, which depends only on the product of the source-receiver pair arrival rate and the expected delay for transmitting the message. Two strategies are developed which, in the limit of large numbers of sources and receivers, almost meet the lower bound on protocol information.

Gallager, R. G.↗

Repairing a communications satellite on orbit

A review of past failures indicates that module exchange can satisfy most repair requirements of communications satellites. Emphasis is placed on the design of a serviceable communications satellites with 20 modules, on the development of an on-orbit servicer designed to remove failed modules from a body-stabilized spacecraft and to replace them with good modules, and on servicing operations. Benefits of servicing or repair include increased satellite availability, increased reliability, decreased life cycle costs, replacement of worn-out items, installation of updated equipment, and correction of design failures. The use of servicing instead of replacement could result in cost savings in excess of 40 percent. Significant savings are possible when the lifetime of a program is long relative to the satellite lifetime.

Gordon, G. D.↗

Remarks by Dr. James C. Fletcher at Conference on Satellite Communication and Public Service

The present status of communications satellites, together with the future goals and technology developments in use of public service, is assessed. Improvements in design during the last decade considerably cut the cost of their development and launching, and the systems carry information to millions of people on earth. The space shuttles will change the rules in design and make it possible for communications satellites to have multiple frequencies operating at high power.

Fletcher, J. C.↗

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