Planar Lens Array SATCOM Terminal for Dual-Beam Satellite Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing SATCOM terminals struggle to simultaneously communicate with multiple independent satellites due to mechanical limitations, which restrict them to forming only a single beam, hindering multi-satellite connectivity and handover capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a planar electromechanical SATCOM terminal using a phased array of lens antenna elements, where a mechanical actuator moves the lenses relative to the feeds in a direction perpendicular to the line of feeds, allowing for the formation of multiple independent beams across the upper hemisphere.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a mechanically-steered antenna is used, then component count and power consumption are reduced, but the antenna is limited to a single beam per aperture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beamforming function into two independent parts: a fixed planar antenna array that provides the aperture, and a movable focal point mechanism that enables multiple beams. By separating the radiation elements from the focal point control, the system can form multiple independent beams from a single aperture without requiring complex per-element phase control circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (movable lens or phase shift network) between the fixed antenna array and the focal point. This intermediary allows the focal point to be dynamically repositioned to different locations in space, enabling multiple independent beams to be formed from the same aperture while keeping the antenna elements fixed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an electrically-steered phased array is used, then multiple simultaneous satellite links can be tracked, but very high cost and power consumption are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex phase control circuitry from each antenna element and consolidates it into a single centralized controller that manages the movable focal point. This eliminates the need for expensive and power-hungry phase shifters at every element, while still enabling multiple simultaneous beams through electronic steering of the focal point.
Solution Approach 2:
The single movable focal point mechanism serves multiple functions: it can be positioned at different locations to create multiple independent beams, it can rapidly switch between beam positions for handover operations, and it can maintain multiple beams simultaneously. This universal mechanism replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate beamforming systems.
3Device complexity
If a mechanically-controlled single-beam system is used, then the system is simple, but it is not fast enough for rapid handover between satellites
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic control of the focal point position, allowing the system to rapidly switch between different beam directions. The focal point can be quickly repositioned electronically or with minimal mechanical adjustment, enabling fast handover between satellites while maintaining the simplicity of a single aperture system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system can pre-position the focal point or pre-align the antenna array for upcoming handover events. By anticipating satellite trajectories and pre-adjusting the beam positions, the system minimizes the time and complexity required for actual handover execution.
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 solution enables the terminal to steer two fully independent beams anywhere in the field of view, supporting simultaneous communication with multiple satellites and facilitating rapid handovers between satellites, thereby enhancing multi-satellite connectivity and throughput.
Implementation Method 1
an array of lens antennas, where the lens antennas are composed of an RF or microwave lens and associated plurality of feeds
Implementation Method 2
The feeds are each associated with control, selection, amplifier, and beamforming circuits to determine which feeds are used and to set the relative magnitude and phase of each element so as to steer one or more beams in desired directions
Implementation Method 3
The lens array is allowed to slide relative to the feeds in one axis by a mechanical actuator
Data Source
AI summary
A lens array antenna system that includes a plurality of lens modules, each consisting of an RF lens and a plurality of feeds forming a linear feed region or feed array. Multiple linear feed regions supporting different frequency bands may be used. The lenses and array of feeds jointly rotate and are slidably connected to allow the location of the linear feed region relative to the focal locus of the lens to be changed by an actuator and controller to allow any two focal points corresponding to desired beam scanning directions to be covered by the linear feed region. In this way, a planar hybrid electromechanical beamforming antenna can form two independent beams in the upper hemisphere with only two mechanical actuators and a single axis of electronic beamforming, reducing production cost compared to existing multibeam antenna solutions.