Elements and Performance Criteria

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Satellite applications may include:
broadcasting:
broadcast satellite service (BSS)
fixed service satellite (FSS)
defence
domestic communications
earth observation:
mapping
meteorology
international communications:
Intelsat
global positioning system (GPS)
navigational.
Orbit may include:
geostationary
inclined orbit
low earth orbiting (LEO):
polar
non-polar
Molniya highly elliptical orbit.
Multiple access techniques may include:
code division multiple access (CDMA)
frequency division multiple access (FDMA)
hybrid multiple access schemes:
FDMA/time division multiple access TDMA
polarisation division multiple access (PDMA)
space division multiple access (SDMA)
time division multiple access (TDMA).
Uplink and downlink criteria may include:
antenna gain
bandwidth
error correction bits
modulation type
path loss
transmitter power.
Specified modulation types may include:
m-PSK:
8PSK
OQPSK
QPSK
M-QAM:
16QAM
spread spectrum:
direct sequence
frequency hopping.
Look angles include:
azimuth
elevation.
Frequency re-use may include:
orthogonal polarisation
spatial discrimination directional beams.
Very small aperture terminal may include:
availability
latency
multicast
topology.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the ability to:

analyse satellite communications system architecture
produce a satellite link budget and calculate link margin for a range of digital modulation types
calculate the look angles for a geostationary satellite from any receiving location
analyse and specify the major features of (VSAT) systems.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:

site on which satellite analysis may be conducted
data, calculators and appropriate software tools.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

direct observation of the candidate performing analysis
review of link budget documentation completed by the candidate
review of look angle calculation reports
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of satellite communications systems.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

ICTRFN7182B Produce a radio link budget.

Aboriginal people and other people from a non English speaking background may have second language issues.

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and assessment support when required.

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and appropriate to the oral communication skill level, and language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.

In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess required knowledge. Questioning techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit of competency.

Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with special needs.