Question

Suppose a satellite system is being used to receive a serial data stream at \(250 \mathrm{Kbps}\). If a burst of atmospheric interference lasts \(6.96\) seconds, how many data bits will be affected?

Short answer

1,740,000 data bits are affected.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Given Information

First, identify the information given in the problem: the data rate is 250 Kbps (kilobits per second), and the interference lasts for 6.96 seconds.

Convert Units

The data rate is given in kilobits per second. Convert this to bits per second to make further calculations easier. Since 1 Kbps is equal to 1,000 bits per second, the data rate is 250,000 bits per second.

Calculate Affected Data Bits

To find the number of data bits affected, multiply the data rate by the duration of interference. The formula to use is: \( \text{data rate (bps)} \times \text{duration (s)} = \text{affected data bits} \). Substitute the given values: 250,000 bits per second \( \times \) 6.96 seconds = 1,740,000 bits.

Key concepts

Satellite Communication

Satellite communication is a type of data transmission that uses satellites orbiting Earth to send and receive data signals. It is a critical technology used for various applications, including broadcasting, internet access, and navigation. Satellites act as relay stations in space, receiving signals from Earth and retransmitting them back to another ground station.

Key aspects of satellite communication include:

• Geostationary Satellites: These are placed 35,786 kilometers above the equator and orbit at the same speed as the Earth's rotation, appearing stationary from the ground. They are ideal for communications due to their wide coverage area.
• Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellites: These satellites orbit closer to Earth and move quickly across the sky, requiring a network of satellites for continuous coverage.
• Signal Delay: Also known as latency, it is the time taken for a signal to travel from Earth to the satellite and back. This can be a challenge for real-time communication.

The satellite environment is naturally influenced by various factors such as atmospheric conditions, which can affect signal quality and lead to issues like interference.

Bit Rate Calculation

Bit rate calculation is essential in understanding how fast data can be transmitted over a network. In the context of satellite communication, it represents the amount of data sent per second.

The bit rate (measured in bits per second or bps) gives us insight into the capacity and efficiency of a communication system. To calculate bit rate, use the formula:\[\text{Bit Rate (bps)} = \text{Number of Bits} \div \text{Transmission Time (seconds)}\]Converting units can be crucial in bit rate calculations. Often, rates are given in kilobits per second (Kbps) or megabits per second (Mbps), which need to be converted to bits per second for precise calculations. For example, converting 250 Kbps to bps involves multiplying by 1,000, giving 250,000 bps. This ensures accuracy, especially when calculating the impact of external factors like interference.

Noise Interference

Noise interference refers to unwanted signals or disturbances that can distort or interrupt data transmission. It is a common challenge in satellite communications, often caused by atmospheric conditions such as rain, solar flares, or man-made sources.

Understanding noise and how to mitigate it is vital for maintaining clear and effective communication lines. Interference can lead to data degradation, causing errors or loss of information. To address this, engineers use techniques such as:

• Error Correction: Adding redundant data to enable error detection and correction at the receiver’s end.
• Signal Amplification: Boosting the power of a signal to overcome noise.
• Frequency Filtering: Using filters to block frequencies where noise is present.

Such strategies are crucial in ensuring the reliable transmission of data across satellite networks.

Serial Data Transmission

Serial data transmission is a method of sending data one bit at a time, sequentially, over a communication channel. It is often used in satellite systems due to its simplicity and effectiveness over long distances.

Key features of serial transmission include:

• Simplicity: Fewer lines are needed compared to parallel transmission, reducing the complexity and cost of the transmission medium.
• Long Distance Suitability: Its ability to maintain integrity over long distances makes it ideal for satellite communication.
• Lower Interference: With fewer wires, there is less opportunity for noise to interfere with the transmission.

In satellite systems, serial data transmission ensures that the data can be sent reliably across vast distances, with minimal errors, making it a preferred choice for many communication applications.