Antenna Array Near-Field Sensor Feedback Loop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large size network antennas face deformations due to thermal and mechanical stresses, leading to perturbations in the illumination law and radiation diagram, which are costly and burdensome to correct in real-time, often resulting in heavy and bulky mechanical structures.
Innovation Solution
A system with a network of sensors measuring the near field radiated by the antenna elements, computing the far field, and adjusting excitation coefficients in real-time to maintain a desired illumination law and radiation diagram, allowing for on-board monitoring and compensation of deformations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If heavy mechanical supporting structures are used to maintain antenna rigidity and shape under thermal and mechanical stresses, then the antenna can maintain its illumination law and radiation diagram, but the mass and cost of the antenna increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where sensors continuously monitor the actual positions of radiating elements, and a processing unit compares these positions with desired positions to generate correction signals. This closed-loop feedback mechanism allows the system to detect and correct deformations in real-time, maintaining the illumination law without requiring heavy mechanical structures to prevent deformations in the first place.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces heavy mechanical supporting structures with an electronic control system consisting of sensors, processing units, and actuators. Instead of using mechanical rigidity to maintain element positions, the system uses electronic feedback to detect positional deviations and electronically adjust element positions, substituting a mechanical prevention approach with an electronic correction approach.
Solution Approach 3:
The patent dynamically adjusts the excitation coefficients of radiating elements based on real-time position measurements. By changing the amplitude and phase parameters of the excitation signals, the system compensates for positional deviations and maintains the desired illumination law even when element positions vary due to thermal or mechanical stresses.
2Reliability
If complex calibration means are used to correct deformations of the antenna network, then the illumination law can be maintained, but the system becomes more burdensome and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-calibrating system where the antenna network uses its own radiated signals to perform measurements. Sensors mounted on the antenna structure itself measure the near-field signals radiated by the elements, eliminating the need for external calibration equipment. The system automatically processes these measurements and adjusts its own excitation coefficients, making the calibration process self-service rather than externally-dependent.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensors as intermediary devices that measure the near-field signals radiated by the antenna elements. These sensors act as mediators between the radiating elements and the processing unit, providing real-time position information without requiring complex external measurement equipment. The near-field measurements serve as an intermediary step that simplifies the overall calibration process.
3Reliability
If remote measurements from earth stations are used for calibration, then corrections can be made, but real-time control is not achieved and logistics become burdensome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs calibration measurements using sensors mounted on the antenna itself, obtaining position information before actual operation. The processing unit pre-calculates the appropriate excitation coefficients based on these measurements, allowing the antenna to start operation with already-optimized parameters. This preliminary calibration action eliminates the need for continuous remote adjustments during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous feedback measurement using on-board sensors that monitor the positions of radiating elements in real-time. The processing unit continuously compares measured positions with desired positions and dynamically adjusts excitation coefficients accordingly. This real-time feedback loop enables the system to adapt to changing conditions (such as thermal expansion or mechanical drift) without waiting for remote measurements from earth stations.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to a system for emitting electromagnetic beams, comprising a network of elements for the far-field emission of electromagnetic beams, the signals coming from and/or arriving towards each element weighted by excitation coefficients digitally determined by calculation means. According to the invention, the system comprises: a second separate network of sensors arranged close to the network of radiating elements in order to measure the near field radiated by the elements, means for calculating the far field radiated by the network from the near field actually measured by the sensors, and means for calculating the correction of the excitation coefficients of the elements from the difference between the far field calculated from the measurement of the near field and a pre-determined nominal far field.