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CHAPTER 5
INTRODUCTION TO MISCELLANEOUS
COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:
1. Describe the basic operation of communications systems that operate at medium frequencies and
below.
2. Describe the basic microwave line-of-sight communications system.
3. Describe the basic tropospheric scatter communications system.
4. Describe the objective/purpose of the naval tactical data system (NTDS).
5. Describe the naval tactical data system (NTDS) data transmission subsystems in terms of links.
6. Explain the various applications of portable communications equipment.
7. Define the term laser.
8. Describe the basic theory of operation of lasers
9. Describe the possible applications of lasers in communications.
INTRODUCTION
In the previous four chapters we've looked at communications equipment and systems that were used
in several frequency ranges. Some have had many applications. In this chapter you will look at systems
used in some portions of the rf spectrum that have not been covered in detail. We will also discuss the
naval tactical data system (NTDS), which operates in the high-frequency and ultrahigh-frequency regions.
Various portable communications equipments used in the military and an introduction to the laser and its
uses in communications are included. Some of the applications presented are fairly new to the military
community.
SYSTEMS
As discussed in chapter 1, the frequency range from elf to shf is from below 300 hertz up to 30
gigahertz. The first area we will cover is the lower frequency bands (medium frequency [mf] and below).
You will then get a look at the microwave region and the high-frequency and ultrahigh-frequency range
as it pertains to the naval tactical data system (NTDS).
