High and low orbit satellite cooperative tracking antenna device
By combining a parabolic antenna and a phased array antenna in a high- and low-orbit satellite collaborative tracking device, the tracking blind zone and pointing accuracy problems of traditional antennas in high- and low-orbit satellite collaborative operation have been solved, and stable and reliable communication with high- and low-orbit satellites has been achieved.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2026-02-10
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-03
AI Technical Summary
Traditional mechanical tracking antennas suffer from tracking blind spots and limited rotation range in high and low orbit satellite cooperative operations. Phased array antennas experience a decrease in main lobe gain during large-angle scanning, making it difficult to meet the requirements of high stability and high pointing accuracy.
By combining a parabolic antenna and a phased array antenna, and through coordinated control by the main control unit, enhanced tracking of high and low orbit satellites can be achieved. By utilizing the rapid scanning capability of the phased array antenna and the high gain of the parabolic antenna, combined with the rotation device and radio frequency components, stable tracking of high and low orbit satellites can be achieved.
It improves the stability and pointing accuracy of high and low orbit satellite tracking, enables continuous and stable tracking of high-speed moving satellites, and enhances the system's operational reliability and communication quality.
Smart Images
Figure CN121790727A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of antenna technology, and in particular to a high- and low-orbit satellite cooperative tracking antenna device. Background Technology
[0002] The trend in satellite communication development is towards coordinated operation of high-Earth orbit (HEO) and low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to achieve a comprehensive advantage of wide coverage, high communication quality, and strong system stability. In existing technologies, traditional mechanical tracking antennas have significant limitations when tracking LEO satellites. For example, they are prone to creating tracking blind spots when the satellite passes overhead or at low elevation angles. Furthermore, due to the limitations of their mechanical structure, the antenna's rotation range is restricted, making it difficult to achieve continuous and stable tracking of high-speed moving satellites. On the other hand, although phased array antennas possess fast beam pointing and wide-angle scanning capabilities, when the scanning angle is large, the beamwidth of the antenna array widens, and the sidelobe level increases, leading to a decrease in main lobe gain and a significant reduction in communication link performance. This makes it difficult to meet the high stability and high pointing accuracy requirements of coordinated tracking of HEO and LEO satellites. Therefore, developing an antenna device that combines the advantages of traditional antennas and phased array antennas is of great significance. Summary of the Invention
[0003] In view of this, the present invention proposes a high- and low-orbit satellite cooperative tracking antenna device. This device combines a traditional parabolic antenna with a phased array antenna, integrating the advantages of both, and proposes a cooperative tracking method, which has the function of enhancing tracking of low- and high-orbit satellites, thereby improving the overall tracking performance.
[0004] The technical solution adopted in this invention is as follows:
[0005] A high-low orbit satellite cooperative tracking antenna device includes a parabolic antenna and a phased array antenna mounted on an antenna mount, and also includes a rotating device, radio frequency components, a slip ring joint and a control system mounted on the antenna mount. The control system includes a positioning and orientation unit and a main control unit. The radio frequency components include a BDC, a BUC and a radio frequency matrix. The parabolic antenna and the phased array antenna have their own independently used BDC and BUC, but share a set of radio frequency matrix.
[0006] The rotating device is used to receive instructions from the main control unit, drive the antenna mount to rotate to the specified angle, and transmit the angle information to the main control unit at the same time.
[0007] The positioning and orientation unit is used to acquire time, position, heading and attitude information and transmit it to the main control unit. At the same time, it receives correction information from the main control unit, including heading correction information and installation error angle information.
[0008] The main control unit integrates a tracking receiver to obtain the real-time position of the target satellite through external input or orbit prediction methods, collect the output information of the positioning and orientation unit, calculate the pointing angle of the antenna device towards the target satellite and the attitude information of the parabolic antenna and phased array antenna, and control the rotation of the rotating device. It is also used to select the radio frequency signal after BDC conversion on the parabolic antenna or phased array antenna by controlling the radio frequency matrix, and input it to the internally integrated tracking receiver for signal demodulation, as a monitoring of the tracking status of the antenna device. When the tracking effect meets the requirements, it calculates the heading correction information and installation error angle information to correct the positioning and orientation unit.
