Digital Phased Array Feed for Multi-Band Flight Object Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional satellite communication systems are limited to single-band signals and can only communicate with one flight object at a time, making them inefficient and challenging to stabilize on moving objects like ships and aircraft, as they require mechanical adjustments to maintain beam alignment.
Innovation Solution
A digitally beamformed phased array feed system using multi-band software defined antenna array tiles that can receive and transmit signals across multiple bandwidths simultaneously, allowing for simultaneous tracking of multiple flight objects with a single antenna array by digitally processing and steering the antenna beam.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional single-band parabolic reflector antennas are used, then the antenna can be mechanically stable and simple to design, but it can only communicate with one flight object at a time and requires mechanical adjustments to track moving objects
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is segmented into multiple independently controllable beam elements within the phased array. Each beam element can be electronically steered to different directions, allowing simultaneous communication with multiple flight objects. This segmentation enables the system to handle multiple targets without requiring mechanical movement of the entire antenna structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic beam steering through digital signal processing and phase control. The beam direction can be rapidly changed by adjusting the phase and amplitude of signals across the array elements, enabling real-time tracking of moving objects without mechanical adjustments. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt to multiple flight objects simultaneously.
2Reliability
If traditional mechanical beam steering is used to track moving objects, then the antenna can maintain beam alignment, but it requires complex mechanical adjustments and cannot track multiple objects simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical beam steering system with an electronic/digital beamforming system. Instead of physically moving the antenna or its components to track objects, the system uses digital signal processing to electronically steer the beam. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical adjustments while maintaining reliable beam alignment through phase and amplitude control of array elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the phase and amplitude parameters of signals across the phased array elements to steer the beam direction. By dynamically adjusting these parameters through digital control, the system can rapidly redirect the beam to track moving objects without mechanical movement. This parameter-based control simplifies operation while maintaining alignment stability.
3Manufacturing precision
If a single antenna is designed for one specific reflector configuration, then the design can be optimized for that specific application, but it lacks adaptability to different flight objects and frequency bands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal phased array system that can function across multiple frequency bands and for multiple flight objects simultaneously. The same antenna array structure can be electronically reconfigured through digital beamforming to serve different applications, eliminating the need for separate optimized designs for each specific case. This multi-functionality is achieved through programmable phase and amplitude control of array elements.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for a digital beamformed phased array feed. The system may include a radome configured to allow electromagnetic waves to propagate; a multi-band software defined antenna array tile; a power and clock management subsystem configured to manage power and time of operation; a thermal management subsystem configured to dissipate heat generated by the multi-band software defined antenna array tile; and an enclosure assembly. The multi-band software defined antenna array tile may include a plurality of coupled dipole array antenna elements; a plurality of frequency converters; and a plurality of digital beamformers.