Common Aperture Antenna for Satellite Contour and Spot Beams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Satellite communications require multiple antennas for different frequency bands, leading to increased weight and expense due to the need for multiple reflectors and support structures.
Innovation Solution
A common aperture antenna system that uses a single reflector to generate both contour beams at a lower frequency band and spot beams at a higher frequency band by positioning feed elements at specific distances from the reflector to achieve desired phase distributions, allowing for fewer reflectors and reduced complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antennas are used for different frequency bands, then communication requirements are met, but weight and expense increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single antenna system that performs multiple functions by supporting both C-band contour beams and Ku-band spot beams through a common reflector and feed structure, eliminating the need for separate antennas for different frequency bands and reducing overall satellite weight
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines previously separate C-band and Ku-band antenna systems into a single integrated structure where multiple feed elements share a common reflector aperture, merging functions while maintaining independent beam control for different frequency bands
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antennas are used for different frequency bands, then communication requirements are met, but expense increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single antenna system provides universal service for both C-band and Ku-band communications, reducing the number of discrete antenna assemblies, support structures, and integration procedures required, thereby lowering overall system cost
Solution Approach 2:
By merging multiple antenna functions into one structure, the patent reduces the total bill of materials, assembly operations, testing requirements, and launch mass, all of which contribute to reduced program expense
3Adaptability or versatility
If feed elements are positioned at different distances from the reflector, then both contour and spot beams are generated, but positioning precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs variable focal length optics that allow dynamic adjustment of the optical path length from the feed elements to the reflector focal point, enabling precise beam control and phase correction without requiring extremely tight mechanical positioning tolerances on the feed elements themselves
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 reduces the number of antennas needed, lowering cost, mass, and integration time while maintaining effective coverage, as demonstrated by the ability to combine Ku-band contour and Ka-band spot beams without compromising performance.
Implementation Method 1
a first feed element located along a focal plane of the reflector at a first distance from the reflector that illuminates the reflector to create a first contour beam
Implementation Method 2
a second feed element located at a second distance from the reflector that illuminates the reflector to create a second spot beam
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna assembly includes a reflector having a focal plane, a first feed element located along the focal plane that illuminates the reflector to create a first contour beam at a first frequency and a second feed element located further from the reflector than the first feed element that illuminates the reflector to create a first spot beam at a second frequency, the second frequency being different than the first frequency.