HAP Antenna System with Steerable Spot Beams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems on high-altitude platforms face challenges in providing efficient and adaptable coverage over large geographic areas, particularly in ensuring consistent low-capacity coverage and high-capacity coverage for specific areas with varying network demands.
Innovation Solution
An antenna system comprising a central panel and multiple auxiliary panels, where the central panel is oriented downward and the auxiliary panels are angled to provide coverage beyond the central panel's radius, with steerable spot beams that can be adjusted electronically or mechanically to adapt to different network needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a single antenna panel is used to provide coverage, then the device complexity is low, but the network coverage area and capacity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is divided into a central panel and multiple auxiliary panels, where each panel independently provides coverage to specific sectors. The central panel covers a first area with radius R1, while auxiliary panels cover additional areas with radius R2 beyond the central panel's coverage, enabling extended network coverage without using a single overly complex antenna structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed coverage areas are provided by antenna panels, then the system is simple to operate, but the adaptability to varying network demands is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system incorporates steerable spot beams that can be dynamically adjusted to redirect coverage areas according to varying network demands. Processors control the antenna elements to electronically steer beams without mechanical movement, allowing the system to adapt coverage patterns in real-time while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple auxiliary panels are added to extend coverage, then the network coverage area increases, but the device complexity and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each auxiliary panel is designed with the same configuration and can serve multiple purposes: providing coverage to different sectors, extending coverage beyond the central panel's radius, and being steerable to adapt to various network demands. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve extended coverage without proportionally increasing resource consumption, as each panel can be dynamically allocated to different coverage needs.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure provide an antenna system for a high-altitude platform (HAP). The antenna system may include a central panel including a first set of antenna elements. The antenna system may also include a plurality of auxiliary panels arranged around the central panel and at an angular offset from the central panel. Each auxiliary panel of the set of auxiliary panels may include a second plurality of antenna elements. The first plurality of antenna elements may be configured to provide network coverage within a first area having a first radius and each of the second sets of antenna elements are configured to provide network coverage within a second area beyond the first radius.