Multi-beam Satellite Antenna Using Beam Jumping for Higher Reuse Factor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-beam antenna systems for satellite communications face challenges in increasing the signal-to-interference ratio (C/I) due to limitations in reuse factor, which is difficult to enhance beyond fourfold without increasing antenna complexity or number, especially with single offset reflector antennas.
Innovation Solution
The system achieves equivalent multi-spot coverage by subdividing each spot into sub-spots using the beam jumping technique, allowing a higher reuse factor (K=k.n) without increasing the number of reflectors, through power supply and control means that modify the amplitude and phase of radiating elements, and using a switching matrix to control orthogonal polarizations and frequency sub-bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the reuse factor is increased to improve the signal-to-interference ratio, then the C/I ratio improves, but the number of antennas or antenna complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments each coverage spot into multiple sub-spots (e.g., 3 sub-spots per spot), allowing the system to achieve a higher effective reuse factor (K=k×n) by sequentially illuminating sub-spots rather than requiring proportionally more physical antennas. This segmentation enables reuse factor multiplication while maintaining the same antenna count.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic beam jumping between sub-spots within each spot, cycling through the sub-spot illumination sequence. This periodic action allows the same antenna to serve multiple sub-spots over time, effectively increasing the reuse factor without adding antennas, while maintaining acceptable C/I ratios through temporal separation.
2Reliability
If the reuse factor is increased to improve the signal-to-interference ratio, then the C/I ratio improves, but the antenna complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments each coverage spot into multiple sub-spots (e.g., 3 sub-spots per spot), allowing the system to achieve a higher effective reuse factor (K=k×n) by sequentially illuminating sub-spots rather than requiring proportionally more physical antennas. This segmentation enables reuse factor multiplication while maintaining the same antenna count.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches beam directions between sub-spots using beam jumping technique, making the antenna system adaptable and flexible. This dynamic capability allows a single antenna to cover multiple sub-spots sequentially, avoiding the need for complex static multi-antenna configurations while achieving the desired reuse factor.
3Reliability
If the spot area is reduced to increase the reuse factor, then the minimum directivity improves, but the coverage area per spot decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments each coverage spot into multiple sub-spots (e.g., 3 sub-spots per spot), allowing the system to achieve a higher effective reuse factor (K=k×n) by sequentially illuminating sub-spots rather than requiring proportionally more physical antennas. This segmentation enables reuse factor multiplication while maintaining the same antenna count.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic beam jumping between sub-spots within each spot, cycling through the sub-spot illumination sequence. This periodic action allows the same antenna to serve multiple sub-spots over time, effectively increasing the reuse factor without adding antennas, while maintaining acceptable C/I ratios through temporal separation.
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 improves the minimum directivity and C/I ratio by nearly 4dB, increases directivity at the edge of coverage, and reduces roll-off from 4.1dB to 1.38dB, while maintaining equivalent coverage area without additional antennas.
Implementation Method 1
an array of radiating elements (30) arranged in the focal plane of the reflector (33) and means for supplying the network (31) such that in operation the radiating elements (30) form a plurality of beams each illuminating a spot
Implementation Method 2
each antenna (3) further comprises a reflector (33) arranged facing the array of radiating elements (30); the reflector is of parabolic shape
Data Source
Figure 1~7
Figure 4~6C
AI summary
The system has an antenna including a control unit coupled with a power supply unit such that sub-sets of radiating elements in a radiating element array of the antenna are successively powered to form beams illuminating one of sub-spots (A1-A3) in each of spots of a coverage obtained according to an initial reutilization scheme. The obtained coverage is equivalent to a reutilization scheme of reutilization factor equal to a product of an initial reutilization factor and number of sub-spots in each spot.