Skip to content

readme.md

Latest commit

 

History

History
88 lines (54 loc) · 4.02 KB

readme.md

File metadata and controls

88 lines (54 loc) · 4.02 KB

SGLC-Calc: Satellite-to-Ground Laser Communication Simulation Tool

SGLC-Calc is a specialized simulation tool developed in MATLAB to facilitate complex link budget analysis for satellite-to-ground laser communication (SGLC). Unlike simplified scripts, this tool integrates a comprehensive suite of atmospheric impairments—including turbulence, rain, snow, fog, and clouds—into a unified, user-friendly interface.

1. Description

The software utilizes a Model-View-Controller (MVC) architecture to ensure modularity and a standardized data flow from user configuration to dynamic visualization.

Key Technical Capabilities

  • Standardized Physical Modeling The core engine implements rigorous empirical models, such as the Kim model for fog, the Carbonneau model for rain, and ITU-R recommendations for snow.

  • Bi-directional Asymmetry Analysis The tool explicitly distinguishes between uplink and downlink channels. It accounts for turbulence-induced scintillation differences by applying an aperture averaging factor specifically for the space-to-ground downlink path.

  • Dynamic Geometric Scanning Instead of static calculations, SGLC-Calc features an orbital mechanics module that dynamically updates slant range and atmospheric path length as the satellite traverses elevation angles from 20° to 90°.

  • Cloud Interference Modeling It incorporates a Mie scattering model based on ground station altitude and wavelength to evaluate link reliability under cloudy conditions.

  • Real-time Visualization The GUI provides immediate graphical feedback, including received power profiles, link margin vs. weather curves, and sorted loss breakdown charts to identify system bottlenecks.

2. Requirements & Environment

To run the executable version of SGLC-Calc, you do not need a full MATLAB installation, but the following environment is required:

  • Operating System: Windows 10 or higher.
  • MATLAB Runtime: Version R2024b (9.17) is required to run the standalone application.
  • Development Environment: MATLAB App Designer (required only for source code execution).

3. Installation & Usage

Prerequisites for Deployment

Before running the software, verify that MATLAB Runtime (R2024b) is installed on your system. If it is not installed:

  1. Download the Windows version of the MATLAB Runtime for R2024b from the MathWorks website:
    MathWorks MCR Link
  2. Run the installer (Administrator rights are required).
  3. Alternatively, if you have MATLAB installed, you can find the runtime location by entering the following command at the MATLAB prompt: 
    mcrinstaller

Running the Application

  1. Navigate to the directory containing SGLC_Calc_V1.exe.
  2. Double-click the executable to launch the GUI.
  3. Load the default parameters or manually input your specific satellite orbit and atmospheric conditions.

4. Simple Example

To perform a basic link budget analysis:

  1. Step 1: Select the communication direction (Uplink or Downlink).
  2. Step 2: Input the satellite altitude.
  3. Step 3: Choose the weather condition (e.g., "Moderate Rain" with a specific rainfall rate).
  4. Step 4: Click "Calculate" to generate the link budget table and power distribution plots.

5. Deployment Information

Original deployment notes provided by the developer:

Files to Deploy and Package

The following files are necessary for standalone deployment:

  • SGLC_Calc_V1.exe: The main standalone executable.
  • MCRInstaller.exe: The MATLAB Runtime installer (optional if already installed).
  • readme.txt: Original definition and prerequisite file.

Definitions

For more information on deployment terminology, visit the MathWorks Documentation Center and navigate to:

MATLAB Compiler > Getting Started > About Application Deployment