VSAT Component Explorer

VSAT Component Explorer helps you explore key VSAT components, understand their functions, and learn how antennas, modems, amplifiers, and other satellite system parts work.

VSAT Component Explorer — VSAT Reference

🔧 VSAT Component Explorer

Simulator #10 — Interactive Exploded Diagram: ODU, IDU & Hub Station

ITU-R S.740 ITU-R P.618 Ref: VSAT Book p.4 §2.3 Category: Component Analysis

Friis Equation

P_r = EIRP · G_ant · (λ/4πd)²

Received power depends on wavelength [ITU-R P.618]

G/T Ratio

G/T = G_ant − 10log(T_sys)

Key receive performance metric [ITU-R P.618 §4]

EIRP

EIRP = P_t · G_t

Transmit EIRP from BUC power and antenna gain

🧩 Select Component

🏗️ VSAT Station Exploded Diagram

Click components or buttons above • Drag to reposition • Current: ODU

Outdoor Unit (ODU)

ODU (BUC + LNA) — Outdoor Equipment

📋 Component Specifications

Parameter	Value

Select a component to view details

📡 Frequency Plan & Signal Flow

Uplink Signal Chain

Stage	Component	Freq	Gain/Loss
TX	Router → Modem → BUC	L → C / Ku / Ka	+
Amp	BUC (Block Upconverter)	70 MHz → 14 GHz	+40 dBW
Ant	ODU Antenna	Band-specific	+35 dBi
Path	Free Space	Variable	−L_fs
Rx	Satellite	—	Transponds

Downlink Signal Chain

Stage	Component	Freq	Gain/Loss
Rx	ODU Antenna	Band-specific	+35 dBi
LNA	Low Noise Amplifier	1–2 GHz (L-band)	+40 dB
Path	Free Space	Variable	−L_fs
Demod	IDU Modem	Baseband	−
Output	Router → Network	Ethernet/RS232	—

📚 ITU References & Source Documentation

1. ITU-R Recommendation P.618 — "Propagation effects relevant to satellite service"

Section §4 defines the G/T ratio and system noise temperature for VSAT earth stations. Section §7 covers rain attenuation affecting LNA and BUC performance. Section §6 provides the Friis transmission equation fundamental to all component specifications.

2. ITU-R Recommendation P.2109 — "Propagation data and prediction methods required for the design of earth stations"

Provides antenna gain calculations, EIRP determination, and the physical derivation of free-space path loss. Defines antenna aperture efficiency and diameter relationships used in ODU specification.

3. ITU-R Recommendation S.740 — "Intermodulation products in satellite services"

Defines BUC linearity requirements, third-order intermodulation standards, and operating back-off requirements. Specifies that BUCs must operate with sufficient IBO to prevent spectral regrowth.

4. ITU-R Recommendation M.1036 — "Satellite Earth stations and systems — Orbital and sub-system parameters"

Provides standardized parameters for VSAT components including antenna diameter ranges, G/T specifications, EIRP output levels, and BUC power requirements for different frequency bands.

5. ITU-R Recommendation P.2575 — "Key characteristics and test methods for earth stations"

Defines the receive performance standards including C/N₀ thresholds, G/T minimum values, and antenna pointing accuracy requirements for different VSAT component configurations.

6. Book Reference: "VSAT, SCPC/DAMA Systems: Parameters, Dependencies & ITU Formulas"

Chapter 2, Section 2.3 (VSAT Components), page 4. Defines ODU (Outdoor Unit) including BUC and LNA, IDU (Indoor Unit) including Modem and Router, and Hub Station components. Provides component specifications, interconnections, signal flow diagrams, and typical values for all VSAT subsystems.

Component Reference Values

VSAT Component Explorer