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Our website (ATI Courses) contains many online tutorials on technical topics. For example, hyper-spectral (& multi-spectral) imaging, radar, space communications, Rockets 101, GPS and along with even more subjects are covered. Check it out for yourself here.

ATI Top Tutorials for 2010

The five tutorial/articles highlighted below were some of our most viewed offerings on our website in 2010.

#1 Antenna Tutorial

Our most popular tutorial summarizes the basic properties of antennas used in satellite communication and derives several fundamental relations used in antenna design and RF link analysis.

Click here for the antenna tutorial.

If you want to learn more about antenna theory and design, check out our antenna related courses.

Antenna Fundamentals - One Day Overview course

This one day class is geared as an introduction into basic antenna and antenna array concepts. The material is basic and should be familiar to an engineer working on any system involving transmitted electromagnetic waves (e.g., radar, satellite communication, terrestrial communications, etc.). The course is roughly broken into four components: Basic antenna concepts, Basic antenna array concepts, and an overview of antenna simulation tools (software) and antenna measurements.

Antenna and Antenna Array Fundamentals course

This three-day course teaches the basics of antenna and antenna array theory. Fundamental concepts such as beam patterns, radiation resistance, polarization, gain/directivity, aperture size, reciprocity, and matching techniques are presented.

Different types of antennas such as dipole, loop, patch, horn, dish, and helical antennas are discussed and compared and contrasted from a performance - applications standpoint. The locations of the reactive near-field, radiating near-field (Fresnel region), and far-field (Fraunhofer region) are described and the Friis transmission formula is presented with worked examples.

Propagation effects are presented. Antenna arrays are discussed, and array factors for different types of distributions (e.g., uniform, binomial, and Tschebyscheff arrays) are analyzed giving insight to sidelobe levels, null locations, and beam broadening (as the array scans from broadside.) The end-fire condition is discussed. Beam steering is described using phase shifters and true-time delay devices.

Problems such as grating lobes, beam squint, quantization errors, and scan blindness are presented. Antenna systems (transmit/receive) with active amplifiers are introduced. Finally, measurement techniques commonly used in anechoic chambers are outlined. The textbook, Antenna Theory, Analysis & Design, is included as well as a comprehensive set of course notes.

#2 Rocket Tutorial

A satellite is launched into space on a rocket, and once there it is inserted into the operational orbit and is maintained in that orbit by means of thrusters onboard the satellite itself. This tutorial will summarize the fundamental principles of rocket propulsion and describe the main features of the propulsion systems used on both launch vehicles and satellites.

Click here for the rocket tutorial

If you really want to become a rocket scientist, then you need to sign-up for one of our rocket courses today.

Rocket Propulsion 101 course

This three-day course is based on the popular text ?Rocket Propulsion Elements? by Sutton and Biblarz. The course provides practical knowledge in rocket propulsion engineering and design technology issues. It is designed for those needing a more complete understanding of the complex issues.

The objective is to give the engineer or manager the tools needed to understand the available choices in rocket propulsion and/or to manage technical experts with greater in-depth knowledge of rocket systems. Attendees will receive a copy of the book Rocket Propulsion Elements, a disk with practical rocket equations in Excel, and a set of printed notes covering advanced additional material.

Fundamentals of Rockets & Missiles course



This course provides an overview of rockets and missiles for government and industry officials with limited technical experience in rockets and missiles. The course provides a practical knowledge in rocket and missile issues and technologies. The seminar is designed for engineers, supporting disciplines, decision makers and managers of current and future projects needing a more complete understanding of the complex issues of rocket and missile technology. The seminar provides a foundation for understanding the issues that must be decided in the use, regulation and development of rocket systems of the future. You will learn a wide spectrum of problems, solutions and choices in the technology of rockets and missile used for both military and civil purposes.

The seminar is taught to the point-of-view of a decision maker needing the technical knowledge to make better informed choices. What you need to know about how rockets and missiles work, why they are build the way they are, what they are used for and how they differ from use to use. You will learn how rockets and missiles differ when used as weapons, as launch vehicles, and in spacecraft or satellites. The objective is to give the decision maker tools to understand the available choices, and to manage the technical experts with a greater in-depth knowledge of specialized disciplines.

#3 GPS Tutorial

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a vital national resource. Over the past thirty years it has made the transition from concept to reality, representing today an operational system on which the entire world has become dependent.

Click here for the GPS tutorial.



To learn even more about GPS, check out one of our courses below.

GPS Technology course

Nearly every military vehicle and every satellite that flies into space uses the GPS to fix its position. In this popular four-day short course, GPS expert Tom Logsdon will describe in detail how those precise radionavigation systems work and review the many practical benefits they provide to military and civilian users in space and around the globe.

Each student will receive a new personal GPS Navigator with a multi-channel capability. Through practical demonstration you will learn how the receiver works, how to operate it in various situations, and how to interpret the positioning solutions it provides.

GIS, GPS, and Remote Sensing (Geomatics) course

This four-day course will provide a technical overview of the current state of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the integration of this powerful tool with GPS, remote sensing, and other data. This course is designed for those currently using GIS, those who are considering purchasing GIS systems, and managers who wish to better understand the issues involved in properly utilizing these tools.

The course provides an overview of the origins, current status, and future directions and applications of Geomatics tools. Information on GIS resources and making these tools work well in your own organization are highlighted.

#4 International System of Units Article

The fourth most viewed tutorial is titled ?International System of Units (SI) Its History and Use in Science and Industry?, by Robert A. Nelson. The International System of Units has become the fundamental basis of scientific measurement worldwide. It is also used for everyday commerce in virtually every country of the world but the United States. Economic pressure to compete in an international environment is a strong motive for contractors to use metric units. Indeed, most satellite design technical literature does use metric units, including meters for length, kilograms for mass, and newtons for force, because of the influence of international partners, suppliers, and customers.

Click here for the International System of Units tutorial

Dr. Nelson also teaches our Satellite Communication Systems Engineering course.



#5 Watching an Apple Fall from the Tree Article

An article about Sir Isaac Newton, apples and gravity by Tom Logsdon, rounds out our top five tutorials for 2010.

Click here for the apple article

Mr. Logsdon also teaches our GPS Technology course.



Course Outline, Samplers, and Notes

Determine for yourself the value of these or our other courses before you sign up. See our samples (See Slide Samples) on some of our courses.

Or check out the new ATI channel on YouTube.

After attending the course you will receive a full set of detailed notes from the class for future reference, as well as a certificate of completion. To see the complete course listing from ATI, click on the links at the bottom of the page.

Please visit our website for more valuable information.

About ATI and the Instructors

Since 1984, ATI has provided leading-edge public courses and onsite technical training to DoD and NASA personnel, as well as contractors. ATI short courses are designed to help you keep your professional knowledge up-to-date.

Our courses provide you a practical overview of space and defense technologies which provide a strong foundation for understanding the issues that must be confronted in the use, regulation and development such complex systems.

Our short courses are designed for individuals involved in planning, designing, building, launching, and operating space and defense systems. Whether you are a busy engineer, a technical expert or a project manager, you can enhance your understanding of complex systems in a short time. You will also become aware of the basic vocabulary essential to interact meaningfully with your colleagues.

ATI?s instructors are world-class experts who are the best in the business. They are carefully selected for their ability to clearly explain advanced technology.

Times, Dates, and Locations

For the times, dates and locations of all of our short courses, please access the links below.

Sincerely,

The ATI Courses Team

P.S. Call today for registration at 410-956-8805 or 888-501-2100 or access our website at www.ATIcourses.com. For general questions please email us at ATI@ATIcourses.com.