Auxiliary LNB Antenna Pointing for Accurate Satellite Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing satellite pointing systems face challenges in accurately determining the direction of maximum satellite signal strength due to variations in elevation and azimuth angles, leading to signal loss and difficulties in tracking desired satellites, especially when external factors cause errors in antenna positioning.
Innovation Solution
A satellite pointing system using multiple auxiliary Low Noise Block Down Converters (LNBs) that receive satellite signals from two or more auxiliary feeders, allowing for precise calculation and correction of antenna orientation to maximize signal strength by analyzing signal strength from multiple feeders and generating control signals to adjust the main feeder's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single main LNB is used to receive satellite signals, then the system structure is simple, but the satellite signal strength varies irregularly due to external factors making it difficult to determine the highest signal strength point
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single LNB function into multiple LNBs (main LNB and auxiliary LNBs) positioned at different locations on the antenna. Each LNB independently measures satellite signal strength, allowing the system to segment the measurement task across multiple sensors to improve detection accuracy while maintaining manageable system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary LNBs act as intermediary measurement devices that provide additional signal strength data from different positions. This intermediary measurement approach allows the system to cross-validate and determine the true peak signal direction more accurately, overcoming the irregular variations experienced by a single LNB
2Measurement precision
If an additional satellite tracking LNB is installed separately from the main LNB, then satellite direction can be located, but device complexity increases and pointing errors occur due to device errors and satellite signal shaking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tracking function with the receiving function by integrating auxiliary LNBs into the existing antenna structure. The auxiliary LNBs are positioned at specific locations on the same antenna dish, combining measurement and reception capabilities in a unified structure rather than using completely separate tracking devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds spatial dimensionality to the measurement system by positioning LNBs at different locations and angles on the antenna. This multi-dimensional arrangement allows the system to triangulate and determine satellite direction more accurately by analyzing signal strength variations across multiple spatial positions
3Measurement precision
If the antenna is moved at a certain angle to position in desired satellite direction, then satellite direction can be located, but signal loss increases even with only 2° angle shift
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary measurement actions by having auxiliary LNBs continuously monitor satellite signal strength at their fixed positions before the main antenna needs to be repositioned. This advance measurement allows the system to calculate the optimal pointing direction and make precise, minimal adjustments to the main antenna, avoiding excessive movement that would cause signal loss
4Measurement precision
If both azimuth angle and elevation angle are considered for accurate positioning, then the main feeder can receive highest satellite signal strength, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where auxiliary LNBs continuously provide signal strength measurements from their fixed positions. The controller uses this feedback information to calculate the optimal main antenna pointing direction, creating a closed-loop control system that automatically adjusts to maintain maximum signal reception without requiring complex manual intervention
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a satellite pointing system and a satellite pointing method of an automatic satellite tracking antenna using auxiliary LNBs including: an antenna unit configured by coupling a main feeder receiving a satellite broadcast signal and two or more auxiliary feeders to an antenna and a controller tracking a location of a target satellite by analyzing strength of each satellite signal received through the auxiliary feeders and generating a control signal for controlling a pointing direction of the antenna unit based on location information of the tracked target satellite.