LEO Satellite Terminal Phased Array Antenna Handoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft communication systems face challenges in maintaining continuous on-board connectivity due to limitations in antenna technology, which results in lagging network performance and unnecessary outages when switching between satellite links, especially when moving out of coverage areas or experiencing interference.
Innovation Solution
A multi-constellation satellite terminal equipped with a single phased array antenna that can dynamically allocate resources to establish and maintain simultaneous communications links with multiple satellites in different constellations, allowing for seamless handoffs and increased bandwidth by utilizing different spatial channels and air interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single antenna is used for satellite communication, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to maintain continuous connectivity during satellite handoffs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where the controller dynamically assigns different antenna elements to different satellites based on real-time communication needs. This dynamic switching capability allows a single antenna array to function as multiple independent antenna resources, maintaining continuous connectivity during satellite handoffs while avoiding the complexity of deploying multiple physical antenna systems.
2Reliability
If multiple antenna resources are allocated to multiple satellites, then connectivity reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single antenna array universal by enabling it to serve multiple satellites simultaneously through dynamic resource allocation. The controller manages the antenna elements to establish independent communication links with multiple satellites, allowing one physical antenna system to perform the function of multiple dedicated antenna systems would provide, thus improving reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Loss of time
If simultaneous communication with multiple satellites is enabled, then loss of time during handoffs is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining simultaneous communication links with multiple satellites. The controller manages resource allocation across satellites to ensure that handoffs occur seamlessly without interruption to service. This allows the system to eliminate handoff downtime by keeping multiple satellite links active concurrently, with the controller dynamically managing the transitions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a phased array antenna with multiple elements is used, then the ability to establish multiple satellite links is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the phase and amplitude of signals across antenna elements to achieve beam forming and steering. By dynamically adjusting these parameters through the controller, the system can direct communication beams toward multiple satellites without requiring extremely precise fixed physical alignment of antenna elements. This software-defined approach to beam control reduces manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining multi-satellite link capability.
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 solution reduces downtime and enhances on-board connectivity by enabling simultaneous operation of multiple satellite links, providing continuous and efficient data transfer even during handoffs, thus improving passenger connectivity services.
Implementation Method 1
A multi-constellation satellite terminal equipped with a single phased array antenna that can dynamically allocate resources to establish and maintain simultaneous communications links with multiple satellites
Data Source
AI summary
A method of communicating with satellites in a low-earth orbit (LEO) constellation includes determining, by a controller of a mobile communicator mounted on a mobile platform, one or more conditions corresponding to a plurality of spatial channels associated with multiple satellites in the LEO constellation, and allocating, by the controller and based on the one or more conditions, a plurality of antenna resources of a phased array antenna to each of two or more satellites included in the multiple satellites in the LEO constellation. Each of the plurality of antenna resources includes a respective antenna element and a respective phase controller. The method also includes commanding, by the controller, one or more transceivers to establish simultaneous communicative connections to the two or more satellites via the allocated plurality of antenna resources.