Foldable Oblong Antenna Arrays for High-Capacity LPWAN Beamforming
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current low power wide area networks (LPWAN) face challenges in providing cost-effective, reliable connectivity for billions of IoT devices globally, especially due to high costs of terrestrial gateways and limited spectrum availability, and satellites face volume constraints and high launch costs while needing to handle increased traffic coverage.
Innovation Solution
The use of oblong shaped antenna arrays, which are foldable and integrated with radio beamforming circuitry and solar cells, allows for compact satellite designs with high network capacity, enabling efficient wireless communication and position estimation, and can be applied to both satellite and terrestrial gateways.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If large antenna arrays are used to increase network capacity, then wireless network capacity is improved, but satellite volume increases leading to higher launch costs
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna array is divided into multiple sub-arrays that can be independently folded and stored within the satellite body. Each sub-array contains a portion of the total antenna elements, and when deployed, they form the complete large aperture array. This segmentation allows the satellite to achieve high network capacity while maintaining a compact stowed volume for launch.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna array employs a deployable structure that transitions from a compact folded state during launch to a fully extended operational state in orbit. The dynamic deployment mechanism allows the same physical structure to occupy different volumes at different stages, enabling the satellite to meet both launch volume constraints and operational capacity requirements.
2Productivity
If more antennas are added to handle increased traffic coverage, then network capacity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex antenna array is segmented into multiple identical or similar sub-arrays, each with standardized design and configuration. This modular approach simplifies the design process by repeating proven units rather than designing a completely new complex structure, while still achieving the required total number of antennas for high network capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna array is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides both transmit and receive beamforming capabilities, supports multiple frequency bands, and can dynamically reconfigure beam patterns to serve different geographic regions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized antenna systems, thereby managing overall device complexity while maintaining high network capacity.
3Area of stationary object
If terrestrial gateways are deployed globally to provide LPWAN connectivity, then coverage area is improved, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The satellite system provides global LPWAN coverage by functioning as a mobile gateway that orbits above Earth, eliminating the need for deploying numerous fixed terrestrial gateways across all geographic regions including oceans and remote areas. This universal coverage capability from a single satellite platform dramatically reduces installation costs while maintaining extensive coverage area.
Solution Approach 2:
The satellite acts as an intermediary platform between IoT endpoints and the internet, providing communication relay services without requiring direct ground-based infrastructure in every location. By positioning the gateway function in space, the system bridges the gap between remote endpoints and terrestrial networks, enabling global coverage with minimal ground installation.
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 enhances network capacity, reduces endpoint energy consumption, and provides accurate position estimation while minimizing satellite volume and launch costs, improving connectivity for IoT devices worldwide.
Implementation Method 1
Each module comprising radio beamforming circuitry and solar cells
Data Source
AI summary
Wireless communication method and apparatus to enable communications between a plurality of endpoints and a satellite or terrestrial gateway integrated with a plurality of oblong shaped antenna arrays. The wireless communication method leverages data symbols that are orthogonally modulated. The method permits the use of a plurality of compact oblong shaped antenna arrays to increase network capacity and reduce endpoint power consumption.