Phased Array Antenna Beam Steering for Multi-Satellite Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phased array antennas face challenges in achieving accurate orientation and fast data transmission, particularly in tracking multiple satellites efficiently.
Innovation Solution
The antenna device employs a substrate with a driving circuit and antenna elements arranged in an array, capable of forming beamformings at a frame rate of N seconds, transmitting signals with a carrier frequency above 10 GHz, and containing multiple characteristic information for communicating with satellites, allowing tracking of different satellites at different refresh times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional mechanical orientation antennas are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but orientation speed and tracking accuracy are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical orientation system with an electronic beamforming system. The phased array antenna uses electronic phase control to steer the beam without mechanical movement, achieving fast orientation speed while maintaining structural simplicity. The driving circuit adjusts the phase of signals fed to each antenna element to control the main lobe direction electronically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic beam steering capability where the main lobe direction can be changed rapidly by modifying the phase distribution across antenna elements. This dynamic electronic control allows the antenna to track moving satellites with high speed and accuracy without mechanical inertia limitations.
2Measurement precision
If phased array antenna with electronic beamforming is used, then orientation speed is improved, but tracking accuracy for multiple satellites deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the antenna array into multiple independent antenna elements that can form multiple simultaneous beams. Each beam can be independently directed at different satellites, allowing parallel tracking of multiple satellites. This segmentation enables both high tracking accuracy for each satellite and efficient data transmission across multiple channels simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the phased array antenna system multi-functional by enabling it to track and communicate with multiple satellites simultaneously using the same hardware infrastructure. The beamforming capability is universally applicable to different satellite positions and frequencies, allowing the single antenna system to perform multiple tracking functions without requiring separate antenna systems for each satellite.
3Adaptability or versatility
If scanning method is used to track multiple satellites, then comprehensive satellite coverage is achieved, but data transmission time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the stop-and-scan approach by implementing continuous simultaneous beamforming towards multiple satellites. The electronic phase control allows the antenna to maintain continuous communication links with multiple satellites at the same time, eliminating the time loss associated with sequential scanning and switching between satellites.
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
The device achieves accurate orientation and faster data transmission by enabling simultaneous communication with multiple satellites without the need for repeated scanning, enhancing tracking accuracy and speed.
Implementation Method 1
The antenna elements jointly define a beamforming in each refresh time, and the beamforming defines a signal. The radiation direction can be controlled by changing the phase of the signal fed to each antenna element
Implementation Method 2
The signal includes a carrier frequency that is not less than 10 GHz and a characteristic information for communicating with a satellite
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna device includes a substrate and a plurality of antenna elements arranged in an array. The substrate has a driving circuit. The driving circuit defines a frame rate N and a refresh time, wherein the sum of N refresh times is 1 second. The antenna elements are arranged on the substrate and are electrically connected to the driving circuit. The antenna elements jointly define a beamforming in each refresh time (1/N second), and the beamforming defines a signal, which includes a carrier frequency that is not less than 10 GHz and a characteristic information for communicating with a satellite. M consecutive beamformings contain two or more kinds of the characteristic information, wherein M is an integer not greater than 20.