Mixed Beam Scanning Antenna for Fast LEO Satellite Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna systems face challenges in efficiently tracking low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellites due to limitations in mechanical scanning speed and directional flexibility, leading to potential communication disruptions and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
The development of an antenna device capable of mixed beam scanning, combining electronic scanning in one dimension with mechanical scanning in another, using a configuration that includes multiple antenna modules, active RF modules, and a rotating portion to enhance scanning capacity and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If mechanical scanning is used to track satellites, then the antenna structure is simple and cost is low, but the scanning speed is slow and communication may be cut off
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines mechanical scanning and electronic scanning into a hybrid system. The mechanical pan head provides coarse positioning with simple structure, while electronic beam forming provides fine tracking with high speed. This merging allows the system to achieve fast scanning speeds without completely abandoning the simple mechanical structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces part of the mechanical scanning system with an electronic beam forming system. Instead of relying solely on mechanical rotation to track satellites, the system uses electronic phase shifting and beam steering to achieve rapid beam movement, substituting mechanical motion with electronic control for the fine tracking portion.
2Speed
If active array antenna technique is used for rapid beam tracking, then the tracking speed is high, but the circuit complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tracking function into two parts: coarse tracking handled by the mechanical pan head and fine tracking handled by electronic beam forming. This segmentation allows the complex electronic system to only handle the precision portion, reducing the overall circuit complexity compared to a fully electronic active array antenna system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the antenna system multi-functional by enabling it to perform both mechanical scanning and electronic beam forming. This universality allows the system to achieve rapid tracking speeds when needed while maintaining the option to use the simpler mechanical mode for less demanding scenarios, effectively managing circuit complexity.
3Device complexity
If mechanical scanning is used, then the structure is simple, but the scanning directions are limited and beam position cannot be restored rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges mechanical scanning capability with electronic beam steering capability. The mechanical pan head provides structural simplicity and basic positioning, while the electronic beam forming adds versatility in scanning directions and enables rapid beam restoration without requiring mechanical movement.
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 enables rapid and accurate tracking of LEO satellites, improving communication link sustainability and reducing costs by simplifying structural design and reducing the complexity and cost of circuitry and system control.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the plurality of antenna unit groups is configured to receive at least one external RF signal and transmit the at least one external RF signal to a corresponding one of the plurality of active RF modules
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna device for mixed beam scanning includes at least one antenna module, a plurality of active radio-frequency modules and a rotating portion. The antenna module can perform electronic scanning in a one-dimensional direction. Each of the active radio-frequency modules can enable the antenna module to form a radiation beam. The rotating portion can drive the antenna module to spin or revolve to compensate or enhance the scanning capacity of the antenna module in another dimension. Accordingly, the antenna device is capable both of electronic scanning and mechanical scanning to meet the needs for tracking different satellites and have a good scanning range of coverage while simplifying the overall structural design.