Digital Phased Array Feed for Multi-Band Beam Steering
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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, due to mechanical constraints.
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 employing coupled dipole array antenna elements, frequency converters, and digital beamformers to process and steer antenna beams.
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 cannot track multiple objects simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is segmented into multiple independently controllable antenna elements arranged in an array configuration. Each element can be individually controlled to form separate beams, enabling simultaneous communication with multiple flight objects while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The phased array antenna system provides multi-functionality by enabling simultaneous tracking and communication with multiple flight objects across different frequency bands. A single antenna array can perform multiple functions that would traditionally require separate antenna systems.
2Speed
If traditional mechanical beam steering is used, then the antenna structure can be simple, but it cannot rapidly reconfigure to track multiple moving objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical beam steering mechanisms with electronic phase control. By adjusting the phase of signals fed to each antenna element electronically, the beam direction can be rapidly changed without any mechanical movement, enabling fast tracking of multiple moving objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The beamforming system is made dynamic through real-time electronic control of phase and amplitude parameters. The system can rapidly reconfigure beam patterns to track multiple moving objects by dynamically adjusting the complex weights applied to each antenna element based on their positions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single antenna array is used for multiple frequency bands, then the system can be compact and cost-effective, but traditional antennas are designed specifically for one frequency band
Solution Approach 1:
The phased array antenna system is designed to operate across multiple frequency bands by incorporating frequency conversion capabilities. The same antenna array structure can be used for different bands by adjusting the phase shifters and frequency converters, providing universal multi-band operation without requiring separate antenna systems for each band.
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 simultaneous communication with multiple flight objects across various frequency bands, improving the efficiency and adaptability of satellite communication systems, particularly on moving platforms by allowing for rapid configuration and multi-band operations.
Implementation Method 1
a first coupled dipole array antenna element of a plurality coupled dipole array antenna elements of a multi-band software defined antenna array tile, a plurality of respective modulated signals associated with a plurality of respective radio frequencies
Implementation Method 2
converting, by the first principal polarization frequency converter of the first pair of frequency converters, the respective first modulated signals associated with the respective radio frequencies of the plurality of radio frequencies into respective second modulated signals having a first intermediate frequency
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.