Antenna System Data-Bus Control Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna systems for mobile applications are complex, space-consuming, and expensive due to the requirement of multiple wires and high-quality wiring for analogue signal transmission, as well as the need for RS232 interfaces and Antenna Control Units for controlling movements in multiple degrees of freedom.
Innovation Solution
A simplified antenna system utilizing a data-bus, such as a CAN-bus, to relay target values directly to antenna drive units, eliminating the need for converters and control units, and reducing wiring requirements, allowing for efficient communication between the target value provider and sensors/motors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If RS232 converters and Antenna Control Units are used for controlling antenna movements, then control functionality is achieved, but device complexity and wiring requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the RS232 converter and Antenna Control Unit from the system, replacing them with a simplified data-bus architecture where the target value provider communicates directly with antenna drive units. This elimination of intermediate control components directly reduces device complexity while preserving control functionality through a more efficient communication path.
Solution Approach 2:
The data-bus serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits target values from the target value provider to antenna drive units, carries sensor data back to the provider, and enables direct communication without requiring separate dedicated control units or converters. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed in the system.
2Reliability
If multiple wires and high-quality wiring are used for analogue signal transmission, then signal transmission quality is maintained, but wiring requirements and space consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical analogue signal transmission system with multiple high-quality wires with a digital data-bus communication system. This substitution maintains reliable signal transmission through digital protocols while dramatically reducing the quantity of wiring required, as the data-bus can carry multiple signals through shared communication channels.
3Ease of operation
If RS232 converters and control units are implemented, then control capability is achieved, but equipment costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the RS232 converter and Antenna Control Unit from the system architecture, the patent eliminates the need to purchase, install, and maintain these expensive components. The control capability is preserved through the direct data-bus communication between the target value provider and antenna drive units, resulting in significant cost reductions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simpler, more cost-effective data-bus communication architecture that replaces expensive, complex control units with more affordable integrated communication capabilities built into the antenna drive units themselves. This approach uses readily available, cost-efficient communication protocols and components.
Data Source
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AI summary
It is disclosed an antenna system drivable in at least one degree of freedom, comprising a target value provider configured to provide at least one target value, a data-bus configured to relay the at least one target value, at least one sensor unit configured to provide a current position in the at least one degree of freedom via the data-bus to the target value provider, and at least one antenna drive unit configured to drive the drivable antenna in the at least one degree of freedom according to the at least one target value.