Modular Satellite Transceiver with Removable RF Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current transceiver devices are cumbersome for military applications that require frequent changes in communication bands and struggle to maintain reliable line of sight as a mobile unit moves, rotates, or turns, necessitating a need for robust, modular, and reliable satellite transceivers with multi-band capabilities and adaptive antenna systems.
Innovation Solution
A modular satellite transceiver design featuring a removable RF module and a back-end module that can operate across different communication bands, combined with a multi-antenna system that can provide 360° azimuth coverage and 5° to 90° elevation coverage, allowing for adaptive antenna selection and soft handoff between antennas to maintain signal strength and line of sight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single fixed-band transceiver is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different communication bands deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The transceiver is divided into separate functional modules: a backend module and a frontend RF module. The RF module can be exchanged to change communication bands while the backend module remains constant. This segmentation allows band adaptability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The backend module is designed with universal interfaces and signal processing capabilities that can work with multiple different RF modules operating in different bands. This multi-functionality enables a single backend to support various communication bands through module interchangeability.
2Reliability
If multiple antennas are used for 360° coverage, then reliability of line of sight is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system dynamically selects which antenna to use based on the mobile unit's orientation and satellite position. The system adapts in real-time by switching between antennas to maintain optimal line of sight, rather than requiring all antennas to be actively connected simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses multiple antennas available in the array but only activates the necessary subset required for current operational conditions. This partial action approach provides 360° coverage capability without requiring all antennas to be fully operational at once, reducing complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If frequent band changes are implemented, then adaptability to mission requirements is improved, but loss of time for conversion increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple RF modules for different bands are pre-configured and ready in the system. When a band change is needed, the appropriate RF module is already prepared and can be quickly swapped into position, eliminating the need for time-consuming reconfiguration or synthesis during band transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic reconfiguration mechanisms with a simpler physical module swap approach. The RF modules are designed for quick connection and disconnection from the backend, substituting complex electronic switching with straightforward mechanical/electrical interfacing that reduces conversion time.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular satellite transceiver is provided according to some embodiments of the disclosure. The modular transceiver may include an RF module and a back end module. The RF module may operate in a first band, and may include, for example, one or more antennas, an RF front end module, an up converter, a down converter, an analog-to-digital converter, and a digital-to-analog converter. The back end module may include various digital processing components and/or modules. The RF module may be removably coupled with the back end module such that the RF module may be replaced with another RF module operating in a second band. During transmission the back end module may provide at least one digital signal to the RF module; and during reception the RF module provides at least one digital signal to the back end module.