Antenna Beam Center Determination via RF Probe Power Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining the beam center of an antenna are inaccurate due to thermal variations and atmospheric effects, leading to inefficiencies in antenna pointing and communication systems.

Innovation Solution

A system using RF probes positioned around the antenna's geometrical center to detect RF power and determine the beam center, allowing for precise alignment of the antenna's pointing direction by processing the detected power and positions of the probes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the beam center is determined by measuring the antenna footprint on the ground through the earth's atmosphere, then the beam center location can be obtained, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates due to atmospheric perturbations and thermal deformations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam center determination accuracyVSAvoidatmospheric interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary coordinate system (satellite-fixed coordinate system) and mathematical transformation models as mediators between the antenna beam and ground measurement points. This intermediary framework allows the beam center to be calculated through coordinate transformations rather than direct atmospheric transmission measurements, thereby eliminating atmospheric interference from the measurement process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/optical measurement system (direct line-of-sight beam measurement through atmosphere) with a computational system using coordinate transformations and mathematical models. The beam center is determined through satellite orbit data, antenna pointing angles, and coordinate system transformations rather than physical beam measurement through the atmosphere

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If ground-based footprint measurement is used to determine beam center, then the measurement can be performed, but the reliability deteriorates due to thermal instability of the atmosphere

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam center determination reliabilityVSAvoidatmospheric thermal stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the beam center determination process from the atmospheric environment by using satellite-based coordinate systems and mathematical transformations. The measurement is effectively moved from ground level through the atmosphere to satellite orbit, where atmospheric thermal effects do not apply, thereby extracting the measurement from the harmful thermal environment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the measurement parameters from direct physical beam measurement through atmosphere to coordinate system transformations using satellite orbital parameters, antenna pointing angles, and mathematical models. This parameter transformation converts an atmosphere-dependent measurement into an atmosphere-independent computational process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 method enables more accurate determination and alignment of the beam center, improving antenna pointing precision and communication efficiency by minimizing atmospheric interference and thermal variations.

Implementation Method 1

A plurality of radio frequency (RF) probes located at respective predefined positions surrounding the geometrical center of the antenna may be provided. The system of this embodiment may also include at least one detector responsive to the plurality of RF probes and configured to provide a measure of the RF power detected by each respective RF probe.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRF power detection: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS7843386B2System and method for determining the beam center location of an antenna

Publication Date: 2010.11.30 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

A system and method for determining the beam center location of an antenna, such as a global positioning system (GPS) antenna, are provided. A system for determining the beam center of an antenna may include a plurality of radio frequency (RF) probes, such as Integrated Transfer System (ITS) antenna elements, located at respective predefined positions surrounding the geometrical center of the antenna. The system may also include at least one detector configured to provide a measure of the RF power detected by each respective RF probe. The system may also include a processor configured to determine the beam center of the antenna based upon the predefined position of each RF probe and the measure of the RF power detected by each respective RF probe. A corresponding method is also provided.