Distributed Hybrid Matrix Amplifier Beamforming Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Satellite communication systems face challenges in efficiently calibrating and maintaining the performance of phased array antennas, particularly when the Hybrid Matrix Amplifier (HMA) components are distributed across both the satellite and ground-based systems, requiring effective calibration methods to ensure proper beamforming without significant impact on system resources like weight and power.
Innovation Solution
A two-stage calibration process is implemented, with an outer calibration loop for end-to-end degradations and an inner calibration loop for transmission effects, using distributed MPHMs and incorporating signal processing within the satellite ground station to adjust amplitude and phase weights, allowing for proper operation of the distributed HMA and end-to-end beamforming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If payload hardware is relocated from the satellite to the ground, then satellite weight and power requirements are reduced, but system performance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid matrix amplifier is segmented into two parts: the input MPHM is located at the ground-based satellite gateway, while the output MPHM remains on the satellite. This segmentation allows weight reduction on the satellite by moving the input MPHM to the ground, while maintaining system performance through the distributed architecture that preserves signal transformation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The feeder link serves as an intermediary channel between the ground-based input MPHM and the satellite-based output MPHM. This intermediary enables the distributed hybrid matrix amplifier to function across multiple locations, allowing weight reduction on the satellite while maintaining signal processing performance through the feeder link connection.
2Power
If a distributed hybrid matrix amplifier configuration is implemented, then satellite power requirements are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid matrix amplifier is divided into input and output MPHMs located at different positions (ground and satellite). This segmentation reduces the power burden on the satellite by moving the input MPHM to the ground, while the overall system complexity is managed through modular implementation of the distributed architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A satellite communications system includes a satellite configured to communicate with terminals, a station configured to communicate signals intended for the terminals to the satellite via a plurality of feeder links and a beamformer including an input multi-port hybrid matrix (MPHM) and a complementary output MPHM in a signal path with the plurality of feeder links. The output MPHM is positioned at the satellite and coupled to the input MPHM via the plurality of feeder links. For example, the input MPHM may be positioned at a ground-based satellite gateway. The input and output MPHMs may be configured to implement fully populated signal transformation matrices that collectively provide a substantially diagonal signal transformation matrix.