Channel optimization method for Q / V band large-scale satellite communication payload

Abstract

The application provides a channel optimization method for Q / V frequency band large-scale satellite communication load, which comprises a forward input link and a return output link, the forward input link comprises a V frequency band multi-beam antenna feed array, a plurality of input pre-selectors, a V frequency band low-noise amplifier input switch ring and a V / Ka integrated receiver assembly which are connected in sequence; and a waveguide is adopted to connect between an output end of the V frequency band multi-beam antenna feed array and an input end of the V / Ka integrated receiver assembly; the return output link comprises a Ka / Q frequency converter, a Q frequency band channel filter, a Q frequency band traveling wave tube amplifier, a switching switch, a Q frequency band output diplexer or filter and a Q frequency band feed beam which are connected in sequence, and an output end of the Ka / Q frequency converter is connected to an input end of the Q frequency band channel filter through a waveguide, and an output end of the Q frequency band channel filter is directly connected to an input end of the Q frequency band traveling wave tube amplifier through a waveguide. Thus, the application has low link loss, high space utilization and high feasibility.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of spacecraft overall design, and more particularly to a channel optimization method for Q / V band scalable satellite communication payloads. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of space communication technology, high-throughput payload satellites, with their superior performance, high-efficiency frequency reuse technology, and superior communication capacity, are accounting for an increasing proportion of GEO communication satellites and playing an important role in aerospace technology applications.

[0003] High-throughput satellites consist of a unique multi-beam antenna and a multi-transponder link structure, and their main operating principles are as follows:

[0004] Multiple antenna feeds form a feed array, mounted on the satellite via an integrated support structure. Each feed connects to N transponder input channels, sequentially leading to a preselector, waveguide switch, low-noise amplifier, and subsequent branching to a hybrid bridge, multiplexer, and frequency converter. To reduce losses, decrease the input noise figure, improve the satellite's G / T ratio, and enhance the satellite's receiver performance, the following design requirements are generally proposed for high-throughput payloads in the Ka / Ku band: the section connecting the antenna feed, preselector, waveguide switch, and low-noise amplifier uses an aluminum alloy waveguide, requiring the overall length to be as short as possible to reduce waveguide path loss. RF cables are used for channel connections starting from the low-noise amplifier.

[0005] The output link includes: a traveling wave tube amplifier assembly (BRA assembly), a waveguide switch assembly, an output multiplexer (or output filter), and the antenna feed assembly entrance. The layout of the output equipment directly affects the satellite's EIRP value. It is necessary to minimize the link length and reduce losses during microwave transmission. Similarly, for high-throughput payloads in the Ka / Ku band of the satellite, aluminum alloy waveguides are used for channel connections at the TWTA back end. RF cables are used for connections at the TWTA front end.

[0006] Currently, the main high-throughput payloads are in the Ka / Ku bands. With the continuous growth of communication demand, the Q / V bands, with their abundant bandwidth resources, are gradually being promoted and applied in the next generation of high-throughput payloads.

[0007] In the design of Q / V band high-throughput payloads, the forward link typically has a V-band input and a Ka-band output, while the reverse link has a Ka-band input and a Q-band output.

[0008] Therefore, in the process of high-throughput design in the Q / V band, due to the high signal loss in the Q / V band, the use of aluminum alloy waveguides only in the input and output sections as described above is insufficient to meet the channel performance requirements.

[0009] An existing patent (publication number: CN202010065511.7) proposes an ultra-wideband upconverter for converting X / Ku band frequencies to Q / V band frequencies in the field of communications. It uses a CAN interface for switching, attenuation control, and Q / V local oscillator frequency setting. Internally, it achieves Q / V band upconversion through a switching frequency selection circuit, a Q / V mixing circuit, a Q / V local oscillator circuit, a wideband combiner, and a control circuit. Another existing patent (publication number: CN202310873702.X) proposes a satellite-to-ground transmission system including a Q / V band link module, a Ka band link module, a laser link module, and a signal processing module. This method improves the maximum efficiency of the satellite-to-ground link by using a signal processing payload for adaptive rate adjustment and inter-link switching.

