Phased Array Satellite Tracking via Step Scan and PSO

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional satellite tracking systems are inadequate for accurately tracking low orbit satellites due to mechanical limitations and slow tracking methods, necessitating a more efficient system for quick satellite identification and communication.

Innovation Solution

A satellite tracking system utilizing an array of antenna elements with phase shifters and a control unit that employs step scan operations and particle swarm optimization to search for and position satellites, followed by conical scan operations to determine movement vectors and displacements for precise tracking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If mechanical antenna structures are used for satellite tracking, then the system is easier to manufacture and operate, but tracking accuracy decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidtracking accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical antenna structures with an electronic phased array system that uses phase shifters and signal processing to achieve satellite tracking. The electronic beamforming and phase control mechanisms eliminate mechanical moving parts while providing superior tracking accuracy through digital signal processing and adaptive beam steering.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If conventional slow tracking methods are used, then the system complexity is reduced, but tracking speed is insufficient for low orbit satellites

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidtracking speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a two-stage tracking approach where a coarse search phase first identifies the approximate satellite location, followed by a fine tracking phase that locks onto the precise position. This preliminary action allows the system to quickly acquire low orbit satellites and then maintain accurate tracking, significantly reducing the time to lock onto moving satellites while managing system complexity through structured signal processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Speed

If fast tracking methods are implemented for low orbit satellites, then tracking speed improves, but tracking accuracy may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking speedVSAvoidtracking accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the tracking process into distinct segments: a rapid acquisition phase using broad beam search patterns to quickly locate low orbit satellites, and a precision tracking phase using narrowed beamforming and phase correction to maintain accurate tracking. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both high tracking speed during acquisition and high accuracy during sustained tracking of moving satellites.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11619701B2Satellite tracking system and method thereof

Publication Date: 2023.04.04 MICROELECTRONICS TECH INC

AI summary

The present disclosure provides satellite tracking systems and tracking methods. The satellite tracking system includes an array of antenna elements and a control unit. A feed current for each of the antenna elements passes through a phase shifter. The control unit generates a control signal for the phase shifter. The satellite tracking system searches, positions, and tracks a target satellite in accordance with the control signal. The satellite tracking systems and methods utilize step scanning and particle swarm optimization in the search stage, compensating for gaps formed during the satellite searching in the positioning stage, and conical scanning in the tracking stage.