View Standards
EXAM OVERVIEW
It includes eight modules with a total of 128 questions. Candidates are allowed a maximum of 32 incorrect answers to pass the exam.
Format: Online, proctored exam
Duration: 1.5 hours
Passing Score: 75% (96/128 correct answers)
The exam assesses candidates on three dimensions of knowledge:
Factual (What): Understanding key concepts and definitions.
Conceptual (Why): Recognizing the importance and reasoning behind practices.
Procedural (How): Applying methods to real-world scenarios
Exam standards
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1.1. Describe the fundamental properties of electromagnetic (EM) waves, including frequency, wavelength, and amplitude.
1.2. Explain the principles of wave propagation and how they relate to SATCOM.
1.3. Identify atmospheric effects on EM waves, such as attenuation, refraction, and scattering. -
2.1. Define key RF concepts, including power, gain, and noise.
2.2. Explain line-of-sight (LOS) communication and its importance in SATCOM.
2.3. Differentiate between RF bands used in SATCOM, such as C-band, Ku-band, and Ka-band.
2.4. Describe the purpose of antenna beamwidth, gain, and sidelobe control. -
3.1. Identify the components of a VSAT system, including the antenna, feedhorn, BUC (Block Upconverter), and LNB (Low-Noise Block).
3.2. Explain proper site selection for VSAT installations, considering line-of-sight and obstructions.
3.3. Perform antenna alignment:3.3.1. Polarization adjustment.
3.3.2. Azimuth and elevation tuning.
3.4. Configure uplink and downlink frequencies for a satellite transponder.
3.5. Validate signal quality using tools such as spectrum analyzers and VSAT modems. -
4.1. Identify common causes of interference in SATCOM systems:
4.1.1. Adjacent satellite interference.
4.1.2. Equipment misalignment or failure.
4.2. Explain techniques to prevent interference:
4.2.1. Spectrum monitoring and interference detection tools.
4.2.2. Proper grounding and shielding techniques.
4.3. Outline best practices for reporting and mitigating interference issues.
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5.1. Define the purpose of modulation in SATCOM and describe common techniques:
5.1.1. BPSK, QPSK, and 8PSK.
5.2. Differentiate between multiple access methods, including:
5.2.1. TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access).
5.2.2. FDMA (Frequency Division Multiple Access).
5.2.3. CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access).
5.3. Describe the relationship between modulation types and link quality.
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6.1. Identify RF safety hazards and explain methods to mitigate exposure risks:
6.1.1. Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) limits.
6.1.2. Safe working distances from active antennas.
6.2. Outline personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements for technicians.
6.3. Explain proper handling of SATCOM equipment to prevent damage or injury.
6.4. Describe OSHA and ANSI standards relevant to SATCOM installations. -
7.1. Identify common issues in SATCOM systems, including:
7.1.1. Signal degradation.
7.1.2. Power supply failures.
7.2. Use diagnostic tools to resolve connectivity and signal issues:
7.2.1. Spectrum analyzers.
7.2.2. Multimeters and VSAT diagnostic software.
7.3. Explain the importance of regular maintenance, including cable inspections and software updates.
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8.1. Describe the end-to-end operation of a satellite communication link.
8.2. Identify the roles of satellite transponders in uplink and downlink processes.
8.3. Explain the function of ground stations and network operation centers in managing SATCOM systems.
