Reconfigurable Beam-Forming Network Architecture for Satellite Antennas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beam-forming networks (BFNs) lack reconfigurability and scalability, making them impractical for multibeam array antennas in satellite communications and navigation systems, as they require a large number of variable attenuators and phase shifters, and are often tailored to specific antenna architectures with different digital implementations for transmission and reception.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable BFN architecture that partitions input and output ports into equivalence classes, reducing the complexity by using a Weighting and Interconnecting Network (WIN) with signal dividers, phase and amplitude weighting units, and switches, allowing for efficient association of input and output ports, and enabling modular and scalable design for various antenna configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional beam-forming networks are used to generate multiple beams in array antennas, then beam coverage and service capability are improved, but hardware complexity increases due to requiring a large number of variable attenuators and phase shifters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the array antenna into multiple independent sub-arrays, each capable of generating its own beam. This segmentation allows each sub-array to be controlled independently with fewer phase shifters and attenuators, reducing overall hardware complexity while maintaining multi-beam coverage capability. The BFN is divided into multiple BFNs, each serving a specific sub-array.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic reconfiguration capability through switches that can dynamically connect different sub-arrays to different BFNs. This dynamic switching allows the system to adapt beam patterns and coverage areas in real-time without requiring dedicated hardware for every possible beam configuration, thus reducing hardware complexity while maintaining versatility.
2Reliability
If beam-forming networks are designed for specific antenna architectures, then performance for that architecture is optimized, but adaptability to other architectures deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal BFN architecture that can serve multiple antenna configurations. The modular structure with standardized interfaces allows the same BFN design to be applied to different array geometries and configurations. The switch network provides flexible connectivity that adapts to various antenna architectures without requiring custom-designed BFNs for each case.
3Area of stationary object
If the number of radiating elements is increased to improve coverage, then beam coverage and signal quality are improved, but the number of required variable attenuators and phase shifters increases proportionally
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the large array into smaller sub-arrays, the patent reduces the number of control elements required per sub-array. Each sub-array can be independently controlled with a manageable number of phase shifters and attenuators, avoiding the need for a proportional increase in control elements across the entire large array.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple sub-arrays to form the overall coverage area. By merging the output of multiple independently controlled sub-arrays through the switch network, the system achieves extended coverage without requiring each individual element to be independently controlled, thus reducing the total number of control elements needed.
Data Source
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AI summary
A beam-forming network comprising: a plurality (NI) of input signal ports (IP); a plurality (NO) of output signal ports (OP); a weighting and interconnecting network (WIN) comprising a plurality of signal dividers (SD), phase and amplitude weighting elements (WE), switches (SW1, SW2) and signal combiners (SC), for associating each input port to output ports through respective weighting units; characterized in that either input (IP) or output (OP) ports, or both, are partitioned into disjoint equivalence classes (IEC, OEC), at least a majority of said equivalence classes comprising more than one port; and in that the network is either configured in order to associate each input port to at most one output port for each output equivalence class, or to associate each output port to at most one input port for each input equivalence class, or both. A multibeam antenna comprising such a beam-forming network. An electronic circuit for implementing such a beam-forming network.