[0010] While the above methods can achieve multiple frequency conversions in the Q / V band, as well as efficient transmission modes and systems in the Q / V band on satellites, the on-board layout and application requirements for high-throughput payloads on high-orbit satellites are complex. The design schemes for Q / V band multi-beam antenna feeds and transponder input equipment, transponder output equipment, and Q / V band multi-beam antenna feed arrays have many limitations and are not optimized. Summary of the Invention

[0011] To address the problems existing in the prior art, this invention provides a channel optimization method for large-scale Q / V band satellite communication payloads, which has low link loss, high space utilization, and high feasibility, enabling large-scale application of Q / V band high-throughput payloads on satellites.

[0012] To achieve the above-mentioned technical effects, this invention provides a channel optimization method for Q / V band scalable satellite communication payloads, applied to the forward input link processing V-band to Ka-band signals and the return output link processing Ka-band to Q-band signals, comprising:

[0013] The forward input link is designed as a series of interconnected components: a V-band multi-beam antenna feed array, multiple input preselectors, a V-band low-noise amplifier input switching loop, and a V / Ka integrated receiver assembly. The V / Ka integrated receiver assembly is a single integrated unit that integrates the amplification processing function of the V-band low-noise amplifier, the switching processing function of the V-band low-noise amplifier output switching loop, the hybrid processing function of the V-band hybrid bridge assembly, the switching processing function of the V / Ka inverter input switching loop, and the frequency conversion processing function of the V / Ka inverter. A waveguide connection is used between the output of the V-band multi-beam antenna feed array and the input of the V / Ka integrated receiver assembly.

[0014] The return output link is designed as follows: a Ka / Q inverter, a Q-band channel filter, a Q-band traveling wave tube amplifier, a switching switch, a Q-band output duplexer or filter, and a Q-band feed beam are connected in sequence. The output of the Ka / Q inverter is connected to the input of the Q-band channel filter through a waveguide to directly output multiple Q-band channelized signals. The output of the Q-band channel filter is directly connected to the input of the Q-band traveling wave tube amplifier through a waveguide.

[0015] Optionally, the waveguide between the output of the Q-band traveling wave tube amplifier and the switching switch, the waveguide between the switching switch and the Q-band output duplexer or the filter, and the waveguide between the Q-band output duplexer or the filter and the Q-band feed beam are all copper waveguides.

[0016] Optionally, the waveguide used in the forward input link is an aluminum alloy waveguide.

[0017] Optionally, the switching switch is located at the output of the Q-band traveling wave tube amplifier to enable switching between different Q-band feed beams.

[0018] Optionally, the output of the V / Ka integrated receiver assembly is connected in sequence to a Ka-band input multiplexer, a Ka-band traveling wave tube amplifier, an isolator, and a Ka output multiplexer.

[0019] Optionally, the optimized layout structure is applied to geostationary high-throughput communication satellites.

[0020] The channel optimization method for Q / V band scalable satellite communication payloads provided by this invention combines the stand-alone functions and switching functions between the V-band low-noise amplifier and the V / Ka converter into a single V / Ka integrated receiver in the forward input section. This significantly reduces the path length between the antenna feed and the V / Ka converter, improves the feasibility of waveguide on-board routing design and implementation in this section, and optimizes channel performance. In the return output section, the channel between the Ka / Q converter and the Q-band TWTA is optimized by merging some switching components, further improving the feasibility of waveguide on-board routing design and implementation in this section. For channels operating at the back end of the Q-band TWTA, copper waveguides are used instead of conventional aluminum alloy waveguides, which helps improve the channel's heat dissipation capacity and enhances the channel signal performance. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a channel optimization method for Q / V band large-scale satellite communication payload provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a channel designed for a forward link under conventional conditions in existing technology;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the forward input link design in the channel optimization method for Q / V band large-scale satellite communication payload provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a channel designed for a return link under normal conditions in existing technology;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the back-input link design in the channel optimization method for Q / V band large-scale satellite communication payload provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention.

