GPS Phased Array All-Digital Beamforming Anti-Jam
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing GPS systems face challenges in achieving robust and stable on-orbit reconfigurable signals due to limitations in signal generation and transmission technologies, particularly in maintaining signal fidelity and resistance to jamming and temperature variations.
Innovation Solution
A GPS phased array using all-digital beam forming elements (DBFEs) with a navigation encoder and frequency generator unit (NEFU), integrated with digital and RF components, enables digital signal generation and transmission, allowing for faithful reproduction of multiple phase shift keying signals and providing enhanced stability and anti-jam resistance through distributed aperture architecture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional GPS signal generation methods are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but signal fidelity and anti-jam resistance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional analog signal generation and beamforming hardware with all-digital signal processing. Digital beamforming elements (DBFEs) use digital signal processing to generate and transmit GPS signals, eliminating the need for complex analog RF components while improving signal fidelity and anti-jam resistance through digital precision and reconfigurability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs digital signal processing techniques that allow dynamic adjustment of signal parameters such as phase, amplitude, and frequency through software control. This enables precise parameter manipulation for signal reconstruction and anti-jamming operations without requiring physical hardware changes, thereby maintaining reliability while managing complexity through software flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If reconfigurable signal generation is implemented, then adaptability improves, but signal stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the GPS signal generation system into multiple independent digital beamforming elements (DBFEs), each capable of autonomous digital signal processing. This segmentation allows individual elements to be reconfigured independently for adaptability while the collective array maintains overall signal stability through coordinated digital beamforming control and phase synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses digital signal processing to create precise digital copies and reconstructions of GPS signals. Multiple DBFEs generate identical or variations of the same base signal through digital processing, allowing reconfiguration of signal characteristics while maintaining fidelity to the original signal structure, thus achieving both adaptability and stability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If distributed aperture architecture is used, then anti-jam resistance improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a distributed aperture architecture consisting of multiple spatially separated digital beamforming elements. Each DBFE operates as an independent unit with its own antenna and digital signal processing capabilities, providing diverse signal paths that enhance anti-jam resistance through spatial diversity while managing complexity through modular, standardized element designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the outputs of multiple distributed DBFEs through digital beamforming to achieve coherent signal integration. By merging signals from spatially distributed elements with identical or coordinated waveforms, the system achieves enhanced anti-jam resistance through diversity combining while maintaining manageable complexity through unified digital control architecture.
4Reliability
If digital signal processing is employed, then signal fidelity improves, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces power-intensive analog RF signal generation and processing hardware with digital signal processing implemented in DBFEs. Digital processing operates at lower power levels while providing superior signal fidelity through precise digital control of amplitude, phase, and frequency, eliminating the need for high-power analog amplifiers and frequency synthesizers.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes: a Global Positioning System (GPS) phased array comprising a plurality of digital beam forming elements (DBFEs), wherein at least one of the DBFEs includes: an antenna configured to transmit a GPS signal; a radio frequency (RF) electronics section operably connected to the antenna and digital electronics sections; and a digital electronics section operably connected to the RF electronics section. An apparatus includes: a GPS phased array comprising a plurality of DBFEs, wherein at least one of the DBFEs includes: an antenna configured to transmit a GPS signal; an RF electronics section operably connected to the antenna and digital electronics sections; and a digital electronics section operably connected an RF electronic section; a navigation encoder and frequency generator (NEFU) unit operably connected to the GPS phased array; and an atomic frequency standard operably connected to the NEFU unit.