Phased Array Antenna Field of Regard Optimization for Satellite Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current satellite communication systems face challenges in providing universal global coverage and sufficient communication capacity, especially in densely populated areas, due to limitations in the visibility and communication zones of Earth-based antenna systems with non-geostationary satellite constellations.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that utilize a phased array antenna system to detect and modify communication zones by determining the field of regard, evaluating communication levels, and adjusting for obstructions, allowing for improved communication with non-geosynchronous satellite constellations by modifying the antenna's field of regard based on factors like tilt angle, obstructions, and satellite orbits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If non-geostationary satellite constellations are used to provide global coverage, then coverage area is improved, but communication capacity and signal quality deteriorate due to limited visibility zones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the antenna system movable and adjustable. The antenna can change its orientation and positioning dynamically to track non-geostationary satellites as they move across the sky, maintaining optimal communication links despite the satellites' changing positions. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to adapt to the dynamic nature of LEO satellite constellations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the communication function across multiple antennas that can independently track different satellites. By having multiple antenna elements that can be independently positioned and oriented, the system can maintain communication capacity with multiple satellites simultaneously, overcoming the limitation of single-point visibility and improving overall communication reliability.
2Ease of operation
If Earth-based antenna systems use fixed positioning to simplify operation, then ease of operation is improved, but global coverage and communication capacity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the antenna system to automatically track and position itself toward satellites without requiring manual intervention. The system autonomously calculates satellite positions, determines optimal antenna orientation, and adjusts positioning automatically, maintaining ease of operation while expanding communication coverage through automated adaptation to satellite movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors satellite positions and communication link quality, then automatically adjusts antenna positioning and orientation in response. This closed-loop control enables the antenna to maintain optimal communication capacity with moving satellites while requiring minimal user input, resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and communication performance.
3Reliability
If antenna aperture is increased to improve communication capacity, then signal quality is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using multiple smaller antenna elements that can be independently positioned and oriented, replacing a single large fixed aperture. By dynamically adjusting the position and orientation of multiple smaller elements, the system achieves equivalent or superior signal quality through coordinated operation, reducing the complexity associated with a single large aperture while maintaining communication capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a device for detecting a zone of communication between a user terminal and a satellite constellation including a plurality of satellites in non-geosynchronous (non-GEO) orbit includes one or more processors and memory. The memory stores instructions that, as a result of being executed by the one or more processors, cause the device to: determine a location of the device, wherein the location corresponds to a field of regard for detecting the zone of communication, and wherein the field of regard corresponds to an antenna aperture of the phased array antenna; evaluate a level of communication between the phased array antenna and the satellite constellation associated with the field of regard; and output, to a user of the device, an indication of the level of communication between the phased array antenna and the satellite constellation associated with the field of regard.