[0027] It should be noted that references to "an embodiment," "embodiment," "example embodiment," etc., in this specification refer to the described embodiment including specific features, structures, or characteristics, but not every embodiment must include these specific features, structures, or characteristics. Furthermore, such expressions do not refer to the same embodiment. Moreover, when describing specific features, structures, or characteristics in conjunction with embodiments, whether or not explicitly described, it is indicated that incorporating such features, structures, or characteristics into other embodiments is within the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

[0028] Furthermore, certain terms are used in the specification and subsequent claims to refer to specific components or parts. Those skilled in the art will understand that manufacturers may use different names or terms to refer to the same component or part. This specification and subsequent claims do not distinguish components or parts by differences in name, but rather by differences in function. The terms "comprising" and "including" used throughout the specification and subsequent claims are open-ended and should be interpreted as "including but not limited to." Additionally, the term "connection" here includes any direct and indirect electrical connection means. Indirect electrical connection means include connections made through other means.

[0029] The following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, provides a more detailed explanation of a channel optimization method for Q / V band large-scale satellite communication payloads provided in this application. Specifically, the channel optimization method is applied to geostationary orbit high-throughput communication satellites, and is particularly applicable to the design of Q / V band multi-beam antenna feeds and transponder input equipment, transponder output equipment, and Q / V band multi-beam antenna feed arrays; such as Figure 1 As shown, the method is applied to the forward input link for processing V-band to Ka-band signals and the reverse output link for processing Ka-band to Q-band signals, including:

[0030] The forward input link is designed to be sequentially connected as follows: a V-band multi-beam antenna feed array 10, multiple input preselectors 20, a V-band low-noise amplifier input switching loop 30, and a V / Ka integrated receiver assembly 40. The V / Ka integrated receiver assembly 40 is an integrated single-unit assembly, which integrates the amplification processing function of the V-band low-noise amplifier, the switching processing function of the V-band low-noise amplifier output switching loop, the hybrid processing function of the V-band hybrid bridge assembly, the switching processing function of the V / Ka inverter input switching loop, and the frequency conversion processing function of the V / Ka inverter. A waveguide connection is used between the output end of the V-band multi-beam antenna feed array 10 and the input end of the V / Ka integrated receiver assembly 40.

[0031] The return output link is designed as follows: a Ka / Q inverter 50, a Q-band channel filter 60, a Q-band traveling wave tube amplifier 70, a switching switch 80, a Q-band output duplexer or filter, and a Q-band feed beam 100 are connected in sequence. The output of the Ka / Q inverter 50 is connected to the input of the Q-band channel filter 60 via a waveguide to directly output multiple Q-band channelized signals. The output of the Q-band channel filter 60 is directly connected to the input of the Q-band traveling wave tube amplifier 70 via a waveguide. The symbol 90 in the diagram can be either a Q-band output duplexer or a filter.

[0032] Furthermore, the waveguides between the output of the Q-band traveling wave tube amplifier 70 and the switching switch 80, the waveguide between the switching switch 80 and the Q-band output duplexer or filter 90, and the waveguide between the Q-band output duplexer or filter 90 and the Q-band feed beam 100 are all made of copper. Thus, for channels operating at the back end of the Q-band TWTA, using copper waveguides instead of conventional aluminum alloy waveguides helps improve the channel's heat dissipation capacity and enhance the channel's signal performance.

[0033] The waveguide used in the forward input link is an aluminum alloy waveguide.

[0034] The switching switch 80 is located at the output of the Q-band traveling wave tube amplifier 70 to enable switching between different Q-band feed beams.

[0035] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the output of the V / Ka integrated receiver assembly 40 is sequentially connected to a Ka-band input multiplexer, a Ka-band traveling wave tube amplifier, an isolator, a Ka-band output multiplexer, and a Ka-band transmitting antenna.

