WHY EHF?

With the expansion of wireless connectivity reaching a global level, a key objective for satellite communication is to achieve gigabit speeds. With the current saturation at lower frequency bands, this proposition is difficulty to realized with such limited bandwidth availability. Because of this, next generation satellite communication will need to operate at the extremely high-frequency (EHF) ranges. There are many limiting factors that hinder operation at EHF frequencies such as increased path loss, increased atmospheric absorption and increased rain attenuation. In order to better understand these phenomena further research must be conducted at EHF frequencies.



Our Solution

In response to the BAA from the Air Force Research Laboratory, this proposal will provide a solution to characterize propagation phenomena and validate communication at frequencies of interest. More specifically, this proposal will outline the steps necessary to conduct a propagation experiment at 71-76 GHz range, as well as a communication experiment operating at 71-76 GHz downlink and 81-86 GHz uplink. An description and analysis of the proposed experiment is included, as well as a theoretical discussion of the propagation phenomenon. A high level hardware design of the satellite payload and the ground station is described, along with the appropriate link budget for each experiment. Lastly, a threat analysis is performed to identify and if possible, resolve potential problems that might arise during the experiment. 



About the Authors

Todd Biesiadecki

Michael Brantley

Chandim Chatterjee

Yichen Lu

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Georgia Institute of Technology

ECE6390 Satellite Communications & Navigation

Fall 2012