Phased Array Antenna Amplitude Control for Satellite Side Lobe Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Phased array antennas for satellite communication face a challenge in achieving low side lobe characteristics without compromising total radiant power and antenna gain across all angles of electromagnetic wave propagation.

Innovation Solution

A phased array antenna design that includes a signal source, distribution circuit, phase shifters, amplifiers, and a control device, where the amplifiers' amplitudes are greater in the center than at the periphery of the antenna elements in the plane parallel to the satellite's orbital plane, optimizing electromagnetic wave emission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If electromagnetic wave is generated to have low side lobe characteristics with respect to all angles of propagation, then side lobe characteristics are improved, but total radiant power and antenna gain are inevitably decreased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveside lobe characteristicsVSAvoidtotal radiant power and antenna gain

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by setting different amplitude characteristics for different regions of the antenna element array. Specifically, in the plane parallel to the satellite orbital plane, amplifiers arranged in the center have greater amplitudes than those at the periphery, creating a non-uniform amplitude distribution that improves side lobe characteristics in that specific direction without uniformly reducing power across all directions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the amplitude parameter of the amplifiers based on their position and the satellite's orbital characteristics. By dynamically adjusting amplifier amplitudes according to the satellite's position in its orbital plane, the system optimizes side lobe suppression in the relevant plane while maintaining adequate total radiant power and antenna gain

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If amplifiers in the center have greater amplitudes than those at the periphery in the plane parallel to the satellite orbital plane, then side lobe characteristics in that plane are improved, but this creates an asymmetric amplitude distribution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveside lobe characteristics in orbital planeVSAvoidamplitude distribution control

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control of amplifier amplitudes based on the satellite's real-time position in its orbital plane. The control device continuously adjusts the amplitude parameters of individual amplifiers according to the satellite's changing position, transforming a static uniform amplitude distribution into a dynamic non-uniform distribution that adapts to orbital mechanics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs feedback control where the control device monitors satellite position and uses this information to adjust amplifier amplitudes accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that the amplitude distribution maintains optimal side lobe characteristics in the orbital plane while compensating for positional variations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 design enhances side lobe characteristics in the plane parallel to the satellite's orbital plane, reducing interference with other satellites while maintaining or improving total radiated power and antenna gain.

Implementation Method 1

The phase shifters shift phases of signals divided by the distribution circuit to change an orientation direction in which electromagnetic wave emitted.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase shifting:

Implementation Method 2

The amplifiers amplify signals output by the phase shifter.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSignal amplification:

Implementation Method 3

The antenna elements emit, as the electromagnetic wave, signals output by the amplifiers.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation:

Data Source

PatentUS10446928B2Phased array antenna

Publication Date: 2019.10.15 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP

AI summary

A phased array antenna includes a signal source, a distribution circuit, phase shifters, amplifiers, antenna elements, and a control device. The signal source generates a signal. The distribution circuit divides the signal generated by the signal source. The phase shifters shift phases of signals divided by the distribution circuit to change an orientation direction in which electromagnetic wave is emitted. The amplifiers amplify signals output by the phase shifters. The antenna elements emit, as the electromagnetic wave, signals output by the amplifiers. The control device controls the amplifiers such that, in a plane that is parallel to an orbital plane of a satellite with which communication of the electromagnetic wave is established, amplitudes of amplifiers, among the amplifiers, which are arranged in the center of the plane are greater than amplitudes of amplifiers, among the amplifiers, arranged at the periphery.