Flat Satellite TTC Antenna Layout for Low-Oscillation Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Satellite TTC antenna systems experience oscillations due to the large spacing of antennas, which affects communication link budget and coverage, especially in mega-constellation satellite architectures where maximizing volume under a fairing leads to flat satellite configurations.
Innovation Solution
The antenna system is arranged with remote control and telemetry antennas positioned back-to-back on either side of the platform, spaced less than or equal to the signal wavelength, with the transponder placed between them, and the antenna system located at the end of the solar panel, minimizing interference and oscillations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If antennas are arranged diametrically opposite at the end of masts to ensure omnidirectional coverage, then communication coverage is improved, but antenna spacing increases causing signal oscillations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a three-dimensional mast-based antenna arrangement to a two-dimensional planar configuration on the satellite platform surface. By placing antenna pairs back-to-back on the same plane rather than extending them vertically on masts, the invention reduces the spatial dimension of antenna separation while maintaining omnidirectional coverage capability through strategic positioning on the platform face.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the ground antenna and anti-ground antenna into a compact back-to-back arrangement on the same platform surface, merging their spatial separation from several meters to less than one wavelength. This consolidation eliminates the harmful oscillations caused by large spacing while preserving the functional separation needed for omnidirectional remote control coverage.
2Productivity
If satellite dimensions are reduced to maximize volume under fairing for mega-constellations, then launch efficiency is improved, but antenna spacing must be reduced to fit the flat configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The invention redistributes antenna positions from a three-dimensional mast structure to a two-dimensional planar arrangement on the flat platform surface. This dimensional transformation allows antennas to be positioned close together (less than one wavelength apart) while maintaining their functional separation and coverage characteristics, enabling integration into compact flat satellite designs for mega-constellations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different spatial arrangements to different antenna types on the flat platform. Telemetry antennas are positioned at corners of the platform while remote control antennas are placed back-to-back on the same surface, optimizing local space utilization for each antenna function within the constrained flat geometry.
3Stability of the object's composition
If antennas are placed close together to reduce oscillations, then signal stability is improved, but omnidirectional coverage may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning of antenna pairs on the flat platform, with telemetry antennas at corners and remote control antennas back-to-back on the same surface. This asymmetric arrangement, combined with specific orientation angles, maintains omnidirectional coverage patterns while keeping antenna spacing less than one wavelength to eliminate oscillations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the dynamic interaction between closely spaced antenna elements, where the spacing of less than one wavelength creates constructive interference patterns that maintain coverage. The back-to-back configuration allows the antennas to work dynamically together, with their proximity reducing oscillations while their strategic positioning preserves omnidirectional capability.
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
This configuration reduces signal oscillations, enhances omnidirectional coverage, and improves the radiation pattern, allowing for better communication stability and angular coverage without degrading the signal pattern due to the satellite's flat design.
Implementation Method 1
two Tx telemetry antennas, forming an omnidirectional telemetry antenna assembly, and two Rx remote control antennas, forming an omnidirectional remote control antenna assembly
Implementation Method 2
a CP2 coupler, to sum the signals received on the two antennas
Implementation Method 3
a TP1 transponder, in order to modulate the TM telemetry signals coming from the OBC on-board computer
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a 1.satellite (SAT) comprising a platform (PF), at least one solar panel (PS) for supplying the satellite (SAT) with electrical power, the solar panel (PS) being fixed along one side of the platform (PF), the satellite comprising an antenna system (Rx+Z, Rx-Z, Tx+Z, Tx-Z) comprising two remote control antennas (Rx+Z, Rx-Z) and two telemetry antennas (Tx+Z, Tx-Z), wherein: - the two remote control antennas (Rx+Z, Rx-Z) are arranged back-to-back on either side of the platform, and spaced apart by a distance less than or equal to λ, where λ corresponds to the wavelength of the remote control or telemetry signal, - the two telemetry antennas (Tx+Z, Tx-Z) are arranged back-to-back on either side of the platform, and spaced apart on the other side of a distance less than or equal to λ, - the antenna system is arranged at one of the two ends of the side of the platform (PF) on which the solar panel (PS) is fixed.