Satellite Communications Fundamentals

Quickly grasp the fundamentals of satellite communications and related disciplines with this unique book that explains the underpinnings, introduces key personalities, and probes emerging issues in this exciting field. Starting with the basics, the authors introduce you to key topics such as orbital mechanics, electromagnetic theory, and atmospheric effects on signals, earth stations, digital communication, and video compression.

Throughout the book practical examples relate fundamentals to real-world challenges, such as understanding the effect of rain on satellite reception, calculating the ratio of wanted to unwanted noise, and determining earth station parameters for satisfactory digital communication performance.

Although packed with over 500 equations, the included mathematics add a valuable perspective to the history of each fundamental and are fully explained as they are introduced. There's a brief review of calculus, an appendix explaining vector analysis, and a section devoted to explaining Maxwell's equations. A unique feature is the inclusion of a CD, which allows the user to understand and perform rapid calculations on various problems treated, as well as to view extensive notes on them.

Plus, you find enlightening historical insights on key figures such as Johannes Kepler, Karl Gauss, and James Clerk Maxwell, to round out your understanding of the development and direction of satellite communications.

Booknews

This book is intended for engineers who want to know more about the physics of satellite communication systems. The authors, who both worked at least 20 years for Raytheon, explain the fundamentals of many disciplines related to the satellite communications field: gravity and orbital mechanics, the geostationary satellite and its geometry, electricity and magnetism leading to electromagnetic theory, antennas, electrical noise that competes with signals, the effect of the atmosphere and ionosphere on signals and noise, earth station systems, analog and digital communication techniques, and video compression. Science history and mathematics refreshers supply a background for understanding the concepts. The CD-ROM provides assistance with calculations related to satellite communications. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Jules E. Kadish received his B.Eng. from McGill University and did post-graduate work at Northeastern and Harvard Universities, as well as M.I.T. He worked for Raytheon and Scientific Atlanta before retiring as International VP in 1991. He is the author of Global High-Tech Marketing (Artech House, 1993).

Thomas W.R. East, Ph.D., was part of the Stormy Weather Group at McGill University before working at Raytheon Canada, from which he retired as Director of Advanced Development in 1987. He received his B.A. in Physics from Cambridge University and his Ph.D. from McGill.