PC2: Signal Flow and Link Budgets

Question 1

Increases the magnitude of signals

Basic RF Components Terminology

Answer 1

Amplifier

Question 2

Decreases the magnitude of signals

Basic RF Components Terminology

Answer 2

Attenuator

Question 3

Changes the frequency response of the system

Basic RF Components Terminology

Answer 3

Filter

Question 4

Changes the signal path

Basic RF Components Terminology

Answer 4

Switch

Question 5

Combines signals

Basic RF Components Terminology

Answer 5

Mixer

Question 6

Produces signals

Basic RF Components Terminology

Answer 6

Oscillator

Question 7

Connects components

Basic RF Components Terminology

Answer 7

Transmission Line

Question 8

Combines multiple streams of data into one baseband signal

Transmitter Components

Answer 8

Multiplexer (MUX)

Question 9

Overlays baseband data onto a carrier wave resulting in the creation of the intermediate frequency (IF)

Transmitter Components

Answer 9

Modulator (MOD)

Question 10

Increase the modulated waveform from the intermediate frequency IF to the transmit radiofrequency (RF)

Transmitter Components

Answer 10

Upconverter

Question 11

Raise the signal power to the required output level

Transmitter Components

Answer 11

High Power Amplifier (HPA)

Question 12

Raises the received low-power signal with minimal addition to noise

Receiver Components

Answer 12

Low Noise Amplifier (LNA)

Question 13

Converts the received RF to the IF frequency

Receiver Components

Answer 13

Down Converter

Question 14

Extracts the baseband signal

Receiver Components

Answer 14

Demodulator (DEMOD)

Question 15

Takes one single combined baseband signal and distributes it to individual output lines

Receiver Components

Answer 15

Demultiplexer (DEMUX)

Question 16

In Triangle math, going up, you would?

Answer 16

Add

Subtract, down

Question 17

In Triangle math, going from Tx to Rx, what would you do with TTF?

Answer 17

Do the sign

If Rx to Tx (right to left or “backwards”), do the opposite

Question 18

Cannot send and receive at the same time

Transceivers Basics

Answer 18

Half Duplex

Question 19

Can send and receive simultaneously (at the same time)

Transceivers Basics

Answer 19

Full Duplex

Question 20

Allows a single antenna to transmit and receive signals

Transceivers Basics

Answer 20

Duplexer

Question 21

The power level required for an isotropic antenna to achieve the same Ψ as the directional antenna

Link Budget

Answer 21

Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP)

Question 22

• Loss caused by EM energy spreading out as it travels through space
• Ratio of TX to RX power as a signal travels through a vacuum

Link Budget

Answer 22

Free Space Path Loss (FSPL)

Also called Path Loss, Space Loss, or Spreading Loss

Question 23

The difference between received signal strength and the modems receive sensitivity

Link Budget

Answer 23

Fade Margin

Note: Also provides a buffer for unexpected signal loss