ONS SOLUTION UT-2 (SET 1)

a) List any four types of losses in optical fiber. (CO3) (RL1)

ANS: Absorption Loss: Caused by intrinsic material properties or impurities (like $OH^-$
ions).
Scattering Loss: Primarily Rayleigh scattering due to microscopic variations in glass
density.
Bending Loss: Occurs due to sharp turns (macrobending) or tiny surface irregularities
(microbending).
Coupling/Splice Loss: Power lost at junctions, connectors, or joints between two
fibers.
b) Define Insertion loss in optical network. (CO3) (RL1)
ANS: Insertion Loss is the loss of signal power resulting from the "insertion" of a
component (like a connector, splice, or coupler) into an optical fiber link. It is
measured in decibels (dB) and represents the ratio of power transmitted to the power
received after the component is added.
c) Give the classification of Scattering losses. (CO3) (RL1)
Ans: Scattering losses are generally classified into two main categories:
Linear Scattering: * Rayleigh Scattering (dominant in glass fibers).
o Mie Scattering (due to core-cladding inhomogeneities).
Non-linear Scattering: * Stimulated Brillouin Scattering (SBS).
o Stimulated Raman Scattering (SRS).

d) Define the terms: Active satellite, Passive satellite. (CO4) (RL1)

Ans: 1. Active Satellite: A satellite equipped with electronic hardware (transponders) that
receives a signal, amplifies or processes it, and retransmits it back to Earth.
2. Passive Satellite: A satellite that simply acts as a reflector (like a mirror). It reflects
the signal back to Earth without any amplification or power-driven processing.

e) State different types of Orbits of satellite. (CO4) (RL1)

Ans: Satellite orbits are typically classified by their altitude and shape:
1. LEO (Low Earth Orbit): Approx. 160 km to 2,000 km altitude.
2. MEO (Medium Earth Orbit): Approx. 2,000 km to 35,786 km altitude.
 3. GEO (Geostationary Earth Orbit): Circular orbit at exactly 35,786 km above the
equator.
4. HEO (Highly Elliptical Orbit): Non-circular orbits used for specific regional
coverage (e.g., Molniya orbit).
f) Compare synchronous and non-synchronous satellite on any two points. (CO4)
(AL4)
Ans:

Feature Synchronous (GEO) Non-Synchronous (LEO/MEO)

Relative Appears stationary to a fixed Moves across the sky; position

Position observer on Earth. changes relative to Earth.

Ground antennas are fixed and Requires complex tracking

Tracking
do not need to move. systems to follow the satellite.

g) List four elements of Transponder. (CO5) (RL1)

Ans: A transponder is the primary communications subsystem of a satellite. Its four key
elements are:
1. Band Pass Filter (BPF): To isolate the uplink signal frequency.
2. Low Noise Amplifier (LNA): To amplify the weak incoming signal from Earth.
3. Frequency Down-Converter (Mixer): To shift the signal to a lower downlink
frequency.
4. High Power Amplifier (HPA): To boost the signal for its return trip to the ground.

QUE 2: Attempt any FIVE (20 Marks)

