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Satellite Communication Link Budget Guide

Satellite communication link budgets calculate transmitting and receiving power by accounting for factors like equivalent isotropic radiated power (EIRP), antenna gain, transmission losses, and carrier-to-noise density ratio. There are two types of link budgets - for the uplink where Earth transmits to the satellite, and the downlink where the satellite transmits to Earth. The link budgets ensure sufficient power is received by accounting for losses from transmission, the environment, and other sources.

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22 views4 pages

Satellite Communication Link Budget Guide

Satellite communication link budgets calculate transmitting and receiving power by accounting for factors like equivalent isotropic radiated power (EIRP), antenna gain, transmission losses, and carrier-to-noise density ratio. There are two types of link budgets - for the uplink where Earth transmits to the satellite, and the downlink where the satellite transmits to Earth. The link budgets ensure sufficient power is received by accounting for losses from transmission, the environment, and other sources.

Uploaded by

Amit Chauhan
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

12/14/23, 10:49 AM Satellite Communication - Link Budget

Satellite Communication - Link Budget

In satellite communication systems, there are two types of power calculations. Those
are transmitting power and receiving power calculations. In general, these
calculations are called as Link budget calculations. The unit of power is decibel.

First, let us discuss the basic terminology used in Link Budget and then we will move
onto explain Link Budget calculations.

Basic Terminology
An isotropic radiator (antenna) radiates equally in all directions. But, it doesn’t
exist practically. It is just a theoretical antenna. We can compare the performance of
all real (practical) antennas with respect to this antenna.

Power flux density

Assume an isotropic radiator is situated at the center of the sphere having radius, r.
We know that power flux density is the ratio of power flow and unit area.

Power flux density,Ψi of an isotropic radiator is


ps
Ψi =
2
4πr

Where, Ps is the power flow. In general, the power flux density of a practical
antenna varies with direction. But, it’s maximum value will be in one particular
direction only.

Antenna Gain

The gain of practical antenna is defined as the ratio of maximum power flux density
of practical antenna and power flux density of isotropic antenna.

Therefore, the Gain of Antenna or Antenna gain, G is

Ψm
G =
Ψi

Where, Ψm is the maximum power flux density of practical antenna. And, Ψi is the
power flux density of isotropic radiator (antenna).

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12/14/23, 10:49 AM Satellite Communication - Link Budget

Equivalent Isotropic Radiated Power

Equivalent isotropic radiated power (EIRP) is the main parameter that is used in
measurement of link budget. Mathematically, it can be written as

E I RP = G Ps

We can represent EIRP in decibels as

[E I RP ] = [G] + [Ps ] dBW

Where, G is the Gain of Transmitting antenna and Ps is the power of transmitter.

Transmission Losses

The difference between the power sent at one end and received at the receiving
station is known as Transmission losses. The losses can be categorized into 2
types.

Constant losses

Variable losses

The losses which are constant such as feeder losses are known as constant losses.
No matter what precautions we might have taken, still these losses are bound to
occur.

Another type of loses are variable loss. The sky and weather condition is an
example of this type of loss. Means if the sky is not clear signal will not reach
effectively to the satellite or vice versa.

Therefore, our procedure includes the calculation of losses due to clear weather or
clear sky condition as 1st because these losses are constant. They will not change
with time. Then in 2nd step, we can calculate the losses due to foul weather
condition.

Link budget calculations


There are two types of link budget calculations since there are two links namely,
uplink and downlink.

Earth Station Uplink

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12/14/23, 10:49 AM Satellite Communication - Link Budget

It is the process in which earth is transmitting the signal to the satellite and satellite
is receiving it. Its mathematical equation can be written as

C G
( ) = [E I RP ] U + ( ) − [LOS S E S ] U − K
N0 T
U U

Where,

is the carrier to noise density ratio


C
[ ]
N0

is the satellite receiver G/T ratio and units are dB/K


G
[ ]
T

Here, Losses represent the satellite receiver feeder losses. The losses which depend
upon the frequency are all taken into the consideration.

The EIRP value should be as low as possible for effective UPLINK. And this is possible
when we get a clear sky condition.

Here we have used the (subscript) notation “U”, which represents the uplink
phenomena.

Satellite Downlink

In this process, satellite sends the signal and the earth station receives it. The
equation is same as the satellite uplink with a difference that we use the
abbreviation “D” everywhere instead of “U” to denote the downlink phenomena.

Its mathematical equation can be written as;

C G
[ ] = [E I RP ] + [ ] − [LOS S E S ] − K
D D
N0 D
T D

Where,

[
C
] is the carrier to noise density ratio
N0

[
G
] is the earth station receiver G/T ratio and units are dB/K
T

Here, all the losses that are present around earth stations.

In the above equation we have not included the signal bandwidth B. However, if we
include that the equation will be modified as follows.

