MODULE DETAILS

Terrestrial Microwave and Satellite Communications DMNTMS610

Nominal duration in hours:

48 hours total time commitment

This time commitment includes the structured activities, preparation reading, and attendance at each webinar, completing exercises, practical assessments and proctored assessments.

It is also expected that students spend additional time on readings, personal study, independent research and learning, practicing on remote labs and required software and working on any projects and assignments.

This module covers the theory and application of wireless (microwave) communication technologies as used widely in the mining Industry, including characteristics of wireless communications, design and applications of microwave links, and basic characteristics of satellite systems.

MODULE PURPOSE

The purpose of this module is for participants to develop knowledge of the features and applications of terrestrial microwave links and satellite systems.

MODIFICATION HISTORY

Original module approved in 2011 (52438WA); December 2014 (52727WA).  This version is Version 3.

PREREQUISITE AND/OR CO‑REQUISITE MODULES

Modules that must be delivered and assessed before this module:

Data Communications DMNDCO607

Ethernet DMNETH608

Modules that must be delivered concurrently with this module:

N/A

SUMMARY OF LEARNING OUTCOMES

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

1.    Explain basic characteristics of wireless communications

2.    Analyse the design of a terrestrial microwave link

3.    Identify and explain terrestrial applications of microwave communications

4.    Outline basic characteristics of satellite systems

LEARNING OUTCOMES

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Learning outcomes specify what students will be able to do as a result of the learning.

Assessment criteria provide the criteria by which achievement of the learning outcomes will be judged.

1

Explain basic characteristics of wireless communications

1.1

Identify and compare the frequency bands use for wireless communications, and the associated propagation method for each

1.2

Outline basic features of DSSS and FHSS

1.3

Explain the concept of UWB

1.4

Explain basic modulation methods and their adaptation to transmit digital information

2

Analyse the design of a terrestrial microwave link

2.1

Assess a given example of a terrestrial microwave link design

2.2

Determine potential legal implications of antenna EIRP obtained in link design

3

Identify and explain terrestrial applications of microwave communications

3.1

Determine and compare antenna requirements for PtP and PtMP topologies

3.2

Identify and outline hardware required for terrestrial microwave applications

3.3

Outline applications of terrestrial microwave for:

(a) telemetry in general

(b) in specific mining applications

4

Outline basic characteristics of satellite systems

4.1

Outline basic characteristics of satellite communications relevant to mining

4.2

Outline basic features of VSAT operation

4.3

Discuss uses of satellite in:

(a) telemetry

(b) tracking

(c) communications

(d) mining

DELIVERY MODE

Online and/or face-to-face

SPECIALISED RESOURCES

N/A

ASSESSMENT STRATEGY

METHODS OF ASSESSMENT

Assessors should gather a range of evidence that is valid, sufficient, current and authentic. Evidence can be gathered through a variety of ways including direct observation, supervisor's reports, project work, structured assessments, samples and questioning. This will include short answer questions on the knowledge content, the use of remote and virtual labs, and writing tasks to apply the learning to academic tasks.

CONDITIONS OF ASSESSMENT

Assessor Requirements:

Assessors must satisfy the assessor requirements in the standards for registered training organisation (RTOs) current at the time of assessment.

Assessors must also hold a tertiary qualification in engineering or related field.

The RTO must also ensure that trainers and assessors keep their industry knowledge up to date through ongoing professional development.

Assessment Conditions:

Questioning techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this module. The candidate must have access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required.

The candidate must be permitted to refer to any relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications, codes, standards, manuals and reference materials.

Assessments may be open book assessment and may be completed off campus. Invigilation software will be used for some assessments to ensure authenticity of work completed.

Model answers must be provided for all knowledge-based assessments to ensure reliability of assessment judgements when marking is undertaken by different assessors.