Dual Beam Transmit System for Airborne Satellite Comms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional satellite communication systems for airplanes face challenges in increasing peak data limits and bandwidth, which are insufficient to meet the growing demand for high-speed internet connections.
Innovation Solution
A dual beam transmit system with an antenna array and variable gain amplifiers is used for analog beamforming, allowing simultaneous communication with multiple satellite constellations (LEO, MEO, and GEO) and controlling equivalent isotropically radiated power to reduce intermodulation, thereby enhancing data capacity and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional satellite communication systems use a single beam transmit system, then the system complexity is low, but the peak data limit is insufficient (max 400 Mbps) and cannot meet growing demand for high-speed internet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single transmit beam into multiple independent beams (first beam for LEO satellite, second beam for GEO satellite) using separate signal paths with variable gain amplifiers. This segmentation allows simultaneous communication with multiple satellite constellations, increasing peak data capacity from 400 Mbps to potentially 800+ Mbps while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The transmit antenna array is designed to perform multiple functions: it can simultaneously form beams for different satellite constellations (LEO, MEO, GEO), support multiple signal frequencies, and provide both high-data-rate communication and interference management. The single antenna array serves universal purposes across different communication modes
2Productivity
If the system increases transmit power to enhance data capacity, then peak data limit increases, but intermodulation interference increases and may exceed regulatory limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of signal characteristics by introducing variable gain amplifiers in each signal path. These amplifiers can adjust their gain in real-time based on network management requirements, allowing the system to optimize data capacity while dynamically managing intermodulation interference levels to stay within regulatory limits
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes key parameters (equivalent isotropically radiated power, signal gain) of the transmitted beams to balance data capacity and interference. By adjusting the EIRP and gain parameters of individual beams, the system can increase overall data capacity while controlling the intermodulation products generated by non-linearities in the transmit path
3Productivity
If the system uses multiple variable gain amplifiers for dual beam operation, then data capacity increases, but size, weight, and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple signal paths into a single antenna array structure, combining what would traditionally require separate antenna systems. The first and second beams share the same physical antenna elements, reducing overall system weight while maintaining the capability for simultaneous multi-constellation communication
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
The system achieves increased data capacity, supports multi-mode operations, and reduces size, weight, and power consumption, enabling simultaneous communication with multiple satellite constellations while maintaining regulatory compliance and minimizing intermodulation interference.
Implementation Method 1
analog beamforming a first beam for a first type satellite using a first signal provided to a first port of the transmit antenna array, and analog beamforming a second beam for a second type satellite using a second signal provided to a second port of the transmit antenna array
Implementation Method 2
Equivalent isotropically radiated power of the first beam or the second beam is controlled in accordance with network management to reduce intermodulation
Data Source
AI summary
A satellite communication assembly includes a transmit antenna array including a matrix of antenna elements, a receive antenna array, and a transmit circuit for the transmit antenna array. The transmit circuit includes, for each of the antenna elements, a first splitter, a second splitter, a first pair of phase shifters, a second pair of phase shifters, a first pair of variable gain amplifiers, a second pair of variable gain amplifiers, a first pair of power amplifiers, a second pair of power amplifiers, a first combiner, and a second combiner.