[0009] Furthermore, the main control unit calculates the pointing angle of the antenna device towards the target satellite, as well as the attitude information of the parabolic antenna and the phased array antenna. The specific process is as follows:
[0010] The main control unit receives the time output from the positioning and orientation unit, resets the clock counter to zero and restarts clock counting based on the second pulse signal, and parses the received time, then adds it together. As the system time, in the formula For count values, The clock frequency of the main control unit;
[0011] The main control unit receives the position output from the positioning and orientation unit, including longitude. ,latitude and height Based on the real-time position of the target satellite, the pointing angle of the antenna device toward the target satellite is calculated;
[0012] The main control unit receives heading and attitude information output by the positioning and orientation unit, including the heading angle. Pitch angle and roll angle The attitude information of the parabolic antenna is obtained after compensation for the installation error angle. The calculation formula is as follows:
[0013]
[0014] In the formula and These are the attitude matrices for the parabolic antenna and the phased array antenna, respectively. for The Middle Line 1 Column elements, , and These are the installation error angles for the three axes. , and These are the heading angle, pitch angle, and roll angle after compensating for the installation error angle of the phased array antenna.
[0015] Furthermore, the collaborative tracking process of the main control unit is as follows:
[0016] (1) High-orbit enhanced cooperative tracking mode, applicable when the target satellite is a geostationary satellite:
[0017] The parabolic antenna and the phased array antenna simultaneously track the target satellite. The main control unit controls the radio frequency matrix to send the signal from the parabolic antenna after BDC frequency conversion to the user equipment outside the antenna device through the slip ring joint, and sends the signal from the phased array antenna after BDC frequency conversion to the main control unit. The main control unit monitors the tracking status. In this mode, the parabolic antenna does not perform mechanical scanning. Instead, it uses the phased array antenna to scan and find the direction of the strongest satellite signal. The main control unit controls the rotation device to drive the parabolic antenna to rotate to the corresponding direction.
[0018] (2) Low-Earth orbit enhanced cooperative tracking mode, applicable to situations where the target satellite is an inclined orbit high or low Earth orbit satellite:
[0019] Satellite tracking elevation angle is lower than At this time, the parabolic antenna and the phased array antenna simultaneously track the target satellite. The main control unit controls the radio frequency matrix to send the signal from the parabolic antenna (after BDC conversion) to the user equipment outside the antenna assembly via a slip ring joint, and sends the signal from the phased array antenna (after BDC conversion) to the main control unit, which monitors the tracking status. In this mode, the parabolic antenna does not perform mechanical scanning; instead, it uses the phased array antenna to scan and find the direction of the strongest satellite signal. The main control unit controls the rotation device to drive the parabolic antenna to rotate to the corresponding direction. When the satellite tracking elevation angle is equal to or higher than... At that time, the RF matrix sends the signal from the phased array antenna, after BDC frequency conversion, to the user equipment outside the antenna device via a slip ring joint, and simultaneously sends it to the main control unit for tracking status monitoring; among which, The elevation angle threshold is determined based on the beam scanning characteristics of the phased array antenna.
[0020] Compared with the prior art, the technical solution of the present invention has the following beneficial effects:
[0021] 1. Integrating a phased array antenna onto a traditional parabolic antenna provides redundancy for both, simplifies the structural design, and helps improve the reliability of the system.
[0022] 2. The main control unit has the ability to establish an internal time system with a time accuracy of no less than milliseconds, supports orbit prediction algorithms, and can achieve independent tracking of the positions of high and low orbit satellites.
[0023] 3. By using a combined tracking method of parabolic antenna and phased array antenna, enhanced tracking of high-orbit satellites and low-orbit satellites can be achieved, thus improving the overall tracking performance. Attached Figure Description
[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the antenna device in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] Figure 2 This is a system composition diagram of the antenna device in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] Figure 3 This is a functional block diagram of the main control unit in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the high-orbit enhanced tracking mode in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the low-orbit enhanced tracking mode in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] In the diagram: 1 is the antenna mount, 2 is the parabolic antenna, 3 is the rotating device, 4 is the phased array antenna, 5 is the positioning and orientation unit, and 6 is the main control unit. Detailed Implementation
[0030] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0031] Reference Figures 1 to 5 This invention proposes a high- and low-orbit satellite cooperative tracking antenna device, which is discussed from two aspects: antenna device design and cooperative tracking process.
[0032] This invention discloses a high- and low-orbit satellite cooperative tracking antenna device, the structural schematic diagram of which is shown below. Figure 1 As shown, the system composition diagram is as follows: Figure 2 As shown, the device includes a parabolic antenna 2 and a phased array antenna 4 mounted on an antenna mount 1, as well as a rotating device 3, radio frequency components, a slip ring joint, and a control system mounted on the antenna mount 1. The control system includes a positioning and orientation unit 5 and a main control unit 6. The radio frequency components include a downconverter (BDC), an upconverter (BUC), and a radio frequency matrix. The parabolic antenna 2 and the phased array antenna 3 each have their own independently used BDC and BUC, but share a set of radio frequency matrix.
