Fixed Overlap Beam Antennas for Continuous Multi-Band Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Satellite-based communication systems face inefficiencies and high costs due to wide channel bandwidths, large beamwidths, and limited flexibility, making them unsuitable for serving many small users, and existing systems struggle with coverage gaps and media interference, leading to data loss and reduced data rates.
Innovation Solution
A multi-beam, multi-band, non-scanning communication system using fixed beam antennas with overlapping quadrature or multi-axis directions, coupled with transceiver modules and monopulse processors for simultaneous multi-axis signal processing, providing continuous coverage and high data rates, and incorporating Automatic Gain Control (AGC) for signal adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If wide channel bandwidths and large beamwidths are used in satellite-based communication systems, then point-to-point trunking service is improved, but end-user connectivity and flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the communication system into multiple independent transceiver modules, each handling specific frequency bands and beam directions. This segmentation allows the system to maintain wide bandwidth capabilities for trunking while simultaneously providing flexible beam steering for end-user connectivity without mutual interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamically reconfigurable beamforming networks that can adjust beam directions and widths in real-time. This dynamic capability enables the system to switch between wide beam configurations for trunking service and narrow, steerable beams for end-user connectivity, resolving the contradiction between fixed power optimization and adaptive versatility.
2Productivity
If fixed spot beams and scanned spot beams are used from the same satellite antenna, then coverage efficiency is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates fixed spot beam functionality and scanned spot beam functionality into distinct transceiver modules with dedicated beamforming networks. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently, maintaining coverage efficiency while reducing overall system complexity through modular design and independent operation.
3Reliability
If antenna direction is changed to avoid blockage, then link reliability is improved, but data rate and information loss deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple beam paths and frequency bands into a unified communication link through sophisticated signal processing. When blockage is detected in one beam, the system can rapidly switch to alternative beams or combine signals from multiple paths, maintaining both reliability and data rate through diversified routing and signal aggregation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous monitoring and dynamic beam adjustment to maintain uninterrupted communication. The system continuously tracks blockage conditions and adjusts beam directions in real-time, ensuring that useful communication action continues without interruption or significant data loss while maintaining link reliability.
4Measurement precision
If monopulse method with application reference beams is used, then direction finding accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements monopulse direction finding in segmented transceiver modules, each with dedicated reference beam generators and signal processing units. This segmentation allows high-precision direction finding to be achieved in localized modules rather than requiring system-wide complexity, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
Multi-beam, multi-band, multi-function, non-scanning, non-switching system which can simultaneously be applied for communication, navigation, control, surveillance, and data link. Antenna system with multiple overlap fixed beams provides simultaneous full/hemi-sphere covering without scanning or switching beams and provides higher data rates, reliability, and speed of communication. Automatic gain control and direction adjustment in each channel allow to use system in harsh urban or mountain conditions even on motion payload. Antenna systems coupled with transmitters and receiver chains arranged as transceiver modules can be distributed on the ground, airborne, sea carrier/satellite, or swarm of carriers or satellites and provide better protection against spoofing and EMP.