[0036] This embodiment addresses the high loss issue in the application of Q / V band high-throughput payloads on GEO orbit satellites by optimizing the layout structure of the forward input link and the reverse output link to achieve low-loss, highly feasible large-scale application.

[0037] See Figure 2 According to existing typical high-throughput satellite payload design methods, the received signal from the V-band fed antenna passes through N input preselectors, the V-band low-noise amplifier input switch loop, the V-band low-noise amplifier, the V-band low-noise amplifier output switch loop, the V-band hybrid bridge assembly, the V / Ka converter input switch, and the V / Ka converter. To reduce V-band losses, waveguides are used as the transmission path from the antenna feed to the V / Ka converter. Although waveguide transmission is used throughout to reduce V-band signal loss, the dispersed equipment (including multiple individual units and multiple sets of switches) results in a long transmission path from the antenna feed to the V / Ka converter, highly complex waveguide routing, low on-board layout feasibility, and high design and implementation costs.

[0038] The optimization measures for the forward input link provided in this embodiment are as follows: Figure 3 As shown, the input signal from the V-band fed antenna passes through N input preselectors, the V-band low-noise amplifier input switching loop, and the V / Ka receiver to form a Ka-band signal. Link optimization reduces channel loss, significantly lowers waveguide routing requirements, and improves payload feasibility. Simultaneously, to avoid introducing additional losses through RF cables, all signal transmission paths from the V-band fed antenna output to the V / Ka receiver utilize waveguides.

[0039] In the above diagram, the thin lines indicate the use of radio frequency cables for transmission, while the thick lines indicate the use of waveguides for transmission.

[0040] See Figure 4Following typical high-throughput satellite payload design methods, the Ka-band signal is converted into M Q-band signals after passing through a Ka / Q converter. These signals first enter the converter's output switching components. After conversion, the signals pass through a Q-band channel filter or hybrid bridge and then enter a backup loop composed of Q-band traveling wave tube amplifiers (TWTAs), including TWTA input switching components, TWTA components, and TWTA output switching components. Finally, the downlink output of the Q-band feed beam is achieved through a Q-band output duplexer or filter. To reduce losses, waveguides are used as transmission channels after the Ka / Q converter. Although aluminum alloy waveguides are used for transmission throughout the Ka / Q converter process, the multiple switching components (converter output switching components and TWTA input switching components) result in path redundancy, and the aluminum alloy waveguides have poor heat dissipation capabilities, making them unsuitable for the high-power signal transmission requirements of the Q-band TWTA backend.

[0041] The optimization measures for the return input link provided in this embodiment are as follows: Figure 5 As shown, the Ka-band signal is converted into a Q-band signal after passing through the Ka / Q inverter. After conversion, it directly forms an M-channeled signal. After passing through the Q-band channel filter, it directly enters the Q-band traveling wave tube amplifier. At the back end of the traveling wave tube amplifier, the feed beam is switched via a switch. Finally, the feed beam is output downstream through a Q-band output duplexer or filter. The beneficial effects of this optimization are: first, it eliminates the inverter output switch assembly and the traveling wave tube amplifier input switch assembly in conventional designs, simplifying the path by utilizing the direct M-channeled signal output characteristic of the Ka / Q inverter; second, the signal transmission channel after the Q-band TWTA uses a copper waveguide instead of a conventional aluminum alloy waveguide, improving heat dissipation; and third, all signal transmission channels from the Ka / Q inverter to the Q-band output duplexer / filter retain waveguide transmission, minimizing Q-band signal loss.

