Digital Phased Array Feed for Multi-Band Multi-Object Beamforming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional satellite communication systems are limited to single-band signals and require mechanical stabilization of parabolic reflector antennas, making them inefficient for simultaneous communication with multiple objects and difficult to apply to moving platforms.
Innovation Solution
A digitally beamformed phased array feed system utilizing a multi-band software defined antenna array with tightly coupled dipole elements, frequency converters, and digital beamformers to process signals across multiple bandwidths, enabling simultaneous communication with multiple objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional beamforming techniques are used with parabolic reflector antennas, then the antenna can communicate with one flight object at a time, but it cannot simultaneously track multiple flight objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the antenna array into multiple independently controllable subarrays or elements, each capable of forming its own beam. This allows the system to create multiple simultaneous beams pointing to different flight objects, enabling multi-object tracking while maintaining high communication capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic beamforming where the phase and amplitude of signals from individual antenna elements are continuously adjusted in real-time. This dynamic control allows the system to rapidly steer beams between multiple targets and adapt to moving platforms, resolving the contradiction between communication capacity and adaptability
2Stability of the object's composition
If parabolic reflector antennas are mechanically stabilized for single-band signals, then the antenna beam can be permanently aimed at one spot, but the system cannot rapidly reconfigure for multiple bandwidths or moving targets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical stabilization and steering systems with electronic phase shifters and digital signal processing. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical movement, allowing rapid electronic reconfiguration of beam direction and frequency while maintaining beam stability through precise electronic control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters (phase, amplitude, frequency) of individual antenna elements through electronic control rather than mechanical adjustment. This allows the system to rapidly switch between multiple bandwidths and steering angles while maintaining stable beam formation, resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability
3Reliability
If a single antenna array is designed for one reflector configuration, then the antenna can be optimized for that specific application, but it cannot be rapidly reconfigured for different applications or moving platforms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal antenna array system where each element can be independently controlled to serve multiple functions. The same physical array can be configured for different beam patterns, frequencies, and applications through software control, providing both application-specific optimization and design flexibility without requiring separate hardware for each application
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.