Digital Phased Array Feed for Multi-Band Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional satellite communication systems are limited to single-band signals and require mechanical stabilization of parabolic reflector antennas, making them unable to simultaneously track multiple flight objects and adapt to moving platforms like ships and aircraft.
Innovation Solution
A digitally beamformed phased array feed system using multi-band software defined antenna arrays with tightly coupled dipole elements, frequency converters, and digital beamformers to process and steer antenna beams across multiple frequencies, enabling simultaneous communication with multiple objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional single-band antennas are used, then the antenna can be designed for a specific frequency, but it can only communicate with one flight object at a time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-band phased array antenna system where a single antenna structure can operate across multiple frequency bands (L, S, C, X, Ku, Ka bands) and simultaneously communicate with multiple flight objects. The digital beamforming capability allows the same physical antenna to perform multiple functions - tracking different satellites at different frequencies at the same time, eliminating the need for separate single-band antennas for each frequency
2Productivity
If digital beamforming with multiple frequency converters is implemented, then simultaneous communication with multiple flight objects is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the antenna system into multiple independent but coordinated elements - multiple phased array sub-arrays, multiple frequency converters, and multiple digital beamformers. Each sub-array can be independently controlled and processed, allowing the system to simultaneously form multiple beams for different flight objects. This segmentation enables parallel processing of multiple frequency bands and multiple targets, achieving simultaneous communication while managing complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic digital beamforming where the beam directions, frequencies, and gain allocations are continuously adjustable in real-time. The digital beamformers can dynamically reconfigure the antenna pattern to track multiple moving flight objects simultaneously, changing beam parameters adaptively based on target positions and communication requirements, enabling flexible multi-target engagement
3Reliability
If mechanical stabilization of the reflector is used for moving objects, then the antenna beam can be kept fixed on the target, but the design becomes difficult for ships and fast-moving aircraft
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical reflector stabilization system with an electronic beam steering system. Instead of physically moving or stabilizing the large reflector antenna to track flight objects, the system uses digital beamforming to electronically redirect the antenna beam in real-time. The phased array elements can change beam direction by adjusting phase and amplitude weights digitally, achieving stable target tracking without any mechanical movement or stabilization mechanisms, making the system suitable for mobile platforms like ships and aircraft
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for a digital beamformed phased array feed. The system may include a radome configured to allow electromagnetic waves to propagate; a multi-band software defined antenna array tile; a power and clock management subsystem configured to manage power and time of operation; a thermal management subsystem configured to dissipate heat generated by the multi-band software defined antenna array tile; and an enclosure assembly. The multi-band software defined antenna array tile may include a plurality of coupled dipole array antenna elements; a plurality of frequency converters; and a plurality of digital beamformers.