[0033] The rotation mechanism consists of a motor, its drive, and an angle sensor. It receives commands from the main control unit, drives the antenna mount to rotate to the commanded angle, and simultaneously transmits the angle information to the main control unit. Its quantity depends on the antenna mount type. Antenna mount types include, but are not limited to, AE, AEC, and ACE.
[0034] The positioning and orientation unit consists of an inertial measurement unit (IMU) and a GPS / BD receiver, etc. It is used to acquire time, position, heading and attitude information and transmit it to the main control unit. At the same time, it receives correction information from the main control unit, including heading correction information and installation error angle information.
[0035] The main control unit integrates a tracking receiver to acquire the real-time position of the target satellite via external input or orbit prediction methods, collects the output information of the positioning and orientation unit, calculates the pointing angle of the antenna device towards the target satellite, and the attitude information of the parabolic antenna and phased array antenna, controlling the rotation of the rotating device. It also controls the radio frequency matrix to select and input the BDC-converted radio frequency signal from the parabolic antenna or phased array antenna to the integrated tracking receiver for signal demodulation, serving as a monitoring tool for antenna tracking status. When the tracking effect meets requirements, it calculates heading correction information and installation error angle information to correct the positioning and orientation unit. Functions include... Figure 3 As shown;
[0036] Slip ring joints are used for the transmission of electrical and radio frequency signals when the antenna mount rotates, ensuring that the antenna device can communicate with the outside world for signals and power supply when it is working.
[0037] The main control unit calculates the pointing angle of the antenna device towards the target satellite, as well as the attitude information of the parabolic antenna and the phased array antenna. The specific process is as follows:
[0038] The main control unit receives the time output from the positioning and orientation unit, resets the clock counter to zero and restarts clock counting based on the second pulse signal, and parses the received time, then adds it together. As the system time, in the formula For count values, The clock frequency of the main control unit;
[0039] The main control unit receives the position output from the positioning and orientation unit, including longitude. ,latitude and height Based on the real-time position of the target satellite, the pointing angle of the antenna device toward the target satellite is calculated;
[0040] The main control unit receives heading and attitude information output by the positioning and orientation unit, including the heading angle. Pitch angle and roll angle The attitude information of the parabolic antenna is obtained after compensation for the installation error angle. The calculation formula is as follows:
[0041]
[0042] In the formula and These are the attitude matrices for the parabolic antenna and the phased array antenna, respectively. for The Middle Line 1 Column elements, , and These are the installation error angles for the three axes. , and These are the heading angle, pitch angle, and roll angle after compensating for the installation error angle of the phased array antenna.
[0043] The collaborative tracking process of the main control unit is as follows:
[0044] (1) such as Figure 4 As shown, the high-orbit enhanced cooperative tracking mode is suitable for situations where the target satellite is a geostationary satellite:
[0045] The parabolic antenna and the phased array antenna simultaneously track the target satellite. The main control unit controls the radio frequency matrix to send the signal from the parabolic antenna after BDC frequency conversion to the user equipment outside the antenna device through the slip ring joint, and sends the signal from the phased array antenna after BDC frequency conversion to the main control unit. The main control unit monitors the tracking status. In this mode, the parabolic antenna does not perform mechanical scanning. Instead, it uses the phased array antenna to scan and find the direction of the strongest satellite signal. The main control unit controls the rotation device to drive the parabolic antenna to rotate to the corresponding direction.
[0046] (2) For example Figure 5 As shown, the low-Earth orbit enhanced cooperative tracking mode is suitable for situations where the target satellite is an inclined orbit high or low Earth orbit satellite:
[0047] Satellite tracking elevation angle is lower than At this time, the parabolic antenna and the phased array antenna simultaneously track the target satellite. The main control unit controls the radio frequency matrix to send the signal from the parabolic antenna after BDC frequency conversion to the user equipment outside the antenna device through the slip ring joint, and sends the signal from the phased array antenna after BDC frequency conversion to the main control unit. The main control unit monitors the tracking status. In this mode, the parabolic antenna does not perform mechanical scanning, but uses the phased array antenna to scan and find the direction of the strongest satellite signal. The main control unit controls the rotation device to drive the parabolic antenna to rotate to the corresponding direction.
[0048] When the satellite tracking elevation angle is equal to or higher than In this mode, the radio frequency matrix transmits the signal from the phased array antenna, after BDC frequency conversion, to the user equipment outside the antenna device via a slip ring joint, and simultaneously to the main control unit for tracking status monitoring. In this mode, the parabolic antenna ceases operation, and the phased array antenna independently completes the tracking of the target satellite. The elevation angle threshold is determined based on the beam scanning characteristics of the phased array antenna, and is generally 30° to 60°.
