The effect of transponder imperfections on the error probability performance of a satellite communication system
Abstract
The bit error rate (BER) performance analysis of a data communication system is generally based on the assumption that signal waveforms are ideal and hardware-induced distortion is absent. In a satellite communication system such distortion arises in the satellite transponder, as well as in the transmitter and receiver portions. NASA, which is in the process of developing its Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS), is very much interested in understanding the impact of numerous forms of hardware distortion that have been identified on BER performance. The present paper examines the cumulative impact of nine forms of distortion induced by the transponder on BPSK and QPSK signals. For the present analysis, the transmitter and receiver are assumed to operate in essentially ideal fashions. Computed results indicate that BPSK and QPSK performances are affected in substantially different manners, with QPSK generally more sensitive to a given form of distortion. Cumulative distortion effects are illustrated via computed performance curves.
- Publication:
-
NTC 1978; National Telecommunications Conference, Volume 3
- Pub Date:
- 1978
- Bibcode:
- 1978ntc.....3...48W
- Keywords:
-
- Error Analysis;
- Error Signals;
- Phase Shift Keying;
- Satellite Communication;
- Transponders;
- False Alarms;
- Mathematical Models;
- Numerical Analysis;
- Performance Tests;
- Signal Distortion;
- Signal To Noise Ratios;
- Communications and Radar