Confocal Antenna Feed Array for On-Orbit Beam Size and Gain Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing satellite-based confocal antennas lack the ability to dynamically adjust their field-of-view (FOV) and radiation pattern on-orbit, leading to inefficiencies in signal transmission and reception due to fixed optical systems that cannot modify component positions, resulting in aberrations and reduced gain.
Innovation Solution
A confocal antenna system with an electronically-reconfigurable phased array feed (IPA) that compensates for aberrations by adjusting the main reflector's position and focal length electronically, allowing for dynamic control of radiation pattern size and gain without mechanical deformation, using beam steering and digital signal processing to maintain beam integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed optical systems are used in satellite antennas, then structural simplicity is maintained, but the ability to dynamically adjust radiation pattern and gain is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical deformation systems with an electronically-reconfigurable phased array feed system. Instead of using complex mechanical actuators to physically deform reflector surfaces, the invention uses electronic beam steering through phase and amplitude control of multiple feed elements to dynamically adjust radiation patterns, achieving adaptability without mechanical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes operational parameters (phase and amplitude) of the phased array feed elements to dynamically control the radiation pattern. By electronically adjusting these parameters, the system can modify beam direction, width, and gain without physical reconfiguration, enabling dynamic adaptability while maintaining structural simplicity
2Reliability
If mechanical deformation is used to correct aberrations, then aberration correction is achieved, but device complexity and mechanical failure risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical deformation systems with electronic beam forming techniques. The phased array feed system corrects aberrations by electronically adjusting phase and amplitude across multiple elements, eliminating the need for mechanical actuators, moving parts, and complex deformation mechanisms while maintaining reliable aberration correction
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements dynamic aberration correction through electronic reconfiguration of the phased array feed. Instead of static mechanical adjustments, the system can dynamically adapt beam patterns in real-time by changing electrical parameters, improving reliability while reducing mechanical complexity
3Productivity
If fixed component positions are maintained, then structural stability is preserved, but signal transmission efficiency is reduced due to inability to optimize for different targets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes in the phased array feed system to optimize signal transmission. By electronically adjusting phase and amplitude parameters of individual feed elements, the system can dynamically optimize radiation patterns for different communication targets and scenarios, significantly improving transmission efficiency without mechanical adjustments
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
Enables dynamic adjustment of radiation pattern size and gain, reducing aberrations and enhancing communication fidelity, throughput, and bandwidth while simplifying the adjustment process.
Implementation Method 1
electronically steers a beam of electromagnetic energy emitted from the IPA feed system towards the sub-reflector
Implementation Method 2
The main reflector receives and reflects the electromagnetic energy to form a radiation pattern on a ground
Implementation Method 3
The sub-reflector reflects the electromagnetic energy to the main reflector
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems, apparatuses and methods provides for technology that controls a confocal antenna system. The technology controls an Integrated Phased Array (IPA) feed system to emit electromagnetic energy towards a sub-reflector, where the sub-reflector reflects the electromagnetic energy to a main reflector, and further where the main reflector receives and reflects the electromagnetic energy to form a radiation pattern on an area. The radiation pattern has a first size and a first gain. The technology conducts an identification that the radiation pattern is to be adjusted so as to adjust the first size to a second size and adjust the first gain to a second gain. In response to the identification, the technology moves the main reflector linearly along a first axis, and electronically steers a beam of the electromagnetic energy emitted from the IPA feed system towards the sub-reflector.