Phased Array Power Distribution for Satellite Beam Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Phased array antenna systems face inefficiencies in power distribution due to constant power supply to all apertures, leading to wasted power when some apertures have limited coverage and reduced control over beam characteristics like beamwidth and sidelobe levels.

Innovation Solution

A power distribution system that dynamically allocates power among phased array antenna apertures based on coverage and traffic demands, using power amplifiers and attenuators to adjust RF output powers, allowing for flexible power allocation and control of beam characteristics by adjusting voltage signals to power amplifiers and attenuators.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If constant power is supplied to all apertures simultaneously, then power source capacity is increased to ensure sufficient power availability, but power allocation efficiency deteriorates due to wasted power on apertures with limited coverage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower source capacityVSAvoidpower allocation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the power supplied to each aperture based on real-time coverage requirements and aperture orientation. The power allocation is no longer static but adapts continuously to changing operational conditions, allowing the power source capacity to be optimized while preventing energy waste on apertures with limited coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Different power levels are allocated to different apertures based on their specific operational needs. Each aperture receives a customized power allocation according to its coverage requirements, orientation, and traffic demand, rather than receiving uniform power. This localized power quality optimization resolves the contradiction between sufficient power availability and allocation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Power

If constant power is supplied to all apertures, then power availability is ensured, but beam characteristic control deteriorates with less controllable beamwidth and sidelobe levels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower availabilityVSAvoidbeam characteristic control

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The power supplied to each aperture is dynamically adjusted based on the desired beam characteristics. By controlling the power allocation in real-time, the system can precisely control beamwidth and sidelobe levels while ensuring sufficient power availability for operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the power parameter allocated to each aperture to achieve desired beam characteristics. By adjusting power levels as a controllable parameter, the system gains fine control over beamwidth and sidelobe levels while maintaining adequate power availability for communication operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of energy

If power is reallocated dynamically among apertures, then power allocation efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases due to power control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower allocation efficiencyVSAvoidpower distribution system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power distribution system is designed to perform multiple functions: it allocates power based on coverage requirements, controls beam characteristics, and optimizes power source utilization. By making the power distribution system multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate control mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity while achieving improved power allocation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 increases power allocation efficiency, reduces the size of the satellite's power source, and ensures appropriate power is provided while optimizing beam characteristics, resulting in a more efficient and cost-effective satellite system.

Implementation Method 1

a power amplifier that amplifies one of the electromagnetic signals for transmission over the first antenna element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPower amplification: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

an attenuator that attenuates one of the electromagnetic signals prior to transmission over one of the antenna elements

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSignal attenuation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS7392011B1Method and system for flexibly distributing power in a phased array antenna system

Publication Date: 2008.06.24 LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP

AI summary

A power system flexibly distributes power among phased array antenna apertures of a satellite (or other type of platform). By allocating the power provided by a power source among the apertures, if one aperture is not providing useful coverage (due to orientation, light traffic volume, aperture operating frequency and/or polarization, etc.), power being supplied to that aperture may be reallocated to one or more other apertures that are providing useful coverage. To flexibly allocate power among the apertures, power amplifiers and attenuators associated with each antenna element are adjusted to provide a wide range of RF output powers with high efficiency at all output power levels. By increasing power allocation efficiency, the size of the satellite power source may be reduced while appropriate power is still provided.