Phased Array Antenna Interference Geolocation Without Service Interruption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing geolocation systems using phased array antennas interrupt communication services to determine the direction-of-arrival of interference signals, as they require dedication of one or more receiving antenna beams, leading to service disruptions.

Innovation Solution

A method that perturbs a first and second communications beam at a phased array receiving antenna to generate composite beams, cross-correlates these beams to determine the direction of an interference signal, allowing continuous communication service by maintaining a sufficient link margin.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If one or more receiving antenna beams are dedicated to geolocation to determine the direction-of-arrival of interference signals, then the accuracy and capability of interference source localization is improved, but communication service is interrupted or removed from those beams

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirection-of-arrival measurement accuracyVSAvoidcommunication service continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines geolocation measurements and communication reception into a single shared antenna beam rather than using separate dedicated beams. The beam is simultaneously used for both receiving communication signals and performing geolocation measurements of interference sources, eliminating the need to remove beams from service and thereby maintaining communication continuity while enabling interference source localization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the antenna beam multi-functional by using it for both communication reception and geolocation measurements. The same beam serves dual purposes: receiving communication signals from Earth and performing direction-of-arrival measurements of interference sources, thereby eliminating the trade-off between measurement accuracy and service continuity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If beam centers are moved to perform noncoherent geolocation scans, then the ability to locate interference sources is improved, but communication service is interrupted and the process is slow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterference source location capabilityVSAvoidgeolocation speed and service availability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent maintains continuous communication service during geolocation measurements by keeping the beam centered on the Earth and not moving it. The same stationary beam continuously receives communication signals while simultaneously performing geolocation measurements, eliminating service interruptions and enabling faster, ongoing interference source localization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Measurement precision

If coherent geolocation uses multiple antenna beams pointed in different directions to determine direction of arrival, then measurement accuracy is improved, but communication service must be preempted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirection of arrival accuracyVSAvoidcommunication service availability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple beam functions into a single beam by using beamforming techniques to create artificial directional sensitivity within the Earth-pointing beam. Instead of physically pointing multiple beams in different directions, the system uses signal processing to achieve the directional measurement capability within one stationary beam, thereby maintaining communication service while enabling accurate interference source localization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables geolocation of interference sources without interrupting communication services, as the method generates composite beams that allow for concurrent data reception and interference direction determination, improving the efficiency and accuracy of interference mitigation.

Implementation Method 1

perturbing a first communications beam and a second communications beam received at the phased array receiving antenna to generate a first composite beam and a second composite beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBeamforming:

Implementation Method 2

cross-correlating the first composite beam and the second composite beam, and determining a direction of a received interference signal based on the cross-correlation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCross-correlation:

Data Source

PatentUS9673523B2Systems and methods for interference geolocation and mitigation using a phased array receiving antenna

Publication Date: 2017.06.06 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

A method for mitigating interference using a phased array receiving antenna is provided. The method includes perturbing a first communications beam and a second communications beam received at the phased array receiving antenna to generate a first composite beam and a second composite beam, cross-correlating the first composite beam and the second composite beam, receiving communications data using the first composite beam and the second composite beam, and determining a direction of a received interference signal based on the cross-correlation of the first composite beam and the second composite beam.