Multibeam Antenna Assembly Waveguide Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and cost of multibeam antennas increase with the number of radiating elements due to the need for more waveguides, which can degrade performance.
Innovation Solution
A transmission and reception assembly that reduces the use of waveguides by positioning the reception distribution network closer to the radiating elements, using coaxial cables for connection, and incorporating a redundancy loop with low-noise amplifiers and thermal control to maintain performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the number of radiating elements is increased to improve antenna performance, then the technical performance of the antenna is improved, but the complexity and cost of the antenna increases due to more waveguides
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the transmission distribution network and reception distribution network into a single integrated box structure located outside the satellite. This merging eliminates the need for separate routing paths and reduces the overall complexity of waveguide connections while maintaining support for multiple radiating elements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a box as an intermediary structure that houses both transmission and reception distribution networks. This box serves as a centralized hub that simplifies the connection architecture between radiating elements and the satellite's internal systems, reducing routing complexity
2Reliability
If more waveguides are used to connect radiating elements to distribution networks, then the number of radiating elements can be increased, but the cost of the antenna increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the transmission distribution network and reception distribution network into a single integrated box structure located outside the satellite. This merging eliminates the need for separate routing paths and reduces the overall complexity of waveguide connections while maintaining support for multiple radiating elements
Solution Approach 2:
The box structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it houses the transmission distribution network, houses the reception distribution network, provides thermal insulation, and simplifies routing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and reduces overall system cost
3Reliability
If radiating elements are placed outside the satellite to improve antenna performance, then the technical performance is improved, but thermal insulation becomes more difficult due to the hot zone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the transmission distribution network and reception distribution network into a single integrated box structure located outside the satellite. This merging eliminates the need for separate routing paths and reduces the overall complexity of waveguide connections while maintaining support for multiple radiating elements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a box as an intermediary structure that houses both transmission and reception distribution networks. This box serves as a centralized hub that simplifies the connection architecture between radiating elements and the satellite's internal systems, reducing routing complexity
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 configuration minimizes waveguide usage, simplifies routing, reduces costs, and maintains antenna performance by using flexible and cost-effective coaxial cables and efficient thermal management.
Implementation Method 1
The waveguide distribution network in reception generally comprises a plurality of amplifiers then making it possible to amplify the elementary signals received by the radiating elements
Implementation Method 2
The purpose of this is in particular to thermally insulate the radiating elements which generally have a so-called hot zone of the antenna from the other components which must remain in a so-called cold zone, in order to minimize the loss of performance of the antenna
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 4
AI summary
This assembly comprises a plurality of radiating elements (32A, ..., 32F) forming a radiating surface (S), a transmitting distribution network (41) upstream of the radiating surface (S) and comprising a plurality of transmitting ports, a receiving distribution network (42) upstream of the radiating surface (S) and comprising a plurality of receiving ports, a plurality of low-noise amplifiers, and means for interconnecting each receiving port to at least one low-noise amplifier. The transmitting distribution network (41) and the receiving distribution network (42) are separate from each other and are housed in a single enclosure (34) separate from the communication module. The receiving distribution network (42) and the radiating elements (32A, ..., 32F) are thermally decoupled.