Air-to-Ground Antenna System with Sectored Cell Sites
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Air-to-Ground (ATG) systems for providing broadband access to aerial platforms face challenges in achieving high data rates at low costs while ensuring emissions are within limits to protect incumbent satellite services in the Ku band.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a multi-cell site ATG broadband access system with sectored cell sites, each equipped with multiple antenna fixtures and radio sub-systems, allowing aerial platforms to select the best sector based on quality measures and perform seamless handovers, utilizing the Ku band for high-speed data transmission while minimizing interference with geo-stationary satellites.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If satellite systems are used to provide broadband access to aerial platforms, then high data rates can be achieved, but the system cost becomes very high due to expensive space segment and satellite antennas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive satellite systems with ground-based ATG cell sites that replicate satellite functionality. Multiple ground antennas work together to provide satellite-like broadband service at much lower cost, using standard terrestrial infrastructure instead of space-based systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses affordable ground-based ATG cell sites and antennas as substitutes for expensive satellite systems. The ground infrastructure can be deployed and upgraded more economically than satellite systems, providing comparable service at fraction of the cost
2Device complexity
If ATG cell sites are deployed to provide broadband access, then system cost is reduced, but emission limits must be strictly met to protect incumbent satellite services in the Ku band
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the coverage area into multiple sectors with dedicated antenna fixtures for each sector. This segmentation allows precise control of emissions in different directions, enabling the system to meet emission limits toward satellite orbits while providing broadband service in serviceable directions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different radiation patterns and emission characteristics to different sectors. Antenna fixtures are configured with sector-specific beam patterns that limit emissions toward satellite orbits in certain directions while maintaining service quality in other directions, allowing cost-effective operation within regulatory constraints
3Area of stationary object
If multiple antenna fixtures are deployed at each cell site to provide sector coverage, then coverage area and data rates are improved, but the device complexity and installation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides each cell site into multiple sectors, with each sector served by dedicated antenna fixtures. This segmentation enables comprehensive coverage area expansion while maintaining manageable complexity through modular sector-based deployment and configuration
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 solution enables efficient and high-speed broadband access to aerial platforms, achieving high data rates while adhering to emission limits, thereby optimizing network performance and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitter capable of modulating and transmitting signals through the antenna fixture and a receiver capable of demodulating and decoding signals received through the antenna fixture
Data Source
AI summary
A system for broadband access to airborne platforms is described. The system includes: a ground station with a number of antenna panels, each antenna panel having two polarizations; the ground station having multiple modems connected to the different antenna panels and a processor controlling the modems; and the aircraft equipment comprising of a modem attached to an antenna with two polarizations.