Claims
1. A high-low orbit satellite cooperative tracking antenna device, characterized in that, It includes a parabolic antenna and a phased array antenna mounted on an antenna mount, as well as a rotating device, radio frequency components, slip ring joints and a control system mounted on the antenna mount. The control system includes a positioning and orientation unit and a main control unit. The radio frequency components include a BDC, a BUC and a radio frequency matrix. The parabolic antenna and the phased array antenna have their own independent BDC and BUC, but share a set of radio frequency matrix. The rotating device is used to receive instructions from the main control unit, drive the antenna mount to rotate to the specified angle, and transmit the angle information to the main control unit at the same time. The positioning and orientation unit is used to acquire time, position, heading and attitude information and transmit it to the main control unit. At the same time, it receives correction information from the main control unit, including heading correction information and installation error angle information. The main control unit integrates a tracking receiver to obtain the real-time position of the target satellite through external input or orbit prediction methods, collect the output information of the positioning and orientation unit, calculate the pointing angle of the antenna device towards the target satellite and the attitude information of the parabolic antenna and phased array antenna, and control the rotation of the rotating device. It is also used to select the radio frequency signal after BDC conversion on the parabolic antenna or phased array antenna by controlling the radio frequency matrix, and input it to the internally integrated tracking receiver for signal demodulation, as a monitoring of the tracking status of the antenna device. When the tracking effect meets the requirements, it calculates the heading correction information and installation error angle information to correct the positioning and orientation unit.
2. The high-low orbit satellite cooperative tracking antenna device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main control unit calculates the pointing angle of the antenna device towards the target satellite, as well as the attitude information of the parabolic antenna and the phased array antenna. The specific process is as follows: The main control unit receives the time output from the positioning and orientation unit, resets the clock counter to zero and restarts clock counting based on the second pulse signal, and parses the received time, then adds it together. As the system time, in the formula For count values, The clock frequency of the main control unit; The main control unit receives the position output by the positioning and orientation unit, including longitude. ,latitude and height Based on the real-time position of the target satellite, the pointing angle of the antenna device toward the target satellite is calculated; The main control unit receives heading and attitude information output by the positioning and orientation unit, including the heading angle. Pitch angle and roll angle The attitude information of the parabolic antenna is obtained after compensation for the installation error angle. The calculation formula is as follows: In the formula and These are the attitude matrices for the parabolic antenna and the phased array antenna, respectively. for The Middle Line number Column elements, , and These are the installation error angles for the three axes. , and These are the heading angle, pitch angle, and roll angle after compensating for the installation error angle of the phased array antenna.
3. The high-low orbit satellite cooperative tracking antenna device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The collaborative tracking process of the main control unit is as follows: (1) High-orbit enhanced cooperative tracking mode, applicable to situations where the target satellite is a geostationary satellite: The parabolic antenna and the phased array antenna simultaneously track the target satellite. The main control unit controls the radio frequency matrix to send the signal from the parabolic antenna after BDC frequency conversion to the user equipment outside the antenna device through the slip ring joint, and sends the signal from the phased array antenna after BDC frequency conversion to the main control unit. The main control unit monitors the tracking status. In this mode, the parabolic antenna does not perform mechanical scanning. Instead, it uses a phased array antenna to scan and find the direction of the strongest satellite signal. The main control unit controls the rotation device to drive the parabolic antenna to rotate to the corresponding direction. (2) Low-Earth orbit enhanced cooperative tracking mode, applicable to situations where the target satellite is an inclined orbit high or low Earth orbit satellite: Satellite tracking elevation angle is lower than At the same time, the parabolic antenna and the phased array antenna track the target satellite simultaneously. The main control unit controls the radio frequency matrix to send the signal from the parabolic antenna after BDC frequency conversion to the user equipment outside the antenna device through the slip ring joint, and sends the signal from the phased array antenna after BDC frequency conversion to the main control unit. The main control unit monitors the tracking status. In this mode, the parabolic antenna does not perform mechanical scanning. Instead, it uses a phased array antenna to scan and find the direction of the strongest satellite signal. The main control unit controls the rotation device to drive the parabolic antenna to rotate to the corresponding direction. When the satellite tracking elevation angle is equal to or higher than... At that time, the RF matrix sends the signal from the phased array antenna, after BDC frequency conversion, to the user equipment outside the antenna device via a slip ring joint, and simultaneously sends it to the main control unit for tracking status monitoring; among which, The elevation angle threshold is determined based on the beam scanning characteristics of the phased array antenna.