The
nice thing about spreadsheets are their
open structure, the ease by which they can
be modified and customized, and the "what-if"
feature.
The basic function of this spreadsheet is
to calculate:
1. The signal, all noise levels, and signal-to-noise
ratio for different systems.
Features:
1. This spreadsheet template allows for
the simultaneous comparison of six scenarios
or systems.
2. Separate modelling of both the transmitter
and receiver, i.e, systems do not have to
be symmetric.
3. Accounts for both continuous wave
and pulse modulation.
4. Accounting for artificial
transmitter beam defocusing, interstellar
and atmospheric absorption.
5. Models, microwave, optical photon-counting,
and optical heterodyne receivers.
6. Both optical pre-detection and
electrical post-detection bandwidths may
be independently adjusted.
7. Accounts for effect of sinc^2 polar
response on the diffraction-limited pixel
response to Planckian
starlight.
8. Accounts for night and day background
radiation for ground-based observatories.
9. Contains pre-configured graphs
of signal and noise levels, and signal-
to-noise ratios.
10. Contains self-checking for incorrect
data.
11. On-line help and theory supporting the
spreadsheet is available under macro control.
12. Tables of astrophysical data provided
for use within spreadsheet template.