a) Draw block diagram of OTDR & explain its working. (CO3) (AL4)
Ans:
Definition: OTDR is an acronym used for Optical Time Domain Reflectometer. It is
an instrument that is used to detect or analyze the scattered or back reflected
light through an optical fiber due to impurities and imperfections in the fiber.
Working of OTDR :
An optical time domain reflectometer is test equipment used to evaluate the loss of
signal inside an optical fiber by transmitting laser pulses inside the fiber and measures
the scattered light signal.
Optical Time-Domain Reflectometer, OTDR, works on the same principle as
that of Radar. Radar is a detection system, that uses radio waves to determine the
range, position, or velocity of the objects. The transmitter generates the radio waves
towards the object. These waves when come across the object get reflected back
towards the transmitter. A receiver gathers these reflected waves and extracts
information about the object’s position and speed.
OTDR works on the same principle as radar. Here, instead of radio waves, a
laser is used. Laser is transmitted inside the optical fiber whose characteristics have to
be determined. Some of the laser signals get reflected back due to defects present in
the fiber. A receiver present at the same side of the transmitter gathers the reflected
rays and extracts information about the defects present in the optical fiber. This is also
known as the Backscatter measurement method. The power of the reflected rays is
calculated and plotted against a time graph to know about the defects or distortions
present in the cable.
OTDR Laser: As the name suggests, optical i.e. light source is used in the
construction of OTDR. Here the light source used is a ” “Laser “. These laser pulses
are applied to the fiber optic cable under test through a coupler. Laser pulses are short
and of the intense beam.
 Fiber Coupler: A fiber coupler is a fiber device used for coupling light from one or
more input fibers with one or more output fibers. These are also used to direct the
light from free space into a fiber cable. But coupler can cause wastage of transmitted
signal. To avoid this one can opt for a circulator. Circulators provide good directional
property which can increase the dynamic range of the OTDR. One of the drawbacks
of using a circulator is it increases the overall cost of the OTDR system.
Photodetector: The photodetector connected to the circuit detects the reflected
signals and provides information about the power of signals to the next stage. The
signal passed through the fiber cable can undergo reflection either due to Rayleigh
scattering, splicers inside fiber bend in fiber, or variations in the refractive index of
light.
b) Explain the effect of Eclipse on motion of satellite. (CO4) (UL2)
Ans: During an eclipse the satellite's solar panels will not be able to produce the
electricity it needs to power itself. Under these conditions, the satellite might not only
stop functioning but would also be at risk of freezing in the sub-zero temperatures of
space.
c) Draw the block diagram of Satellite subsystem. (CO4) (AL4)
Ans :

Satellite communication is the term used to describe any form of communication that
occurs between two earth stations using a satellite. Electromagnetic waves are used as
carrier signals in this communication.
 Space segment: Space segment means the satellite is in space so the components or
the subsystems of this segment are the communication satellite itself, satellite
payloads, launch vehicles, etc. Major space segment subsystems are:
 o AOC Subsystem(altitude and orbit control subsystem)
o TT&C Subsystem(telemetry tracking and command subsystem)
o Power and Antenna Subsystem
o Transponders
 Earth segment: When we are talking about the earth segment which is also known as
a ground segment, it means transmitting equipment, receiving equipment, and antenna
system. The main components of the earth segment are called earth stations. It
presents in the ground segment which has the ability to access the satellite repeater in
order to provide communication between users.

d) Draw the block diagram of satellite earth station & state the function of 1) LNA,
2) Power subsystem. (CO5) (AL4)
Ans:

Definition: Earth Station also known as the ground station is an arrangement of various
equipment on the surface or atmosphere of the earth that is used to transmit or receive signals
in the form of voice, video, or data through single or multiple satellites. It is sometimes called
the earth terminal and is a part of the ground segment of the satellite network.

The earth station is an earth-based terminal that can be present on a ship or an aircraft as well.
The earth station is not a single equipment entity as various major elements constitute it. It is
to be noted here that the design of the earth station depends on requirements as well as the
quality of service.
LNA : The LNA boosts the desired signals' power while adding as little noise and distortion
as possible. The work done by the LNA enables optimum retrieval of the desired signal in the
later stages of the system. Its role is to boost the received signal a sufficient level above the
noise floor so that it can be used for additional processing. The noise figure of the LNA
therefore directly limits the sensitivity of the receiver.

Power Subsystem : The antenna subsystem includes the feed system and reflector to radiate
or receive electromagnetic waves. The tracking subsystem keeps the antenna beam aligned on
the satellite. The power subsystem provides power from the electric grid and has backup
generators or batteries. The primary function of a subsystem is to orchestrate and organize
the behavior of its internal parts, while the actual operations are performed by the primitive
objects contained within the subsystem, often referred to as semantic objects.

e) Describe the block diagram of Telemetry tracking & command subsystem. (CO5)
(UL2)
Ans :

