Flexible-Polarization Satellite Payload Phase-Tracking Calibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current satellite communication payloads face limitations in output power due to equipment constraints, insertion losses from the output combiner and polarization selection switch, and temporary signal losses during polarization switching, which restrict data rate and communication security.

Innovation Solution

A high-power flexible-polarization satellite payload system with onboard phase-tracked apparatus and in-orbit calibration method, where RF waves are coherently combined at the antenna aperture, allowing control of polarization and reducing insertion losses by eliminating the need for an RF power combiner and high-power switch, with seamless polarization switching and optimized performance through ground-calibrated gain and phase adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an RF power combiner and high-power switch are used for power combination and polarization selection, then the satellite payload can achieve flexible polarization control, but the output power is limited by the power handling capability of the equipment and insertion losses occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepolarization flexibilityVSAvoidoutput power

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the RF power combiner and high-power switch from the transmit chain, eliminating the power handling limitations and insertion losses associated with these components while maintaining polarization selection capability through alternative means

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical RF switching system with an electronic polarization selection mechanism implemented within the OBP, substituting physical high-power switches with electronic signal processing that achieves the same polarization control without the associated power limitations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If an output combiner and polarization selection switch are used, then polarization control is achieved, but additional insertion loss is introduced that reduces communication data rate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepolarization controlVSAvoidcommunication data rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the output combiner and polarization selection switch from the signal path, eliminating the insertion losses these components introduce and thereby preserving communication data rate while maintaining polarization control through electronic means

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces the OBP as an intermediary that performs polarization selection through electronic signal processing rather than physical switching, mediating between the antenna and the signal source without introducing the insertion losses associated with traditional RF switches

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If polarization switching is implemented using traditional switches, then polarization selection is possible, but temporary signal loss occurs during switching which is unwanted in certain applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepolarization selectionVSAvoidsignal continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous polarization selection through electronic control within the OBP, allowing seamless switching between polarizations without the temporary signal interruptions that occur with mechanical switches, thereby maintaining uninterrupted signal transmission

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical polarization switching with electronic signal processing control, substituting the discontinuous nature of mechanical switch transitions with continuous electronic modulation that maintains signal integrity throughout polarization changes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution significantly enhances the high-power capability of satellite communication systems, reduces communication data rate limitations, and ensures seamless polarization switching without signal loss, thereby improving communication security and performance resilience to temperature and time variations.

Implementation Method 1

RF waves from both X and Y components are coherently added at antenna aperture

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCoherent addition: Interference

Data Source

PatentUS11579310B2High-power flexible-polarization in-orbit-calibration satellite payload

Publication Date: 2023.02.14 MACDONALD DETTWILER & ASSOC INC

AI summary

A system of architecture, apparatus and calibration method is invented for high-power flexible-polarization payload for satellite communications. The system comprises onboard phase-tracked apparatus, flexible polarization mechanism, and in-orbit calibration method. The power combining and polarization performance of the phase-tracked payload is monitored on ground by measuring the cross-polarization discrimination (XPD) and/or axial ratio (AR). The high performance over the life is achieved by optimization of the XPD or AR on ground and adjusting complex gain of the transponders. The high-power flexible-polarization in-orbit-calibration payload may be applied but not limited to UHF, L, S, C, X, Ku and Ka-band high power satellite systems.