Reflector Antenna Alignment via Electronic Phase and Gain Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The alignment of high-gain antennas during installation is time- and labor-consuming, and they are prone to service interruptions due to tower shaking, especially in strong winds, with low efficiency using traditional rotation-based alignment methods.
Innovation Solution
A reflector antenna with a feed array and multiple radio frequency channels, each equipped with adjustable gain amplifiers or phase shifters, and single-pole multi-throw switches, allowing for dynamic correspondence between radio frequency channels and feeds, enabling alignment without antenna rotation through power and phase detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional rotation-based alignment method is used, then the antenna can be aligned, but the alignment process is time- and labor-consuming with low efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotation-based alignment system with an electronic signal processing system. Multiple feeds are connected to radio frequency channels with adjustable gain amplifiers and phase shifters, allowing alignment to be achieved through electronic adjustment of signal parameters rather than physical antenna rotation. This substitution dramatically improves alignment efficiency and reduces installation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability through adjustable gain amplifiers and phase shifters in each radio frequency channel. These components allow real-time adjustment of signal amplitude and phase to achieve optimal alignment, replacing the static mechanical rotation approach. The system can dynamically adapt signal parameters to compensate for installation variations and achieve precise alignment electronically.
2Reliability
If the antenna is fixed on a tower, then it provides stable coverage, but tower shaking in strong winds causes service interruption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the antenna system by introducing multiple feeds with adjustable gain and phase control. When wind-induced shaking occurs, the system can adjust the amplitude and phase parameters of individual feeds to maintain optimal beam formation and coverage, compensating for the physical displacement caused by tower shaking. This parameter adjustment capability ensures service continuity despite environmental disturbances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the signal quality from multiple feeds is monitored and used to adjust the gain and phase settings in real-time. This feedback loop allows the system to automatically compensate for disturbances such as tower shaking, maintaining stable coverage and service continuity by adapting to changing conditions without manual intervention.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple feeds are used in the feed array, then the antenna coverage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the antenna system into multiple independent feeds, each connected to its own radio frequency channel with adjustable gain amplifier and phase shifter. This segmentation allows each feed to be independently controlled and optimized, improving overall coverage while managing complexity through modular architecture. Each segment can be adjusted independently to achieve the desired beam pattern and coverage area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes each radio frequency channel multi-functional by equipping it with both adjustable gain amplifier and phase shifter capabilities. This universal design allows each channel to perform multiple functions: amplitude control, phase control, and individual beam steering. The multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control mechanisms for each function, managing overall system complexity while achieving enhanced coverage through coordinated multi-feed operation.
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 method facilitates high-efficiency antenna alignment, resisting shaking and reducing installation time, while ensuring seamless coverage and low power consumption, without the need for antenna rotation.
Implementation Method 1
a reflector, configured to: reflect a signal from the feed array or reflect a signal to the feed array
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a reflector antenna and an antenna alignment method. The reflector antenna includes: a feed array, including N feeds, where N is an integer greater than 1; a reflector, configured to: reflect a signal from the feed array or reflect a signal to the feed array; and M radio frequency channels, where the radio frequency channel includes at least one of an adjustable gain amplifier or a phase shifter, configured to control a signal, M is an integer greater than 1 and less than N, each radio frequency channel corresponds to one of the N feeds, a correspondence between the radio frequency channel and the feed is changeable, and the radio frequency channel transmits or receives a signal by using a corresponding feed.