[0042] In summary, the channel optimization method for Q / V band large-scale satellite communication payloads provided by this invention is applied to GEO orbit high-throughput satellites. It includes a forward input link and a return output link. The forward link is sequentially connected to a V-band multi-beam antenna feed array, an input preselector, a V-band low-noise amplifier input switch loop, and a V / Ka integrated receiver (integrated low-noise amplifier, output switch loop, hybrid bridge, inverter input switch loop, and inverter). The devices are connected by waveguides. The return link is sequentially connected to a Ka / Q inverter, a Q-band channel filter, a traveling wave tube amplifier, a switching switch, and an output duplexer / filter. The Ka / Q inverter directly outputs multiple Q-band signals via a waveguide-connected filter, and the filter is then connected to the traveling wave tube amplifier via a waveguide. Therefore, in the forward input section, this invention combines the standalone V-band low-noise amplifier and switches between the V-band low-noise amplifier and the V / Ka converter into a single V / Ka integrated receiver, thereby significantly reducing the path length between the antenna feed and the V / Ka converter, improving the feasibility of waveguide routing in this section, and optimizing channel performance. In the reverse output section, the channel between the Ka / Q converter and the Q-band TWTA is optimized by merging some switching components, improving the feasibility of waveguide routing in this section. For the channel operating behind the Q-band TWTA, copper waveguides are used instead of conventional aluminum alloy waveguides, which helps to improve the channel's heat dissipation capacity and enhance the channel signal performance.

[0043] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element. Furthermore, it should be noted that the scope of the methods and apparatuses in the embodiments of the present invention is not limited to performing functions in the order shown or discussed, but may also include performing functions substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order, depending on the functions involved. For example, the described methods may be performed in a different order than described, and various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. Additionally, features described with reference to certain examples may be combined in other examples.

[0044] Of course, the present invention may have other various embodiments. Without departing from the spirit and essence of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make various corresponding changes and modifications according to the present invention, but these corresponding changes and modifications should all fall within the protection scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A channel optimization method for large-scale Q / V band satellite communication payloads, characterized in that, Applications include a forward input link for processing V-band to Ka-band signals and a reverse output link for processing Ka-band to Q-band signals, comprising: The forward input link is designed as a series of interconnected components: a V-band multi-beam antenna feed array, multiple input preselectors, a V-band low-noise amplifier input switching loop, and a V / Ka integrated receiver assembly. The V / Ka integrated receiver assembly is a single integrated unit that integrates the amplification processing function of the V-band low-noise amplifier, the switching processing function of the V-band low-noise amplifier output switching loop, the hybrid processing function of the V-band hybrid bridge assembly, the switching processing function of the V / Ka inverter input switching loop, and the frequency conversion processing function of the V / Ka inverter. A waveguide connection is used between the output of the V-band multi-beam antenna feed array and the input of the V / Ka integrated receiver assembly. The return output link is designed as follows: a Ka / Q inverter, a Q-band channel filter, a Q-band traveling wave tube amplifier, a switching switch, a Q-band output duplexer or filter, and a Q-band feed beam are connected in sequence. The output of the Ka / Q inverter is connected to the input of the Q-band channel filter through a waveguide to directly output multiple Q-band channelized signals. The output of the Q-band channel filter is directly connected to the input of the Q-band traveling wave tube amplifier through a waveguide. The waveguide between the output of the Q-band traveling wave tube amplifier and the switching switch, the waveguide between the switching switch and the Q-band output duplexer or the filter, and the waveguide between the Q-band output duplexer or the filter and the Q-band feed beam are all copper waveguides.

2. The channel optimization method for Q / V band large-scale satellite communication payloads according to claim 1, characterized in that, The waveguide used in the forward input link is an aluminum alloy waveguide.

3. The channel optimization method for Q / V band large-scale satellite communication payloads according to claim 1, characterized in that, The switching switch is located at the output of the Q-band traveling wave tube amplifier to enable switching between different Q-band feed beams.

4. The channel optimization method for Q / V band large-scale satellite communication payloads according to claim 1, characterized in that, The output of the V / Ka integrated receiver assembly is sequentially connected to a Ka-band input multiplexer, a Ka-band traveling wave tube amplifier, an isolator, and a Ka-band output multiplexer.

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