Beam Steering Phased Array Antenna Power Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Providing high directivity and minimizing losses in millimeter wave frequencies for LEO satellite communications, particularly in broadband connectivity, is challenging due to antenna squint and beam steering requirements.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a Beam Steering Phased Array (BSPA) antenna system with a multi-port amplification (MPA) matrix for power control, which enables high directional gain, narrow beam formation, and electronic beam steering, reducing mechanical components and optimizing power distribution across complex operational scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If beam steering is implemented in millimeter wave frequencies, then high directivity and narrow beam formation are achieved, but antenna squint and gain loss occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the phase and amplitude of signals fed to each antenna element based on the desired beam direction. This allows the beam to be steered electronically without physical movement, maintaining high directivity while compensating for frequency-dependent squint effects through adaptive parameter control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic beam steering by continuously adjusting the phase shifters and amplitude controllers in real-time as the satellite moves or the beam direction changes. This dynamic control allows the antenna system to adapt to varying operational conditions, maintaining optimal beam formation across different frequencies and directions.
2Weight of stationary object
If electronic beam steering is used, then mechanical components are reduced, but power control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical beam steering components with electronic phase shifters and signal processing circuits. This substitution eliminates heavy mechanical actuators, motors, and moving parts while achieving the same beam steering function through electronic control of signal phase and amplitude at each antenna element.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna system is divided into multiple independent antenna elements, each with its own phase shifter and amplitude controller. This segmentation allows independent control of each element's contribution to the overall beam pattern, enabling flexible electronic beam steering and power distribution without requiring complex centralized mechanical systems.
3Power
If high power amplification is used for long-distance transmission, then signal strength is improved, but power loss and heat generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of amplifying all signals to maximum power, the system uses partial action by amplifying only the specific beams that are currently active or needed. The power distribution network dynamically allocates amplification resources to selected antenna elements based on operational requirements, avoiding unnecessary power consumption and heat generation in inactive channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by providing different power levels to different antenna elements based on their specific operational needs. Each power amplifier can be independently controlled to provide the exact power level required for its designated beam direction, optimizing overall system efficiency while maintaining sufficient signal strength for long-distance transmission where needed.
Data Source
AI summary
Examples disclosed herein relate to a communication system including a transceiver module, a rearrangeable switch network coupled to the transceiver module, a power distribution network coupled to the rearrangeable switch network, and a plurality of Beam Steering Phase Array (“BSPA”) antennas, each coupled to the power distribution network and dynamically controllable to generate beams according to a power regulation requirement for a set of satellites.