An LNB (Low Noise Block aka LNC- Low Noise Converter) is used for communications (broadcast) satellite reception. The LNB is usually affixed either in or on the satellite dish. The LNB’s purpose is to utilize the super heterodyne effect and amplify and convert a wide block (band) of frequencies. This helps compensate the signal loss …
Variac is the trademark name of a variable autotransformer. A variable autotransformer is a single-coil transformer in which two portions of the same coil are used as the primary and the secondary. Variable autotransformers are used for the same purposes as regular transformers, but handle lower voltages. They also differ from regular autotransformers in that …
Geostationary satellites are located exactly above the earth’s equator and revolve around the earth in a circular orbit. Their revolving speed and direction (west to east) are exactly same as that of the earth, which makes it look stationary from the earth’s surface. The exact altitude of these satellites above the equator is approximately 36,000 …
Radio-Frequency Identifier (RFID) technology has become really popular because of the various advantages it comes with. However, such as passports, national identity cards, credit cards etc have become a serious security concern. Two electrical engineering students (Ilan Kirschenbaum and Avishai Wool) from Tel Aviv University wrote a paper titled "How to Build a Low-Cost, …
Traditional radio equipment works because all parties involved in the communication agree on what frequencies they will utilize. Traditional radio scanners work by scanning for and then listening to those frequencies. Trunking radios, on the other hand, constantly renegotiate the frequencies utilized for the conversation. This allows for more efficient utilization of limited frequencies because …
An IDU, or In-Door Unit, is a telecommunication device that is used in satellite television and Internet service to receive and decode satellite transmissions. An IDU is a box that connects to the user’s television and/or router and contains a built-in satellite receiver that may also be connected to a satellite dish on the roof …
Rainfade refers to a phenomenon that occurs during strong rain or snowfall in which satellite signals are prevented from reaching their destination. Rainfade may also refer to extensive cloud cover, strong winds, or any other environmental effect that distorts a satellite broadcast, but is most often observed during rainfall. Rainfade may also refer to the …
A decoupling capacitor (bypass capacitor) is a device that separates current and voltage levels from two separate sections of the same electronic device. Decoupling capacitors are useful in situations that require an electronic device to fluctuate current or voltage levels without straining the power supply. Decoupling capacitors can be used in electronic devices that have …
Pulse Width Modulation, abbreviated as PWM, is a method of transmitting information on a series of pulses. The data that is being transmitted is encoded on the width of these pulses to control the amount of power being sent to a load. In other words, pulse width modulation is a modulation technique for generating variable …
DVB-RCS stands for Digital Video Broadcast – Return Channel Satellite. DVB-RCS is part of the DVB standards for satellite communication, DVB-S and DVB-S2. The purpose of DVB-RCS is to provide a return channel to enable Internet and other data services over satellite. ViaSat’s LinkStar system is one of the VSAT satellite broadband implementations which support …