Modular Phased Array Assembly for Portable Satcom Terminals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manpack VSAT satellite communications terminals face challenges in portability, ease of use, and performance due to the weight, power consumption, and complexity of traditional parabolic reflector antennas.
Innovation Solution
A field-assembled electronically-steered phased array system composed of independent, identical aperture blocks that snap together mechanically or magnetically, self-configure, and calibrate to form a single phased array antenna, allowing for flexible assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional parabolic reflector antennas are used in manpack terminals, then satellite communication performance is achieved, but weight and portability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is divided into multiple modular aperture blocks that can be individually carried and then assembled in the field. Each block contains its own RF components and antenna elements, allowing the system to be segmented for portability while maintaining full functionality when assembled. This resolves the contradiction by enabling high-performance communication through modular assembly without requiring a single heavy parabolic reflector.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical parabolic reflector structure with an electronically steered phased array system. Instead of using a large physical reflector that must be mechanically aligned, the system uses electronic phase control to steer beams, eliminating the need for heavy mechanical structures while maintaining satellite communication performance.
2Productivity
If fully integrated pre-staged modems are used, then rapid setup is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modem and RF components are pre-integrated into each aperture block during manufacturing, with all connections and configurations pre-established. This preliminary integration allows the blocks to be picked up and deployed immediately without requiring complex field assembly or configuration, achieving rapid setup while managing complexity through factory integration rather than field complexity.
3Ease of operation
If aperture blocks are designed for easy field assembly, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture blocks incorporate self-aligning features such as mechanical guides, magnetic attraction, or interlocking structures that automatically ensure proper alignment during assembly. The blocks self-configure when brought together, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures or specialized tools, thus improving ease of operation while managing manufacturing precision through built-in alignment mechanisms.
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
The system achieves high performance and gain commensurate with the combined aperture size, enabling efficient satellite communications while being lightweight and easily transportable, suitable for manpack or flyaway applications.
Implementation Method 1
The aperture blocks snap together mechanically or magnetically in the field
Data Source
AI summary
A field-assembled satellite communications terminal has a plurality of discrete, modular aperture blocks. Each aperture block contains an electrically steered antenna aperture, and a plurality of interconnection ports for power and data communications between the plurality of aperture blocks. The plurality of interconnection ports are removably connectable by the end user in the field. The terminal further has a signal processing system for receiving, processing, and generating signals to and from the apertures. The aperture blocks are connected to each other in the field and self-configure to form an electrically-steered antenna.