Antenna Selection for Moving Platforms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Moving platforms, such as aerial vehicles, face challenges in maintaining optimal wireless communications due to antenna orientation and structural obstructions, which can lead to signal loss or degradation, and may violate emissions control criteria, increasing vulnerability.
Innovation Solution
An intelligent communications management system that uses an antenna analysis and selection module to identify suitable antennas based on platform movement, orientation, and emissions control criteria, determining a signal quality metric to select the best antenna for data transmission while adhering to emissions control restrictions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single antenna is used for wireless communication on a moving platform, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of communication link deteriorates due to antenna orientation issues and structural obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antennas into a unified communication system with centralized management. The antenna management module coordinates multiple antennas to work together, selecting and switching between them based on real-time conditions, thereby improving communication reliability while maintaining systematic control
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects and switches between multiple antennas based on real-time platform orientation, position, and communication conditions. The antenna management module continuously monitors and adjusts antenna selection to adapt to changing environmental conditions, ensuring reliable communication links
2Ease of operation
If the antenna is fixed to the aircraft structure, then the ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability to changing orientation and emissions control criteria deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects from multiple fixed antennas based on real-time platform orientation and emissions control requirements. The antenna management module calculates optimal antenna selection considering platform attitude, position, and EMCON criteria, allowing the fixed antenna structure to adapt to changing conditions through intelligent switching
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple fixed antennas are configured to serve different directional and functional requirements. The antenna management module selects appropriate antennas based on communication direction, platform orientation, and emissions control zones, enabling the fixed antenna system to perform multiple functions and adapt to various operational scenarios
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the transmitting antenna points in an unfavourable direction to maintain emissions control, then the object-generated harmful factors are reduced, but the loss of information increases due to signal degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines multiple antennas with different radiation patterns and orientations. The antenna management module selects and switches between antennas to find optimal solutions that satisfy both emissions control requirements and communication quality, thereby resolving the conflict between harmful emissions and information transmission
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antennas are deployed on the moving platform, then the adaptability to different communication conditions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna management module dynamically selects and switches between multiple antennas based on real-time platform orientation, position, and communication conditions. This dynamic management approach enables the system to adapt to various communication scenarios while maintaining manageable complexity through automated decision-making algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the antenna management module continuously monitors communication link quality, platform orientation, and emissions control compliance. Based on this feedback, the module adjusts antenna selection and switching decisions, enabling adaptive management that balances performance and complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatus for management of communications resources of a moving platform comprising a communications system configured to effect wireless data communication between said moving platform and a recipient node, said communications resourcescomprising a plurality of wireless communications links for facilitating said wireless data communication and a plurality of antennas associated therewith, the apparatus comprising an antenna analysis and selection module residing with said communicationssystem and configured to: -identify a communications requirement between said moving platform and a recipient node; -receive attribute data representative of movement of said platform, said attribute data including platform movement data comprising future known movement of said moving platform and/or future predicted movement of said moving platform and/or said recipient node; -determine, using said attribute data, suitability of each of a plurality of antennas and/or portions of aperture antenna for data transmission from said moving platform to said recipient node; -determine a quality metric for each of a plurality of antennas/portions of aperture antenna, said quality metric being indicative of a respective performance criterion; and -select one or more of said suitable antennas/portion of aperture antenna having a highest performance criterion, for said data transmission.