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Session 3549

Integration of Satcom and GPS into a Technology Curriculum

Robert Gray, Robert S. Weissbach Penn State Erie, The Behrend College

Abstract

Satellite communication systems (Satcom) represent the state-of-the-art in advanced communication of digital voice and data. For mobile users, the system requires a high- technology antenna capable of locking on and tracking a geostationary satellite orbiting the earth, as well as a device capable of both transmitting and receiving modulated information to and from the satellite.

Penn State Erie, the Behrend College is working on integrating into their curriculum Satcom technology. This year, two industrial sponsored senior design projects involve electrical engineering technology (EET) students. These projects provide the students involved with hands-on Satcom experience in solving real-world industrial problems. In the first project, one EET student is working with two electrical engineering (EE) students as interdisciplinary teammates to test the link margin effects of a Satcom receiver due to environmental conditions such as rain, snow, ice, etc. In the second project, two EET students are also teamed with two EE students to test bit error rates for a newly-designed Satcom receiver. In the future, it is anticipated that the need for technologists who understand Satcom systems will allow Penn State Behrend to offer a technical elective to teach the design, operation and maintenance of Satcom systems.

In addition, the Satcom technology could be expanded to include global positioning satellite (GPS) systems. GPS systems are primarily used for state-of-the-art navigation, position, velocity and precise time information. Systems are now being used in automobiles as intelligent vehicle systems to provide position tracking and speed sensing. They are also used in aircraft for precision approaches, attitude information and will soon provide a means for enhanced detection of terrain obstacles and next-generation air traffic control systems. Other applications exist in the fleet management, agriculture and construction industries.

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Gray, R., & Weissbach, R. (2000, June), Integration Of Satcom And Gps Into A Technology Curriculum Paper presented at 2000 Annual Conference, St. Louis, Missouri. 10.18260/1-2--8482