module specification

Satellite and optical systems are essential components of broadband technology, supporting various industries. Telecommunications rely on satellite communications for global connectivity, particularly in rural and underserved areas, while optical fibre networks form the backbone of high-speed internet, enabling broadband services, cloud computing, and 5G/6G networks. In healthcare, satellite broadband facilitates telemedicine, remote diagnostics, and emergency communication in remote locations, while optical fibre ensures fast and secure transmission of medical imaging, electronic health records, and real-time patient monitoring, enhancing efficiency in hospitals and research institutions. The module provides students with an understanding and knowledge in the principles and applications of satellite and optical systems broadband systems. It covers the key features of these systems, their operations and design requirements. The module develops analytical and design knowledge and provides experience of team working through a group work.

Completed CT5002. Not for BEng Biomedical Engineering.

• Terrestrial communication systems.

• Satellite systems: Satellite applications, satellite organisations, typical structure and links. Satellite frequency allocations. Satellite link power budgets: figure of merit satellite G/T ratio, carrier-to-noise density and energy per bit-to-noise density ratios, satellite power density footprints. Satellite and their sub-systems. Satellite networks and multiple access: multibeam and regenerative satellites networks, Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), & Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA)

• Optical fibre systems: Historical review of fibre-optics and optoelectronics. Ray optics, EM waves, optical waveguides. Physical basis of light sources and detectors. Principles of fibre-optic communications. The electro-optic effect and devices. Components of optical systems: Connectors, splices, couplers and switches. Optical sources and detectors: light emitting diodes, semiconductor lasers, driving circuits. PIN and avalanche photodiode detectors, detector circuits, noise and bandwidth.

Students will be expected to carry out independent background study to familiarise themselves with the platforms and tools that will be used during the module. The module includes online learning material via Weblearn (VLE), face-to-face delivery of content, teaching/tutorial and assessment activities, student support and feedback.

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

LO1. Demonstrate knowledge of the key features, applications, and design requirements of modern broadband systems, including their core components and operational principles. Evaluate these components for quality and trade-offs using analytical tools and modelling techniques.

LO2. Discuss the key factors affecting the performance of a typical broadband systems with due consideration to system specifications and other relevant factors in the planning and design of such systems.

LO3. Use appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model the systems, recognising the limitations of the techniques employed.

LO4. Select and evaluate appropriate technical literature in the implementation of broadband systems with consideration of health & safety, diversity, inclusion, cultural, societal, environmental and commercial matters, codes of practice and industry standards.

LO5. Apply appropriate concepts and principles to analyse and critically evaluate the performance of such systems. This will include consideration of health & safety, diversity, inclusion, cultural, societal, environmental and commercial matters, codes of practice and industry standards.

CT6065 Broadband Systems 2 | London Metropolitan University

Journals:

IEEE Transaction on Microwave, Theory & Techniques

IEEE Optical Communications Journal of Communications and Networks

IEEE Communications Magazine

IEEE Transactions on Communications

IET Communications

Websites: IEEE Xplore