Antenna Side Lobe Modulation for Secure RF Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional systems face challenges in securely communicating while jamming, as jamming signals can interfere with friendly communication channels and existing methods to separate signals are impractical due to the need for shared encryption keys and inefficiencies in antenna side lobe management.

Innovation Solution

The system utilizes antenna side lobes to transmit data securely by amplitude modulating side lobes, allowing only intended recipients to detect changes and decode information, using techniques like linearly constrained minimum-variance beam forming to control side lobe levels and minimize interference with main lobes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If jamming signals are used to reduce the effectiveness of radar or communication systems, then the effectiveness of enemy systems is reduced, but friendly communication channels are interfered with

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejamming effectivenessVSAvoidinterference with friendly communication

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the communication and jamming signals into different spatial directions by utilizing antenna side lobes. The main lobe transmits jamming signals toward the enemy radar, while side lobes transmit communication signals in different directions, achieving spatial separation of conflicting functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by directing jamming energy concentratedly toward the enemy radar through the main lobe while distributing communication signals through side lobes in specific directions. This creates different signal characteristics in different spatial regions, allowing simultaneous jamming and communication without mutual interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Loss of energy

If conventional systems attempt to minimize antenna side lobe levels, then energy waste and interference are reduced, but additional functionality for secure communication is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy waste from side lobesVSAvoidcommunication functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the traditionally harmful side lobe radiation into a beneficial communication channel. By modulating the side lobes with communication signals, the energy that would otherwise be wasted is now utilized for secure communication, transforming a disadvantage into an advantage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna system achieves multi-functionality by simultaneously performing jamming through the main lobe and communication through the side lobes. This allows a single antenna system to execute multiple tasks that were previously requiring separate systems, improving versatility without increasing hardware complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If data is transmitted via amplitude modulating antenna side lobes, then secure communication is achieved, but side lobe power levels must be carefully controlled

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication securityVSAvoidside lobe power control

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms through beamforming techniques that continuously monitor and adjust the amplitude and phase of signals across antenna elements. This feedback control ensures that side lobe power levels remain within acceptable ranges while maintaining the integrity of modulated communication signals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the amplitude and phase parameters of individual antenna elements through beamforming. This allows precise control over side lobe power levels and radiation patterns, enabling secure communication while preventing excessive power in any single direction.

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 approach enables secure communication by ensuring only intended recipients can decode data transmitted through side lobes, reducing energy waste and interference, while maintaining jamming effectiveness with minimal impact on main lobe power levels.

Implementation Method 1

digital data (i.e. bits) are represented by changing amplitude levels of one or more side lobes (i.e. amplitude modulating antenna side lobes)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAmplitude modulation: Phase Modulation

Implementation Method 2

the side lobe level of at least one side lobe is controlled using a linearly constrained minimum-variance (LCMV) beam forming technique

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLinearly constrained minimum-variance beam forming:

Data Source

PatentUS9825360B2Side lobe modulation system and related techniques

Publication Date: 2017.11.21 RAYTHEON CO

AI summary

Embodiments for providing side lobe modulation in a radio frequency (RF) transmitting are generally described herein. In some embodiments, an antenna side lobe is modulated to add data to the side lobe for communication with an intended recipient.