Multi-Satellite Antenna Alignment via Average Peak Angle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for aligning multi-satellite outdoor antenna reflector units (ODUs) are inadequate due to poor angular accuracy, reliance on a single satellite as an anchoring point, and difficulty for first-time installers, especially when dealing with satellites operating in different frequency bands like Ka and Ku.
Innovation Solution
The proposed method uses multiple satellites as anchoring points during fine alignment, taking signal power measurements at various orientations to determine an average peak angle, allowing for accurate alignment of the ODU to multiple satellites, including those transmitting in the Ka frequency band, and simplifies the alignment process by eliminating the need for multi-task procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If current fine alignment methods use only one satellite as an anchoring point, then the alignment process is simpler to execute, but the pointing error between the ODU and other non-anchor point satellites increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple satellites as anchoring points instead of using only one satellite. The system measures signal power from multiple satellites at different ODU orientations and uses these combined measurements to determine an average peak angle, which reduces pointing error to multiple satellites while maintaining alignment process simplicity through automated computation.
2Ease of operation
If current alignment methods rely on satellites transmitting within the Ku frequency band as anchor points, then the alignment process is easier to execute, but the sensitivity to angular displacement decreases leading to reduced alignment accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the frequency band parameter from Ku to Ka band for satellite transmissions. Ka band satellites are more sensitive to angular displacement, which improves alignment accuracy. The system measures signal power from Ka band satellites and uses the same automated processing methodology, maintaining ease of execution while improving precision through the frequency band change.
3Productivity
If current fine alignment methods require multi-task procedures (turning adjustment screw, counting turns, listening for stop signal), then the alignment process can be completed, but the difficulty for first time installers increases and alignment accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical multi-task procedure (manually turning screws, counting turns, listening for signals) with an automated electronic system. The system automatically measures signal power from multiple satellites at different orientations, computes the average peak angle, and provides alignment instructions through a user interface. This substitution eliminates the need for installers to perform complex coordinated tasks while improving alignment accuracy through more precise electronic measurements and automated computation.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for aligning an outdoor antenna reflector unit (ODU) with multiple satellites is disclosed. The method may rely on multiple satellites as alignment anchor points to reduce ODU alignment pointing error. The method may require at least three measurements of signal power at different angles for each satellite link to determine the ODU antenna pattern for each satellite link. A peak angle is then calculated for each satellite link based on the determined satellite link ODU antenna pattern. Once the satellite link peak angles are determined, the average peak angle can be calculated and used for aligning the ODU to the multiple satellites. The method may further reduce pointing error by using satellites transmitting within the Ka frequency band as alignment anchor points. The method may simplify ODU alignment by merely requiring an installer to adjust an ODU alignment screw based on the calculated average peak angle.