Antenna Alignment Device Using Dual Aperture Signal Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing manual alignment methods for microwave link antennas are time-consuming and prone to inaccuracies, especially when aligning two antennas with narrow beams, requiring multiple personnel and lengthy procedures to achieve optimal Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI).
Innovation Solution
A device that measures signal power using different effective antenna apertures to determine the alignment direction by identifying the angle where local maximum values for both signal powers coincide, allowing for efficient and accurate alignment with reduced time and personnel requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual alignment methods are used with narrow beam antennas, then alignment precision can be achieved, but alignment time becomes excessively long and the process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment process is segmented into two distinct phases: a first alignment phase using a first effective antenna aperture for rough alignment, and a second alignment phase using a second effective antenna aperture for fine alignment. This segmentation allows each phase to use optimized parameters for its specific purpose, reducing total alignment time while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the effective antenna aperture parameter between alignment phases. The first effective antenna aperture is larger to provide broader coverage for initial alignment, while the second effective antenna aperture is smaller to provide precise beam direction for final alignment. This parameter change enables the system to balance between coverage area and beam precision dynamically.
2Ease of operation
If manual alignment procedures are followed with multiple personnel, then alignment can be performed, but the complexity of the operation increases and requires more resources
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment system performs self-alignment by automatically switching between the first and second effective antenna apertures based on alignment progress. The system autonomously determines when to transition from rough alignment to fine alignment, eliminating the need for multiple personnel to coordinate manual adjustment operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different effective antenna apertures during the alignment process. The first effective antenna aperture is used initially for easier rough alignment, then the system transitions to the second effective antenna aperture for precise final alignment, making the operation easier while maintaining accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If a single effective antenna aperture is used throughout alignment, then the procedure is simple, but false alignment cannot be avoided and precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment procedure is divided into two segments using different effective antenna apertures. The first segment uses the first effective antenna aperture for initial positioning, and the second segment uses the second effective antenna aperture for precision alignment. This segmentation prevents false alignment by ensuring that rough positioning is followed by precise verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The first effective antenna aperture acts as an intermediary that facilitates rough alignment before the second effective antenna aperture performs precise alignment. This intermediate step using a larger aperture makes the overall alignment process more reliable by preventing false alignment that could occur with a single narrow beam.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a device (140) adapted for aligning a first directive antenna (101) in an alignment direction D1 towards a second antenna (102). The device is adapted to acquire measurement data regarding: ⋅—a first signal power (301) received from the second antenna (102) using a first effective antenna aperture (202) when the first directive antenna (101) is moved along an angular span (306) passing a desired alignment angle (307) along a certain direction (111, 112); and ⋅—a second signal power (302) received from the second antenna (102) using a second effective antenna aperture (203) when the first directive antenna (101) is moved along an angular span (306) passing a desired alignment angle (307) along a certain direction, the second effective antenna aperture (203) being smaller than the first effective antenna aperture (202). The device (140) is furthermore adapted to determine the alignment direction D1 as an angle (307) in the angular span (306), at which angle (307) a local maximum value (304) for both the first signal power (301) and the second signal power (302) coincide.