Practice Test Geeks(SBCA) Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association Certification Practice Test
← All SBCA Flashcard Decks

Satellite Theory & Signal Transmission Flashcards

7 cards from real SBCA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Satellite Theory & Signal Transmission flashcards as text

  1. What is the primary advantage of using Ku-band frequencies over C-band for direct-to-home (DTH) satellite broadcasting?

    Answer: Smaller dish antennas are required

    Ku-band's shorter wavelength allows smaller receiving dishes (typically 45–90 cm) compared to C-band's larger 1.8–3 m dishes, making DTH practical for residential installations.

  2. In satellite communications, EIRP stands for Equivalent Isotropic Radiated Power. What two factors determine EIRP?

    Answer: Transmit power and antenna gain

    EIRP = transmit power (in watts or dBW) multiplied by the antenna gain, representing the effective power radiated in a given direction.

  3. Which orbital parameter describes the point in a satellite's elliptical orbit where it is closest to Earth?

    Answer: Perigee

    Perigee is the closest point to Earth in an elliptical orbit, while apogee is the farthest point.

  4. A satellite transponder with a 36 MHz bandwidth operating in bent-pipe mode retransmits signals without which process?

    Answer: On-board signal regeneration or demodulation

    Bent-pipe transponders perform frequency conversion and amplification but do NOT demodulate or regenerate the signal; regenerative (processing) transponders do.

  5. What phenomenon causes satellite signals to experience a rotation of polarization as they pass through the ionosphere?

    Answer: Faraday rotation

    Faraday rotation occurs when electromagnetic waves interact with free electrons in the ionosphere in the presence of Earth's magnetic field, rotating the polarization plane.

  6. In a satellite link budget, the term G/T (figure of merit) refers to what ratio?

    Answer: Receive antenna gain to system noise temperature

    G/T (dB/K) is the ratio of receive antenna gain (dBi) to system noise temperature (dBK), measuring the earth station's receive efficiency.

  7. Which multiple access technique assigns each earth station a unique frequency slot within the transponder bandwidth, regardless of whether the station is actively transmitting?

    Answer: FDMA (Frequency Division Multiple Access)

    FDMA pre-assigns fixed frequency slots to each station; the slot remains occupied even during idle periods, which can reduce efficiency compared to demand-assigned methods.