Capacitive Coupling for Aircraft Antenna Retrofitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft antenna systems face challenges in adding modern functionality due to limited mounting locations, co-site interference issues, and the need for extensive rewiring, which is time-consuming and expensive, especially when trying to integrate digital antenna modules over existing RF coaxial cables.
Innovation Solution
The system employs capacitive coupling to transmit additional AC signals, including clock and control signals, over existing RF coaxial cables, allowing for the integration of modern antenna modules with improved functionality without the need for extensive rewiring, using a capacitive coupling device to couple these signals with the DC power supply and transmit them through the electrical line.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional antennas are added to provide modern functionality, then antenna functionality is improved, but mounting locations become limited and co-site interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing antennas multi-functional by integrating digital signal processing capabilities and additional radio functionality into the antenna modules. This allows a single antenna to serve multiple functions (traditional RF communication plus digital arrays plus additional radio bands) without requiring separate mounting locations for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple signal paths (RF signals, digital baseband signals, power, clock signals) into a single coaxial cable connection between the antenna module and radio LRU. This merging of functions into existing infrastructure eliminates the need for additional mounting locations and separate cabling.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional antennas are added to provide modern functionality, then antenna functionality is improved, but extensive rewiring is required which increases time and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the antenna module with pre-integrated digital signal processing components and multiple signal interfaces that can accommodate various modern functionalities. This preliminary integration of capabilities allows the system to be upgraded without time-consuming rewiring, as the infrastructure is already in place to support multiple functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing coaxial cable infrastructure is made universal by enabling it to carry not only RF signals but also digital baseband signals, power, and clock signals. This multi-functional cable system eliminates the need for extensive rewiring when adding modern antenna capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing antennas are re-wired to provide new functionality, then antenna functionality is improved, but the process becomes extremely time consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy of the RF signal processing chain within the antenna module itself, implementing digital baseband processing and signal generation capabilities. This digital copying approach allows new functionality to be added through software and digital processing rather than physical rewiring, dramatically reducing retrofit complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/electrical rewiring with digital signal processing and software-based functionality. Instead of physically re-wiring antennas to add capabilities, the system uses digital signal paths and programmable logic within the antenna module to provide new functions, eliminating the need for complex physical modifications.
4Adaptability or versatility
If more holes are formed in exterior walls for additional antennas, then antenna functionality is improved, but leaks and moisture introduction increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables existing antenna openings to serve multiple functions by integrating additional radio capabilities and digital arrays into the same antenna module. This eliminates the need to create new holes in the aircraft exterior, thereby preventing moisture intrusion while still providing enhanced functionality.
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 enables the integration of modern antenna modules with enhanced functionality, such as digital arrays, without overcrowding the aircraft surface and reduces the need for extensive rewiring, thereby improving antenna systems while avoiding the drawbacks of adding new antennas and rewiring existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first capacitive coupling device configured to couple the AC transmit signal and the one or more additional AC signals to the DC power supply
Data Source
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AI summary
An antenna system is disclosed. In embodiments, the antenna system may include a communication sub-system (202) disposed within an aircraft. The communication sub-system may include one or more power supply components (212a) configured to generate a direct current (DC) power supply, and a first capacitive coupling device (216a) configured to capacitively couple an alternating current (AC) transmit signal to the DC power supply to form an antenna input signal. In embodiments, the antenna system may further include an electrical line (204) configured to transmit the antenna input signal from the communication sub-system to an antenna module. In embodiments, the antenna module may include a second capacitive coupling device (216b) configured to de-couple the DC power supply and the AC transmit signal, communication circuitry configured to generate one or more transmission signals based on the AC transmit signal.