Computer Generation of DB Margin Summaries for Telecommunications Links

The design and assessment of PCM/FM/PM, FM/FM, and FM/PM telemetry links requires the generation of DB Allocations. These allocations summarize the system transmitted power, gains, losses, noise spectral densities, predetection noise bandwidths, modulation losses, predetection and threshold signal-to-noise ratios, and resultant DB margins. A multiplicity of such links, typical of spacecraft telecommunications subsystems, leads to an inordinate amount of detailed hand calculation. This paper presents a mechanization of the DB margin summary procedure via computer program. The program output format is designed so that the link summary obtained can be directly reproduced with essentially no intermediate typing necessary. A large number of links, with parametric variations, can very quickly be synthesized or analyzed with short computer run times at a minimal cost. Copies of the program listing are available.