Homework 1 (10 pts total)

Villanova University ECE 8708: Wireless Communications

Dr. David C. Burnett, Fall 2025

Recommended resources: Chapters 1 and 3, lecture notes

Problem 1 (4 pts)

Adapted from Problem 1.22 in the textbook.

Identify and compare leading satellite companies (besides Starlink and Project Kuiper) that provide internet services from space. In particular, identify the companies that manufacture, own, and operate the satellites themselves rather than resellers of the service. A good starting point is to look at how in-flight internet access works. Describe their infrastructure (e.g., type and number of satellites, orbital type, hubs) in space and on the ground, and identify the spectrum they use in space and to communicate to earth.

As part of your response, answer this question: Which of these systems, if any, are able to communicate directly with a mobile phone with no intermediary, and what is the nature of that communication?

It's fine to use an LLM at the start of your investigation for this problem, but your technical claims must be backed up with web site or published paper citations you have personally verified. Provide quotes with links to support all claims.

Problem 2 (3 pts)

Modern smartphones have battery capacity of 4000 mAh or more. Using the performance specifications from the in-class example, for how many hours will a 4000 mAh modern battery last if it's used continuously (i.e., it's never in idle mode)?

Problem 3 (3 pts)

  1. A low-power Bluetooth LE system can be designed to consume 10 uA on standby and 10 mA when communication is active. If this system is paired with a CR2032 coin cell battery (235 mAh) and it communicates for 10 ms every second, how long will the battery last?

  2. How long will the battery last if it communicates for 10 ms every minute?

  3. How long will the battery last if it communicates for 10 ms every hour?