Telemetry: Telemetry is the process of collecting and transmitting data from a spacecraft or
satellite back to Earth. It serves as the eyes and ears of mission control, providing crucial
information about the spacecraft's status, performance, and environment. This data covers a
wide range of parameters, including temperature, pressure, power levels, orientation, and
scientific measurements.
Telemetry systems onboard the spacecraft continuously monitor these parameters and
convert them into digital signals for transmission. These signals are then relayed back
 to Earth via communication links, where they are decoded and analyzed by ground
stations or satellite networks. Engineers and scientists use this telemetry data to assess
the health of the spacecraft, diagnose any anomalies, and make informed decisions to
optimize mission operations.
Tracking: Tracking is the process of precisely locating and monitoring the position,
velocity, and trajectory of spacecraft as they traverse through space. Accurate tracking
is essential for maintaining communication links, predicting orbital paths, and
ensuring safe navigation, especially in crowded orbital environments.
Various tracking techniques are employed depending on the mission requirements and
the stage of the spacecraft's journey. Ground-based radar systems, optical telescopes,
and radio frequency antennas track the spacecraft from Earth, while onboard sensors
may also assist in self-navigation. These tracking data are used to update orbital
predictions, plan trajectory adjustments, and coordinate rendezvous and docking
maneuvers for missions such as satellite deployments or crewed spaceflights.
Command: Command is the final part of TT&C, allowing operators to send
instructions and commands to spacecraft from Earth. These commands can range
from routine operations, such as adjusting the spacecraft's orientation or activating
scientific instruments, to critical actions like executing engine burns or deploying
payloads.
Command capabilities are typically bi-directional, enabling spacecraft to receive
instructions and transmit telemetry data back to Earth. Mission controllers
communicate with spacecraft using radio frequency signals or data links established
through satellite networks. Advanced command systems incorporate encryption and
authentication protocols to ensure secure communication and protect against
unauthorized access or interference.

f) Explain the working of satellite Transponder with block diagram. (CO5) (UL2)
Ans :
 What is a Transponder?
A control device that receives & responds automatically to an incoming signal is
known as a transponder. The transponder is a combination of transmitter and
responder or receiver so the term ‘Transponder’ is attained by combining the two
terms transmitter (trans) & responder (ponder). The function of the transponder is to
detect, identify & locate objects, so there are frequently found in military aircraft,
civilians, and many more.
Working Principle of Transponder
Transponder is like an electronic circuit which has receiver and transmitter generally
we see transponder and satellites and in satellites they receive the signal from the
ground stations and then retransmit and broadcast to the earth stations, Transponders
will also do functions like signal amplification noise reduction and frequency
conversion.
The transponder works with radio frequency and then respond to the monitoring or
the controlling of the devices and the Signals and Communications once a signal is
sent transponder react by simply returning and other signal information within the
response change which is based on kind of transponder although it also contain codes
or the location of the aircraft in any machine the transport automatically transmits
back a radio signal at a fixed frequency to transmit and receive Signals concretely
transmitting and receiving signals should be set at the dissimilar frequencies.
Uses of Transponder
Transponder is used in Aircraft satellites, advanced vehicles, underwater, vehicle keys
many more.
 Aircraft: A transponder is used as a part of a system that provides some altitude
information.
 Satellite: It helps from communication by receiving and transmitting the signals in a
satellite there are many Transponders in a single satellites and which support sum of
kind of signals.
 Advance Vehicles: It helps to receive the signals in vehicles and used to receive the
audio video signals as well as.
 Underwater: transponder or we can say as soon as transponder which measures the
distance based on underwater location.
 Vehicle Key: It was also used in a key in the form of a small ship in car keys.

g) Explain free space transmission losses in satellite communication. (CO5) (UL2)

Ans :

The free-space path loss (FSPL) (also known as free-space loss, FSL) is the decrease
in signal strength of a signal traveling between two antennas on a line-of-sight path
through free space, which occurs because the signal spreads out as it propagates.
Free-space path loss increases with the square of the distance between the antennas
because radio waves spread out following an inverse square law. It decreases with the
square of the wavelength of the radio waves, and does not include any power loss in
the antennas themselves due to imperfections such as resistance or losses due to
interaction with the environment such as atmospheric absorption.
The FSPL is rarely used standalone, but rather as a part of the Friis transmission
formula, which includes the gain of antennas. [3] It is a major factor used in power link
budgets to analyze radio communication systems, to ensure that sufficient radio power
reaches the receiver so that the received signal is intelligible.