Development of equations to determine communication capability of pulse or digital transmission link is discussed. Equation specifies probability detection error for one-way transmission. Analysis is conducted on IBM 360 computer using FORTRAN 4

Grayson, L.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

December 1972
	 B72-10675 
S	 NASA TECH BRIEF Goddard Space Flight Center 
NASA Tech Briefs announce new technology derived from the U.S. space program. They are issued to encourage 
commercial application. Tech Briefs are available on a subscription basis from the National Technical Information 
Service, Springfield, Virginia 22151. Requests for individual copies or questions relating to the Tech Brief program may 
be directed to the Technology Utilization Office, NASA, Code Kr, Washington, D.C. 20546. 
Mathematical Analysis for the Performance Assessment of 
Space Communication Parameters, IBM-360 Version 
0
The problem: 
To optimize parameter values used in determining the 
communication capability for a one-way transmission. 
The solution: 
Calculations to determine communication capability of 
a pulse or digital transmission link are basically dependent 
on a single equation which specifies the probability of 
detection error for one-way transmission. 
How it's done: 
The variants for the above equation allow, for different 
types of noise, both modulation and demodulation 
techniques. This equation also documents the inter-
relationships among the communication system para-
meters of range, transmitter power, antenna gains, noise, 
etc. In an equation with many variables it is possible to 
trade one parameter against another and still maintain 
desired performance. This optimization concept was 
expanded to include all applicable parameter values in the 
given for both weight and cost. The program COPS 
(Communication System Optimization Program with 
Stops), optimizes output and minimizes cost. Fixed values 
or maximum or minimum values (stops) can be given for 
any parameter value. The COPS program was written in
FORTRAN IV, requiring a fair degree of programming 
knowledge to utilize it, therefore COPTRAN (Communi-
cation System Optimization Program Translator) was 
written as a buffer program to translate more easily 
understood terms into statements acceptable by COPS. 
This should prove to be a useful tool to aid in investigative 
programs for space communication. 
Notes: 
- This program was written in FORTRAN IV for use on 
an IBM-360. 
2. Inquiries concerning this program should be directed 
to:
COSMIC 
112 Barrow Hall 
University of Georgia 
Athens, Georgia 30601 
Reference: GSC-1 1523
Source: L. Grayson of

Computer Sciences Corp.

under contract to
Goddard Space Flight Center

(GSC-115 23) 
Category 09, 02 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National
	 Government assumes any liability resulting from the use of the 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States
	 information contained in this document, or warrants that such use Government nor any person acting on behalf of the United States
	 will be free from privately owned rights.
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Mathematical analysis for the performance assessment of space communication parameters, IBM-360 version

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