Satellite Signal Acquisition Without Azimuth Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
VSAT apparatuses face challenges in accurately acquiring satellite signals without relying on azimuth sensors, especially in environments with disturbances in the ambient magnetic field, necessitating a method to securely and quickly acquire satellite signals without using an azimuth sensor.
Innovation Solution
A satellite signal acquiring apparatus that includes an antenna, azimuth and elevation angle control motors, an inclination sensor, and a processor to correct the antenna's elevation angle based on inclination information, maintaining a constant elevation angle in the earth coordinate system regardless of the azimuth angle, allowing for satellite signal acquisition based on reception intensity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If an azimuth sensor is used for automatic satellite acquisition, then the acquisition automation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to sensor failure or magnetic field disturbances
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the azimuth sensor from the satellite acquisition system, replacing it with a method that uses only the elevation sensor and signal intensity detection. This eliminates the reliability issues associated with azimuth sensors while maintaining automatic acquisition capability through a simplified two-step process: coarse acquisition using elevation scanning followed by fine tuning using signal intensity feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces signal intensity as an intermediary parameter to bridge the gap between elevation angle adjustment and satellite acquisition. Instead of directly measuring azimuth, the system uses signal intensity variations as a mediator to indirectly determine the optimal antenna orientation, thereby achieving reliable automatic acquisition without an azimuth sensor.
2Extent of automation
If an azimuth sensor is used for satellite acquisition, then automation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the azimuth sensor and its associated control circuits from the system, significantly reducing device complexity. The automatic acquisition function is achieved using only the existing elevation sensor and signal intensity detection capabilities, eliminating the need for complex azimuth measurement and control hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention makes the elevation sensor and signal intensity detection system perform multiple functions: both elevation angle measurement and azimuth determination. By using the elevation sensor to control antenna elevation while simultaneously using signal intensity to infer optimal azimuth orientation, the system achieves universal functionality with fewer components.
3Extent of automation
If magnetic field-based azimuth detection is used, then automatic acquisition is enabled, but measurement precision deteriorates in environments with magnetic field disturbances
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the magnetic field-based azimuth sensor from the system, eliminating the source of measurement precision errors in magnetic field disturbances. The system achieves automatic acquisition through elevation-based scanning and signal intensity feedback, which are not affected by magnetic field conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the limitation of lacking azimuth sensing capability into a benefit by using signal intensity as a robust, magnetic-field-independent parameter for orientation determination. This approach not only avoids magnetic field interference but also simplifies the system while maintaining or improving measurement reliability in challenging environments.
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
Enables secure and rapid satellite signal acquisition, reducing errors and resource requirements, and simplifying motor control circuits, thereby enhancing the reliability and efficiency of satellite communication systems, especially in disaster scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
an inclination sensor configured to obtain inclination information of the apparatus body
Implementation Method 2
The antenna receives a radio wave from a communication satellite
Data Source
AI summary
A satellite signal acquiring apparatus includes antenna, azimuth motor, elevation motor, main body, inclination sensor and processor. Antenna receives radio wave from a communication satellite. Azimuth motor rotates the antenna in azimuth angle direction. Elevation motor changes elevation angle of the antenna. Main body is equipped with the antenna, the azimuth motor, and the elevation motor. Inclination sensor obtains inclination information of the main body. Processor corrects the elevation angle based on inclination information to hold the elevation angle of the antenna in an earth coordinate system constant regardless of an azimuth angle of the antenna. Processor acquires the communication satellite signal based on reception intensity of the radio wave.