Noise power and losses — Lesson 2

This lesson covers the different types of losses in satellite communication system. It explains how power is transmitted from a source, which may have some gain, and how this power is received at a distance with a known antenna gain. The lesson also discusses the reduction of power due to distance, termed as path loss, and other practical reasons such as antenna misalignment and feeder loss. It further delves into the concept of noise power, explaining how it sets the threshold for minimum detectable signal in a receiver. The lesson uses the example of an amplifier to illustrate how noise is generated and measured.

Video Highlights

00:21 - Introduction
02:26 - Medium and distance between satellite communication
06:16 - Polarization loss
10:39 - Power level diagram
16:28 - Noise power
22:05 - How noise can be measured and estimated

Key Takeaways

- Power is transmitted from a source and received at a distance with a known antenna gain.
- Power reduction due to distance is termed as path loss.
- Other losses can occur due to antenna misalignment, feeder loss, and atmospheric conditions.
- Noise power sets the threshold for minimum detectable signal in a receiver.
- Noise is generated inside components like an amplifier and can be measured.