Distributed Directional Antenna for UAV Swarm BLOS Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) face challenges in beyond line-of-sight (BLOS) communication due to the impracticality of satellite communication antennas and the large size of high-frequency (HF) antennas, which are necessary for long-distance communication but too bulky for small UAVs, and are affected by ionospheric reflections.
Innovation Solution
A navigation and communication system configured as a mesh network with a radio frequency transceiver capable of operating in the HF or lower frequency band, using a controller with a processor to coordinate the timing of RF signals and form an antenna propagation pattern for improved communication characteristics, including directional gain and interference minimization, and utilizing magnetic compass or GPS for orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If satellite communication antennas are used for BLOS communication, then communication range is improved, but antenna size becomes too large for small UAVs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single large satellite communication antenna into multiple smaller antenna elements distributed across multiple UAVs. Each UAV carries a compact antenna element, and through coordinated operation and signal processing, the swarm collectively achieves BLOS communication capability equivalent to a much larger antenna system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the communication capabilities of multiple small UAVs with individual antenna elements into a unified directional communication system. By merging the signals from multiple distributed elements and applying phase coordination, the swarm creates a virtual large-aperture antenna system that achieves both long-range communication and directional gain.
2Length of moving object
If HF band antennas are used for BLOS communication, then communication range is improved, but antenna size becomes too large for small UAVs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the required HF communication function into multiple smaller antenna elements that can be mounted on small UAVs. Each element operates at HF frequencies but with reduced individual size requirements, while the collective array maintains the wavelength-scale dimensions needed for effective HF propagation and ionospheric reflection exploitation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the antenna system by operating in the HF band and utilizing ionospheric reflection. This allows communication ranges comparable to satellite systems while enabling the use of smaller, distributed antenna elements instead of a single large antenna, as the HF band inherently supports longer-range propagation through atmospheric layers.
3Ease of operation
If multiple antenna elements are coordinated to form directional patterns, then communication directionality is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic beam steering capability where the directional communication pattern can be electronically reconfigured in real-time. By adjusting the phase and amplitude of signals from individual antenna elements based on the desired communication target, the system can dynamically redirect its beam without physical antenna movement, providing flexible directional control adapted to the moving UAV swarm configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where each UAV's position and orientation are continuously monitored and used to adjust the phase coordination of antenna elements. This feedback loop enables the system to maintain optimal directional patterns despite changes in swarm formation, automatically compensating for positional variations to preserve communication directionality and gain.
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 effective BLOS communication for small UAVs by enhancing communication range with reduced power consumption and minimizing interference, allowing them to maintain formation and operate over long distances.
Implementation Method 1
The radio frequency transceiver may be configured to receive and transmit in the HF or lower frequency band
Implementation Method 2
Radio waves in the HF band may be reflected back to earth by the ionosphere layer in the atmosphere, which makes BLOS communication across intercontinental distances possible
Data Source
AI summary
A group or swarm of vehicles may be configured to move together in a predetermined formation. Each vehicle may include a navigation and communication system configured to provide communication and to determine accurate relative position, navigation, and time information for each vehicle in the group. Each vehicle may include a second radio frequency transceiver configured to receive and transmit in the high frequency (HF) or lower radio frequency band, and to measure and control the timing of the reception and transmission of the HF signals in relation to the timing of the reception and transmission of the HF signals with the other vehicles in the group to form an antenna propagation pattern to communicate over beyond line-of-sight distances.