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12/14/23, 10:49 AM Satellite Communication - Link Budget

C G
[ ] = [E I RP ] + [ ] − [LOS S E S ] − K − B
D D
N0 T
D D

Link Budget

If we are taking ground satellite in to consideration, then the free space spreading
loss (FSP) should also be taken into consideration.

If antenna is not aligned properly then losses can occur. so we take AML (Antenna
misalignment losses) into account. Similarly, when signal comes from the satellite
towards earth it collides with earth surface and some of them get absorbed. These
are taken care by atmospheric absorption loss given by “AA” and measured in db.

Now, we can write the loss equation for free sky as

Losses = F S L + RF L + AM L + AA + P L

Where,

RFL stands for received feeder loss and units are db.
PL stands for polarization mismatch loss.

Now the decibel equation for received power can be written as

PR = E I RP + GR + Losses

Where,

PR stands for the received power, which is measured in dBW.

Gr is the receiver antenna gain.

The designing of down link is more critical than the designing of uplink. Because of
limitations in power required for transmitting and gain of the antenna.

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Common questions

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Feeder losses occur in both uplink and downlink processes and represent the loss of signal power as it travels through cabling and connectors between the transmitter/receiver and the antenna. These losses are constant and form part of the transmission losses that engineers consider during link budget calculations. Minimizing feeder losses improves the efficiency of signal transmission and reception, contributing to better overall system performance. Proper system design and quality components help reduce these losses .

EIRP is a key parameter in link budget calculations and is defined as the product of the gain of the transmitting antenna and the power of the transmitter. It represents the strength of the signal transmitted by the antenna as if it were an isotropic radiator. In link budget calculations, EIRP helps determine the power levels needed to ensure effective communication, taking into account various losses. Antenna gain contributes directly to EIRP, highlighting its importance in optimizing signal transmission .

In a satellite communication system, the uplink process involves the transmission of signals from an earth station to a satellite, while the downlink involves the transmission from the satellite to the earth. The uplink uses the notation 'U' to denote its parameters, while the downlink uses 'D'. Each process has different challenges and power considerations. Uplinks generally focus on minimizing EIRP for effective transmission in clear sky conditions, whereas downlinks must overcome several atmospheric and alignment losses .

Atmospheric and alignment losses in satellite communication systems are accounted for during link budget calculations. These losses include free space loss, atmospheric absorption (AA), antenna misalignment loss (AML), and polarization mismatch loss (PL). Each type of loss is quantified and included in the overall calculation formula to ensure accurate assessment of signal strength and quality. This allows engineers to design systems that effectively manage these impediments to maintain reliable communication .

Constant transmission losses in satellite communications are those that do not change over time, such as feeder losses. Variable losses, however, fluctuate based on conditions like weather and atmospheric phenomena. These losses affect the clarity and strength of signals transmitted between satellites and earth stations. Constant losses are accounted for first in link budget calculations, while variable losses are considered later to accommodate changing environmental conditions. Effective communication requires mitigating these losses .

Free space spreading loss (FSL) significantly impacts satellite communications as it quantifies the signal reduction over distance in free space. It must be addressed in link budget calculations because this loss defines how much signal power diminishes as it travels through space. Engineers incorporate FSL into their calculations alongside other losses like atmospheric absorption and polarization mismatch, to ensure enough transmitting power to achieve a reliable link. Effective solutions include optimizing antenna design and transmission power levels to mitigate FSL's impact .

Designing the downlink is more critical than the uplink in satellite communications. This is because of the limitations in the power available for transmission by satellites and the gain of the receiving earth station antenna. The downlink must effectively deliver signals to the earth station, considering transmission losses such as free space loss, antenna misalignment, atmospheric absorption, and polarization mismatch. These challenges make optimizing the downlink design essential for reliable communication .

An isotropic radiator is a theoretical antenna that radiates power equally in all directions. It serves as a baseline for comparing the performance of real antennas, which do not radiate power equally in all directions. In practice, a real antenna's power flux density varies with direction, with a maximum in one preferred direction. This concept helps in defining antenna gain, which is the ratio of the maximum power flux density of the practical antenna to that of an isotropic one .

The carrier to noise density ratio (C/N0) is crucial in satellite communications as it measures the quality of the received signal relative to noise. It is typically expressed in decibels (dB) and indicates how effectively a communication system can distinguish the signal from background noise. In link budget calculations, C/N0 helps determine the minimum received signal quality needed for reliable communication by taking into account the effective isotropic radiated power (EIRP), G/T ratio, and all transmission losses .

The G/T ratio, which stands for the gain to noise temperature ratio, is critical in downlink calculations as it defines the sensitivity of the receiving system. A higher G/T ratio indicates better system performance with enhanced ability to amplify and process weak signals amid noise. In the context of the satellite downlink, optimizing the G/T ratio ensures that the system can effectively manage the constraints of power and gain, despite atmospheric and feeder losses. This optimization directly impacts the quality and reliability of the received signal .

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