Multi Band Antenna Feed for Telemetry Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current antenna feeds for telemetry systems require physical replacement and realignment for frequency band changes, leading to time-consuming processes and potential misalignment, which affects radiation patterns, and existing multi-band solutions are inherently narrow band and suffer from signal attenuation due to dichroic material imperfections.
Innovation Solution
A multi-band antenna feed system that includes a cylindrical core waveguide and coaxial cylinders, providing sum and difference radiation patterns for multiple frequency bands, with adjustable impedance matching irises and coupling ridges for efficient simultaneous transmission, reception, and tracking, allowing for easy installation and upgrade by replacing existing feeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate feeds are used for each frequency band, then each feed can be optimized for a single band, but changing frequency bands requires time-consuming physical replacement and realignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple frequency band feeds into a single integrated feed structure that supports C-band, S-band, and L-band operations simultaneously. This eliminates the need for physical replacement of separate feeds when changing frequency bands, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The feed structure is designed as a universal multi-functional device that can operate across multiple frequency bands (C-band, S-band, L-band) without requiring physical modification or replacement, enabling single-feed multi-band operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate feeds are used for each frequency band, then each feed can be optimized for a single band, but misalignment of the reflector and antenna feed causes distorted radiation patterns
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple frequency band feeds into a single integrated structure positioned at the reflector's focal point, the patent eliminates the realignment issues that occur when physically replacing separate feeds, thereby maintaining precise alignment across all frequency bands.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a dichroic sub reflector is used with separate feeds, then multiple frequency bands can be handled, but the sub reflector blocks part of the antenna radiation and causes gain reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the dichroic sub reflector component from the antenna system. By using a single feed structure that directly supports multiple frequency bands without requiring a dichroic splitter, the patent removes the source of signal attenuation and blockage while maintaining multi-band capability.
4Ease of operation
If a single compact feed is used for multiple frequency bands, then installation and upgrade are simplified, but achieving efficient simultaneous reception, transmission and tracking across all bands is challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple frequency band feeds into a single compact structure that maintains the capability for efficient simultaneous reception, transmission, and tracking across C-band, S-band, and L-band, achieving both installation simplicity and multi-band versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The feed structure employs a nested configuration where multiple frequency band elements are integrated within a single compact feed assembly, allowing simultaneous multi-band operation while maintaining a space-efficient design that simplifies installation.
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
Enables efficient and simultaneous operation across multiple frequency bands with improved antenna gain and reduced distortion, minimizing blockage and maintaining high G/T values, suitable for compact mobile reflectors, and facilitates easy upgrading of telemetry ground antennas without redesigning reflectors.
Implementation Method 1
a cylindrical core waveguide and at least three coaxial cylinders, encircling said cylindrical core waveguide and forming at least three in coaxial waveguides
Implementation Method 2
The cylindrical core waveguide and the at least three coaxial waveguides provide a pair of sum and difference radiation patterns, for each frequency band
Data Source
AI summary
A multi band antenna feed, for supporting multiple frequency bands, is coupled to a reflector and includes a cylindrical core waveguide and at least three coaxial cylinders, encircling said cylindrical core waveguide and forming at least three coaxial waveguides, bounded between pairs of consecutive coaxial cylinders. The cylindrical core waveguide and the at least three coaxial waveguides provide a pair of sum and difference radiation patterns, for each frequency band: a C-band, an S-band and an L-band.