Phased-Array Polarization Control for Multi-Beam Antennas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing satellite communication systems face challenges in optimizing antenna performance due to the need for concurrent operation with multiple input signals of different polarizations, which requires complex and costly additional circuitry for polarization control, especially in multi-beam systems, leading to increased power consumption and heat dissipation issues.
Innovation Solution
A phased-array antenna system that implements polarization control for linear polarized beams within a digital beam forming system by distributing control via a combination of analog and digital control circuits, treating linear polarization as circular polarization and applying phase shifts to combine signals effectively, reducing the need for additional hardware and improving signal-to-noise ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional circuitry is added for polarization control in multi-beam systems, then polarization control capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines polarization control functionality with the existing digital beam forming system by integrating polarization control circuits that can process multiple polarizations within the same digital architecture. This merging approach allows the system to handle multiple polarizations without adding separate independent circuitry for each polarization channel, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The digital beam forming system is designed with universal polarization control circuits that can process multiple polarization types (vertical, horizontal, circular) through a single unified architecture. The system uses a common set of digital signal processing circuits that can be dynamically configured to handle different polarization requirements, eliminating the need for dedicated circuitry for each polarization type and reducing overall system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If independent polarization control is implemented for each beam, then polarization control precision is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the polarization control function into modular digital signal processing units within the beam forming system. Each processing unit can independently handle polarization control for specific beams, but all units share common resources and architecture. This segmentation allows precise polarization control for each beam while avoiding the complexity of fully independent control circuits, as the modular design enables resource sharing and coordinated operation.
3Reliability
If linear polarization control is implemented for multi-beam systems, then signal reception capability is improved, but additional circuitry and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional analog polarization control mechanisms with digital signal processing approaches. By using digital beam forming circuits to perform polarization control, the system eliminates the need for complex analog polarization control circuitry while maintaining or improving signal reception capability. The digital implementation provides more reliable and stable polarization control with reduced hardware complexity.
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 approach reduces the number of analog components, enhances signal-to-noise ratio, and improves antenna pattern by dynamically shifting between analog and digital polarization control, allowing for efficient operation with multiple beams and polarizations without significant increases in complexity or cost.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the at least two beam forming channels being configured and operable to apply phase shifting to the respective digital circular polarization signal based on data indicative of a beaming direction (α) of a respective beam to be operated and the left or right polarization of circular polarization signal, and a relative phase (φ) associated with the beaming direction (α) and a location of the respective antenna element in the array
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of digital signal splitters and/or combiners are configured and operable for separately combining the phase shifted signals corresponding to respectively the at least first and second beams
Data Source
AI summary
A control system is presented for controlling operation of a phased-array antenna comprising N antenna elements each comprising H and V polarization terminals. The control system includes: an analogue circular polarization system (ACTS) and a digital polarization control system (DPCS). The ACPS comprises an array of N analogue circular polarization circuits (ACPCs) associated with said N antenna elements, respectively, such that each ACPC is connectable to the V and H polarization terminals of the respective antenna element. The ACPS is configured and operable with N analog circular polarization signal components each being either left or right circular polarization signal. The DPCS comprises: an array of N convertors associated with said N ACPCs, respectively, for converting between the N analog circular polarization (ACP) signals and N respective digital circular polarization (DCP) signals, such that each antenna element is associated with a respective single one of said N convertors; an array of N digital polarization controlled beamformers (DPCBs) connectable to said N convertors; and a plurality of digital signal splitters and/or combiners. Each DPCB comprises at least two beam forming channels associated with at least two, first and second, respective beams of different beam directions and/or different polarizations being operated by the antenna element, and is configured and operable to apply phase shifting to the respective DCP signal based on data indicative of a beaming direction (α) of a respective beam to be operated and the left or right polarization of circular polarization signal, and a relative phase (Φ) associated with the beaming direction (α) and a location of the respective antenna element in the array, to thereby form at leasttwo phase shifted signals corresponding to said at least two, first and second, respective beams. Digital signal splitters and/or combiners operate to separately combine the phase shifted signals corresponding to respectively the at least first and second beams, wherein at least two convertors of said N convertors are connected to a respective one of the signal splitters and/or combiners, and wherein each digital splitter and/or combiner, connected to the at least two converters, converts between the DCP signals of opposite left and right circular polarizations of the at least two convertors and V and H linear polarization components and splits and/or combines the opposite left and right circular polarization signals of the at least two convertors.