Adaptive Beam Taper Selection for Satellite Interference and PAPR

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge in low-Earth orbit satellite constellations is to minimize the peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) across antenna elements while managing interference and beam power efficiently for both uplink and downlink communications, particularly in scenarios where terrestrial coverage is sparse or non-existent.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of adaptive taper selection and sub-aperture placement strategies for phased arrays, based on the relative position of the satellite and the interference scenario, using Chebyshev and Kaiser tapers to optimize beamforming and minimize PAPR, with specific taper selection for uplink and downlink scenarios to address interference from terrestrial cells and remote regions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If beam taper is solely based on satellite position in a non-adaptive approach, then device complexity is reduced, but interference suppression capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeamforming control complexityVSAvoidinterference from terrestrial cells and remote regions

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements adaptive beam taper selection that dynamically adjusts the taper function based on the satellite's position relative to the service beam and the detected interference scenario. The system transitions from a static, position-only approach to a dynamic approach that considers both geometric relationships and real-time interference conditions, allowing optimal interference suppression while maintaining reasonable system complexity through automated decision-making algorithms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If adaptive taper selection based on both satellite position and interference scenario is implemented, then interference suppression capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterference from terrestrial cells and remote regionsVSAvoidbeamforming control complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameters used for beam taper selection from solely geometric (satellite position) to include both geometric and environmental (interference scenario) parameters. By introducing interference-based parameter adaptation, the system achieves superior interference suppression through selective application of different taper functions (e.g., Chebyshev, Kaiser, Taylor) based on the combined assessment of satellite position and detected interference levels from terrestrial and remote sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of energy

If maximum power is limited for any given antenna element in downlink beamforming, then PAPR is reduced, but beam power efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepeak-to-average power ratioVSAvoidbeam power efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different beam taper functions to different spatial regions and interference scenarios, creating local optimization rather than uniform power distribution. By selecting specific taper functions (Chebyshev, Kaiser, Taylor) based on the satellite's position and interference environment, the system achieves localized PAPR reduction in critical directions while maintaining higher power efficiency in other regions, thereby resolving the contradiction between PAPR minimization and overall beam power efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach effectively reduces interference and PAPR, enhancing communication reliability and efficiency by adaptively managing beam power and interference suppression across the satellite's field of view, even in areas with sparse terrestrial coverage.

Implementation Method 1

a space-based phased-array

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhased Array Beamforming:

Implementation Method 2

using Chebyshev and Kaiser tapers to optimize beamforming

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChebyshev Taper:

Implementation Method 3

using Chebyshev and Kaiser tapers to optimize beamforming

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectKaiser Taper:

Implementation Method 4

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInterference Suppression: Interference

Data Source

PatentUS12200508B2Adaptive taper selection for beamforming

Publication Date: 2025.01.14 AST & SCIENCE LLC

AI summary

A satellite communication system includes a phased antenna array having a field of view (FoV) and configured to communicate with a plurality of cells in the FoV via a plurality of beams. Each of the plurality of beams is associated with one of the plurality of cells. A phased antenna array is configured to apply adaptive taper selection, based on both the satellite position (in relation to a satellite service beam) and its surrounding interference scenario.