Dual Antenna Tracking for LEO MEO Satcom Handover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna systems struggle to simultaneously point towards multiple satellites, particularly during handover periods, due to the lack of sufficient control algorithms and dynamic calculation of angular parameters, which is crucial for real-time continuous data communication in satellite constellations like LEO and MEO.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for a dual antenna setup with a pedestal, using ephemeris data and pedestal location information to calculate and adjust antenna pointings, incorporating a four-axis mechanism for simultaneous pointing towards two satellites, with dynamic correction for yaw, pitch, and roll misalignments, enabling instantaneous transition between satellites.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single antenna is used for satellite communication, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to simultaneously track multiple satellites is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate antenna tracking systems into a unified dual-antenna control system that shares common components including the pedestal, control unit, and calculation algorithms. This merging approach enables simultaneous tracking of multiple satellites while reducing overall system complexity compared to having completely independent tracking systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is designed with multi-functionality to manage both antennas and perform multiple tasks including calculating antenna pointings, correcting for pedestal misalignment, and coordinating handover between satellites. This universal controller eliminates the need for separate control systems for each antenna.
2Measurement precision
If dynamic correction for pedestal misalignment is implemented, then the measurement precision of antenna pointing is improved, but the calculation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculation of pedestal misalignment parameters (yaw, pitch, roll) and stores these values before they are needed for antenna pointing corrections. By pre-calculating and storing misalignment data, the system reduces real-time computational complexity while maintaining high pointing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that receives raw pedestal misalignment data, processes it through correction algorithms, and outputs corrected antenna pointing commands. This intermediary processing layer simplifies the overall calculation by breaking down the complex correction process into manageable stages.
3Productivity
If simultaneous pointing towards two satellites is achieved, then the productivity of data communication is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring antenna positions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the antenna position measurement system into distinct components: azimuth angle measurement, elevation angle measurement, and pedestal orientation measurement. By dividing the measurement system into separate segments, each handling a specific parameter, the overall difficulty of detecting and measuring antenna positions is reduced while enabling simultaneous tracking of multiple satellites.
Data Source
AI summary
Control of dual (two) antennas, for satellite communications (satcom) with satellites in one or more constellations in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO). The dual antennas are typically part of a ground-based antenna system, in particular using the Satrack single pedestal with split antenna design, housed efficiently under a compact radome. Features simultaneous pointing toward two separate satellites during the satellites' handover/switching periods with instantaneous transition between the satcom modems for assuring real-time, continuous data communication over a LEO/MEO satellite link. The dual (two) antennas system can also be used in a “monopulse/electronic scan” mode where a first antenna is used for tracking according to ephemeris data, while a second antenna on the same pedestal will scan for offset/compensation to the first antenna path.