Multi-Spot Beam Antenna Feed Using CPFSS for Small Satellites
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a low weight, low volume, low energy, and low-cost satellite communication system that can cover a defined foot-print area on the earth.
Innovation Solution
A satellite communication system utilizing a deployable antenna with a Circular Polarization Frequency Selective Surface (CPFSS) unit and a multi feed per beam printed circuit unit, implemented on a standard printed circuit, which uses a single reflector for both transmit and receive frequencies, and employs advanced MMIC technology for high transmission rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional satellite communication systems use multiple satellites or larger satellites to increase capacity and coverage, then communication capacity and transmission coverage area are improved, but satellite weight, volume, and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the communication coverage area into multiple spot beams that can be independently controlled and directed at different Earth locations. Instead of using one large satellite to cover all areas, the system segments the coverage into multiple focused beams, allowing a smaller satellite to achieve the same total capacity as larger systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a Frequency Selective Surface (FSS) that operates across multiple frequency bands (Ku and Ka bands) simultaneously. This multi-functional surface allows a single satellite to handle multiple communication tasks and frequency ranges, reducing the need for separate satellites for different bands and thereby reducing overall system weight.
2Area of stationary object
If traditional satellite systems increase transmission coverage area using larger satellites or more satellites, then coverage area is improved, but device complexity and deployment cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamically steerable spot beams that can be electronically redirected to different geographic locations without mechanical movement of the entire satellite antenna. This dynamic beam steering capability allows a single satellite to adapt its coverage area in real-time, providing flexible and extensive coverage without the complexity of multiple fixed satellites or large mechanical antenna systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters such as beam direction, frequency band, and polarization to optimize coverage area and capacity. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the satellite can cover different regions and provide varied services without physical reconfiguration, reducing system complexity while maintaining flexible coverage.
3Productivity
If satellite systems use advanced technologies to increase transmission rate, then communication capacity is improved, but energy consumption and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical antenna steering systems with electronic beam forming and frequency selective surface technologies. This substitution eliminates the need for large mechanical actuators and complex moving parts, reducing power consumption while maintaining high transmission rates through electronic control of signal direction and frequency selection.
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
The system achieves a one to two orders of magnitude increase in communication capacity with a doubling in size and weight, providing a transmission rate of 100 Gbits/sec with reduced weight, volume, and power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
A circular polarization frequency selective surface (CPFSS) unit operative in the Ku and Ka wavelength ranges that is adapted to reflect transmitted frequencies from the transmit multi beam unit towards the reflector with negligible loses and high efficiency and that is adapted to allow received frequencies arriving from the reflector to pass through it towards receive multi beam unit with negligible loses and high efficiency
Implementation Method 2
A very compact multi spot beam feed for a multi beam antenna (MBA) is demonstrated, where the radiating unit includes multiple identical patch source elements
Data Source
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AI summary
A multi-beam transmit/receive device is disclosed. The device comprises a Circular Polarization Frequency Selective Surface (CPFSS) unit, a transmit (Tx) flat array antenna assembly with multi-bean flat array antenna and a receive (Rx) flat array antenna assembly with multi-bean flat array antenna. The Tx multi-beam antenna is poisoned with respect to the CPFSS unit so that its transmission is configured to be reflected by the CPFSS unit to a reflector and to be reflected by the reflector in a defined direction and the Rx multi-beam antenna is poisoned with respect to the CPFSS unit so that transmission that hits the reflector from the defined direction and passes through the CPFSS unit focuses on the Rx multi-beam antenna.