LEO Antenna Array Grating Lobes for Multi-Satellite Handover

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional LEO satellite communication systems face challenges in achieving ultra-connectivity, ultra-high speed, and ultra-low latency due to severe propagation loss in high-frequency bands, requiring numerous base stations and suffering from beam-squint phenomena and limited bandwidth, while conventional phased array antennas suppress grating lobes, hindering multiple satellite connectivity and stable communication.

Innovation Solution

A method and system utilizing grating lobes in LEO satellite communication by optimizing the geometric structure of the antenna array, enabling simultaneous connections with multiple satellites through main and grating lobes, adaptive beamforming, and compensating for beam squint, supporting soft handover and efficient multicast/broadcast transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If antenna spacing is reduced to less than half-wavelength to prevent grating lobes, then beam direction control is improved, but multiple satellite connectivity capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam direction controlVSAvoidmultiple satellite connectivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the traditionally harmful grating lobes into beneficial additional beams for multiple satellite connectivity. By intentionally designing antenna spacing greater than half-wavelength, the system generates grating lobes that point toward multiple satellites, enabling simultaneous connection to multiple LEO satellites while maintaining precise beam control through phase shifting techniques.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the antenna spacing parameter from the conventional less than half-wavelength to greater than half-wavelength. This parameter change fundamentally alters the radiation pattern to produce grating lobes, which are then utilized for multi-satellite connectivity instead of being suppressed as in traditional systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If conventional phase shifters are used in wideband systems, then system simplicity is maintained, but beam-squint phenomenon occurs causing beam deviation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidbeam direction accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic compensation mechanisms to counteract the beam-squint phenomenon. By implementing frequency-dependent phase shifting or true time delay (TTD) techniques, the system dynamically adjusts beam directions across different frequencies to maintain accurate pointing, thereby resolving the trade-off between system simplicity and beam direction accuracy in wideband operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Speed

If LEO satellites are used for low latency communication, then communication speed is improved, but coverage area of single satellite is limited due to propagation loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication speedVSAvoidcoverage area

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple satellite coverage areas by enabling simultaneous connection to multiple LEO satellites through grating lobes. This combining of multiple coverage zones effectively expands the total coverage area while maintaining the low-latency advantages of LEO satellites, as the system can serve users in the overlapping coverage regions through multiple satellite links.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables stable, reliable, and efficient communication with multiple LEO satellites, compensating for beam squint and facilitating seamless handovers, thereby optimizing communication quality and resource utilization.

Implementation Method 1

adjusting an antenna array such that grating lobes are formed in respective directions of a plurality of LEO satellites

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGrating lobes: Diffraction

Implementation Method 2

analog beamforming with high gain, based on array antennas, is critical to compensate for severe signal attenuation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBeamforming: Interference

Data Source

PatentUS20260039372A1Method and system for low earth orbit satellite multi-connection and communication using grating lobes

Publication Date: 2026.02.05 KOREA UNIV RES & BUSINESS FOUND

AI summary

A method and system for low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite multiple access and communication using grating lobes is disclosed. The method may include: acquiring ephemeris data for a plurality of LEO satellites; predicting an orbital trajectory for each of the plurality of LEO satellites based on the ephemeris data; selecting target satellites using the predicted orbital trajectories; adjusting an antenna array to form grating lobes in the directions of the selected target satellites; and transmitting and receiving data with the target satellites using the adjusted antenna array.