Modular Tiled Satellite Payload Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional High Throughput Satellite (HTS) systems are costly, complex, and inflexible due to their custom-built nature, with high power consumption and inefficiencies in power sharing between satellite beams, leading to wasted capacity and long deployment times.
Innovation Solution
The use of modular, tiled satellite payload systems with integrated circuit modules and Solid State Power Amplifiers (SSPAs) for efficient power sharing and beam management, allowing for dynamic power allocation based on traffic patterns and enabling the creation of lighter, cheaper, and more flexible satellite systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional HTS systems use custom-built transponders with hand-crafted waveguide layouts, then manufacturing precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the satellite payload into multiple independent focal plane array tiles, each containing receive and transmit segments with integrated circuit modules. This segmentation allows each tile to be manufactured separately using standardized processes, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability through modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical waveguide systems with integrated circuit modules and solid state power amplifiers. This substitution eliminates the need for hand-crafted waveguide layouts and manual component assembly, significantly reducing device complexity and manufacturing cost while maintaining signal transmission reliability.
2Power
If HTS systems use multiple spot beams to increase bandwidth capacity, then communication bandwidth is improved, but power sharing efficiency deteriorates due to complex power distribution requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power sharing between multiple spot beams using solid state power amplifiers that can be independently controlled. The system dynamically allocates power to different beams based on real-time traffic patterns, improving power sharing efficiency while maintaining high bandwidth capacity across multiple beams.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of power amplifiers from fixed to variable states, allowing dynamic adjustment of power levels for each spot beam. This enables efficient power distribution across multiple beams, reducing energy loss while maintaining high bandwidth capacity.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional HTS payloads use hand-tuned cavity filters and custom components, then filtering precision is improved, but manufacturing time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical hand-tuned cavity filters with integrated circuit modules that incorporate filtering functions. This substitution eliminates time-consuming manual tuning processes while maintaining filtering precision through standardized circuit designs that can be manufactured using automated processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses standardized integrated circuit module designs that can be replicated across multiple tiles. Instead of creating unique hand-tuned components for each payload, the same proven circuit designs are copied and assembled, significantly improving manufacturing speed while maintaining consistent filtering precision.
4Power
If HTS systems use heavy and large conventional components, then power handling capability is improved, but satellite mass and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy mechanical vacuum tube components with solid state power amplifiers and integrated circuit modules. These solid state components provide equivalent or superior power handling capability while dramatically reducing satellite mass and volume, enabling more efficient satellite designs.
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 approach reduces the cost and complexity of satellite payloads, enhances power sharing efficiency, and allows for rapid deployment and adaptation to changing traffic patterns, enabling the creation of micro-HTS systems that can quickly respond to demand fluctuations.
Implementation Method 1
a low noise amplifier that amplifies the receive signal
Implementation Method 2
a first frequency conversion module that converts frequency of the received signal to an Intermediate Frequency
Implementation Method 3
a second frequency conversion module that converts a frequency of the transmit signal to a Radio Frequency
Implementation Method 4
The switching module receives an output from the receive segment and switches the output to another focal plane array tile
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for satellite payloads are provided. A first system is based on using a focal plane array tiles with a reflector. A second system uses active lens tiles, focal plane array tiles and the reflector. A third system includes active reflector tiles, focal plane array tiles and the reflector. Yet another system enables beam power sharing by selectively providing power to solid state power amplifiers used in satellite payloads. Another system uses multiple micro-satellites for providing satellite coverage for an area.