Full-Duplex Patch Antenna Satellite Modem for Remote Network Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing satellite modems are expensive, require established infrastructure, and are difficult to integrate into remote areas or existing serial communications networks.
Innovation Solution
A satellite modem with a housing, processor, memory, and dual patch antennas for full duplex communication, along with a communications module for integration with local devices, and a power input for external power sourcing, designed for L and S band frequency ranges with passive gain of 3.0 to 5.5 dBi, and featuring a GPS module for geospatial positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional satellite modems are used, then communication functionality is achieved, but cost is high and infrastructure requirements are complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive patch antennas instead of expensive traditional satellite antenna systems. These simple printed circuit board antennas provide sufficient performance for LEO satellite communication while dramatically reducing cost and eliminating the need for complex mounting infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to operate with specific antenna gain parameters (3.0 to 5.5 dBi) that are optimized for low-earth-orbit satellite communication. This parameter optimization allows the use of simple patch antennas rather than complex high-gain antennas, reducing infrastructure requirements while maintaining communication reliability
2Reliability
If traditional satellite modems are used, then communication functionality is achieved, but integration into existing networks is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The satellite modem is designed with universal communication interfaces that can integrate with various existing network infrastructures. The device can function as a standard network interface, compatible with TCP/IP protocols and common communication standards, allowing seamless integration into existing wired and wireless networks without requiring specialized infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The modem functionality is segmented into modular components including the patch antennas, RF front-end, baseband processing, and network interface. This modular design allows the device to interface with different network standards and protocols, enhancing adaptability to various existing network environments
3Productivity
If full duplex communication is implemented, then data transmission efficiency is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patch antennas are designed to maintain continuous simultaneous transmit and receive operations without requiring mechanical switching or complex signal routing. The passive nature of the antennas allows continuous full-duplex operation with minimal power consumption, as no active components are required in the antenna structure itself
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna design provides directionality and signal focus in specific spatial directions, improving transmission efficiency. This local quality optimization allows the system to achieve good data transmission rates with lower transmit power compared to omnidirectional antennas, partially offsetting the power costs of full-duplex operation
Data Source
AI summary
A satellite modem, including: a housing; a processor in the housing; a memory in the housing and accessible by the processor; a communications module in the housing and responsive to the processor to communicate with a local external device; an antenna mounting structure mounted in the housing; a transmit patch antenna disposed on the antenna mounting structure and configured to transmit uplink data from the local external device to a satellite; a receive patch antenna disposed on the antenna mounting structure and configured to receive downlink data from the satellite; and a power input connection on the housing to receive power from an external power source and to supply power from the external power source to the processor, the communications module, the transmit patch antenna, and the receive patch antenna; wherein the processor is configured to operate the transmit patch antenna and the receive patch antenna in full duplex.