Partitioned Phased Array Antenna for Satellite Throughput

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Solution Overview

Problem

Phased array antenna systems in satellite communications face throughput capacity limitations due to underutilization of beam forming hardware, particularly when beams are directed off-center, leading to increased size, weight, and power consumption.

Innovation Solution

The system partitions the phased array into multiple regions of antenna elements that can operate independently to generate angularly offset spot beams, allowing for simultaneous use of the phased array to increase throughput capacity without increasing size, weight, or power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the phased array is aimed off center to direct beams to off-bore-sight locations, then geographic separation of beams is improved, but utilization of antenna elements and beam forming hardware decreases to as little as two-thirds

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam direction flexibilityVSAvoidhardware utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The phased array is divided into multiple sub-arrays, each capable of independent operation to form beams. This segmentation allows different sub-arrays to be activated based on beam direction requirements, improving hardware utilization when aiming off-center while maintaining beam direction flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If additional antenna elements are added to increase directivity, then beam directivity is improved, but size, weight, and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam directivityVSAvoidantenna system weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically configures which sub-arrays are active based on the required beam direction and directivity needs. By activating only the necessary sub-arrays, the system achieves the required directivity without permanently incorporating all possible antenna elements, thus reducing weight while maintaining beam precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If the phased array operates at full capacity to maximize throughput, then data throughput is improved, but size, weight, and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata throughput capacityVSAvoidbeam forming hardware weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Each sub-array is designed to be universally capable of forming beams in multiple directions. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve high throughput by activating multiple sub-arrays for simultaneous beam formation rather than requiring a single large array operating at full capacity, thereby reducing the overall weight of beam forming hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enhances the utilization of antenna elements and beam forming hardware, effectively doubling throughput capacity while maintaining or reducing the size and power consumption of the phased array antenna system.

Implementation Method 1

Phased array antennas are capable of steering transmission and reception beams over a small field of view. The ability of phased arrays to steer beams makes them suitable for relay communication systems

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhased Array Beam Steering:

Implementation Method 2

Adding a reflector, such as a parabolic reflector, to the phased array antenna can increase the directivity of the antenna without increasing the number of phased array elements

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP2779306B1Partitioned phase array fed reflector antenna system

Publication Date: 2022.12.14 VIASAT INC

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AI summary

Systems and methods for partitioned phased array fed (PAFR) antennas with improved throughput capacity are disclosed. The phased array in a PPAFR antenna is partitioned into multiple partitions of antenna elements that can be operated by corresponding beam forming networks with reduce sized, weight, and power consumption characteristics to independently and simultaneously to generate angularly offset static and dynamic spot beams patterns. The independently generated spot beam patterns can be configured to include transmission and receiving spot beams for establishing a number of pathways. Accordingly, the number of pathways a particular partitioned PAFR antenna system can support relative to an unpartitioned PAFR antenna system can be increased while also using smaller and lighter configurations of beam forming networks.