Helical Satellite Antenna Array Layout for Low-Sidelobe Gain

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing satellite communication antenna structures face challenges in achieving good quality communication with reduced bulk, efficient gain, and minimized sidelobe levels, particularly in applications where motorization and large size constraints are limiting factors.

Innovation Solution

The proposed antenna structure features a helical shape with a transmission-reception surface of circular shape, utilizing a dielectric insulation device and radome configuration, allowing for compact size and efficient electromagnetic wave transmission and reception within the X and Ku bands without the need for additional polarizers or motorization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a parabolic antenna structure with diameter of at least 40 cm is used, then gain and sidelobe level performance is improved, but the size and weight of the antenna structure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication qualityVSAvoidantenna structure weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna structure is segmented into multiple elementary sources arranged in specific geometric patterns (parabola, circle, square) rather than using a single large continuous reflector. This segmentation allows achieving the required radiation pattern performance with smaller individual elements, reducing overall structure weight and size while maintaining communication quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a parabolic antenna structure with diameter of at least 40 cm is used, then gain and sidelobe level performance is improved, but the overall size of the antenna structure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication qualityVSAvoidantenna structure area

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If electronic phase-shift scanning with multiple elementary sources is used, then beam direction control is improved, but the overall size of the antenna structure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam direction controlVSAvoidantenna structure area

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements electronic phase-shift scanning capability that allows dynamic control of beam direction without mechanical movement. Multiple elementary sources with independent phase control enable electronic steering of the radiated beam, providing flexible and rapid direction changes while maintaining a compact antenna structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If circular polarization emission is desired with electronic phase-shift scanning, then polarization capability is improved, but gain is degraded due to additional polarizer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecircular polarization capabilityVSAvoidgain

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines circular polarization capability with electronic phase-shift scanning in a unified antenna structure. By integrating the polarization function into the elementary sources themselves rather than adding a separate polarizer, the system achieves both circular polarization and beam steering capabilities while maintaining high gain performance without the losses associated with additional components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

5Ease of operation

If motorization device is used to point the radiated beam, then beam direction control is improved, but the device complexity and torque requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam direction controlVSAvoidmotorization device complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical motorization systems with electronic phase-shift scanning for beam direction control. Instead of using motors to physically rotate or reposition the antenna, the system electronically steers the beam by adjusting the phase of signals at multiple elementary sources, eliminating complex mechanical components and their associated torque requirements.

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 configuration achieves better performance in terms of gain and reduced sidelobe levels, enabling compact and lightweight satellite communication systems with improved radiation efficiency and reduced weight, suitable for various platforms including aerial and underwater applications.

Implementation Method 1

at least one elementary antenna having a helical shape and dimensioned to transmit and/or receive at least one electromagnetic wave

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

utilizing a dielectric insulation device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric insulation: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentEP3075031B1Arrangement of antenna structures for satellite telecommunications

Publication Date: 2024.05.22 THALES SA

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AI summary

The invention relates to an arrangement (200) of antenna structures (10) for telecommunications, in particular by satellite, characterised in that each antenna structure (10) includes a transmission-reception surface (14) comprising an axis of symmetry and at least one dipole antenna (12) having a helical shape and sized such as to transmit and/or receive at least one electromagnetic wave having a frequency higher than 4 GHz, preferably 4 GHz to 50 GHz, in particular in a spectral band selected among the X band and the Ku band, and in that at least two axes of symmetry are concurrent.