LEO Phased-Array Beam Split for Navigation Coverage and Data Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) face challenges such as limited satellite coverage, especially in disadvantaged geographic locations, leading to signal susceptibility to jamming, coverage gaps, and long time-to-first-fix, particularly in areas with limited terrestrial mobile networks, affecting the accuracy and availability of navigation solutions.
Innovation Solution
A satellite communication system employing a phased array antenna on Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites that transmits navigation signals using wide beams and data signals using directive beams, enabling simultaneous communication with multiple terminals and leveraging existing cellular communication protocols to provide rapid and accurate navigation solutions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If GNSS satellites use wide beams for navigation signals, then coverage area is improved, but signal strength and precision are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signal transmission into two distinct types: wide beams for navigation signals to ensure broad coverage, and directive (narrow) beams for data signals to ensure high precision and strength. This segmentation allows each signal type to be optimized independently for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by directing high-gain directive beams specifically toward terminals that require data communication, while maintaining wide beam coverage for navigation signals. This creates different signal qualities in different spatial locations, optimizing both coverage and precision where needed.
2Measurement precision
If GNSS satellites use directive beams for data signals, then communication precision is improved, but coverage area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beam transmission function, using directive beams specifically for data communication with individual terminals while wide beams provide overall coverage. This allows high-precision data transmission without sacrificing navigation signal coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic beam steering capabilities where the satellite can adjust and redirect directive beams to track and communicate with moving terminals on Earth, maintaining precision communication while the wide beams continuously provide broad coverage.
3Loss of time
If LEO satellites are used, then time-to-first-fix is reduced, but signal coverage in disadvantaged locations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the advantages of LEO satellites (low latency, fast time-to-first-fix) with advanced phased array antenna technology that enables both wide beam coverage and directive beam precision. This combination allows LEO satellites to provide rapid navigation solutions while maintaining extended coverage through intelligent beamforming.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamic phased array beam steering to extend coverage areas of LEO satellites by electronically redirecting beams to cover disadvantaged geographic locations, maintaining both rapid response times and broad coverage without requiring higher orbital altitudes.
4Area of stationary object
If phased array antennas are used, then signal coverage and precision are improved, but device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal phased array antenna system that performs multiple functions: generating wide beams for navigation signals, creating directive beams for data communication, and providing beam steering capabilities. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate antenna systems, managing complexity through consolidation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamic beamforming capabilities of phased array antennas to achieve both wide and directive beam patterns through electronic control rather than physical reconfiguration, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining signal coverage and precision.
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 approach enhances GNSS availability and accuracy by ensuring widespread signal coverage and rapid computation of navigation parameters, supporting standard smartphones and cellphones without built-in GPS receivers, even in areas with limited terrestrial networks.
Implementation Method 1
A satellite communication system employing a phased array antenna on Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites that transmits navigation signals using wide beams and data signals using directive beams
Data Source
AI summary
A satellite communications system can comprise at least one that satellite, an antenna structure deployed on the at least one satellite, and radio hardware coupled to the antenna structure that can provide for transmitting a first channel simultaneously with a second channel, wherein the first channel is transmitted using directive beams and the second channel is transmitted using a wide beam and wherein the directive beams are for data communication signals and the wide beam is for navigation signals.