This question appears in Mumbai University > Satellite Communication and Network subject

Marks: 5 M

Year: May 2015

The significance of microwave frequency in SATCOM is as follows:

• Long distance communication: All satellites are placed at a height greater than ionosphere layer. For lower frequencies ionosphere is opaque so high frequency has to be used to pierce the layers of atmosphere and ensure communication.

• Bandwidth increases: Microwave frequencies makes it possible to support many channels simultaneously which gives increased bandwidth.

• Antenna size decreases: Microwave range frequency allows design of small and efficient antennas.

• More Coverage area: Microwaves frequencies increase the coverage area.

• Increased Directivity: As wavelength is directly proportional to beam width (measure of directional property) of antenna, high frequency means lesser wavelength and thus reduction in beamwidth which implies greater directivity.

• Microwave frequencies allow wide band signals to be used in satellite communication, high speed digital data requiring wide bandwidth can be used.