Satellite Altimetry System with Shared Antenna and Signal Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current altimetry systems for measuring Earth's surface topography are cumbersome and heavy due to separate antennas and processing modules for altimeters and radiometers, which do not sufficiently reduce the volume and mass required for precise satellite measurements.
Innovation Solution
An altimetry system that shares a common antenna and signal processing components, including a low-noise amplifier and band-pass filter, capable of amplifying and filtering signals across multiple frequency bands, with signal separation mechanisms to distinguish between altimeter and radiometer signals, allowing for simultaneous transmission and reception in close frequency bands, reducing the need for multiple antenna accesses and processing units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate antennas and processing modules are used for altimeter and radiometer, then measurement precision is maintained, but volume and mass of the payload increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the altimeter and radiometer into a single integrated system that shares common components including the antenna, low-noise amplifier, and signal processing modules. This merging reduces the overall payload volume and mass while maintaining the measurement precision of both instruments through dedicated signal separation and processing pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The common reception means is designed to handle multiple frequency bands and serve both altimetric and radiometric functions. The system uses a universal antenna and amplifier that can process signals for both instruments simultaneously, with digital signal processing that separates and independently analyzes altimetric and radiometric data to maintain precision for both measurements.
2Measurement precision
If separate antennas and processing modules are used for altimeter and radiometer, then measurement precision is maintained, but mass of the payload increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the altimeter and radiometer into a single integrated system that shares common components including the antenna, low-noise amplifier, and signal processing modules. This merging reduces the overall payload volume and mass while maintaining the measurement precision of both instruments through dedicated signal separation and processing pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The common reception means is designed to handle multiple frequency bands and serve both altimetric and radiometric functions. The system uses a universal antenna and amplifier that can process signals for both instruments simultaneously, with digital signal processing that separates and independently analyzes altimetric and radiometric data to maintain precision for both measurements.
3Volume of moving object
If simple antenna sharing is implemented between altimeter and radiometer, then some volume reduction is achieved, but the payload remains cumbersome and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the altimeter and radiometer into a single integrated system that shares common components including the antenna, low-noise amplifier, and signal processing modules. This merging reduces the overall payload volume and mass while maintaining the measurement precision of both instruments through dedicated signal separation and processing pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The common reception means is designed to handle multiple frequency bands and serve both altimetric and radiometric functions. The system uses a universal antenna and amplifier that can process signals for both instruments simultaneously, with digital signal processing that separates and independently analyzes altimetric and radiometric data to maintain precision for both measurements.
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
The system achieves significant reduction in volume and mass while maintaining high precision, enabling more compact and lightweight altimetry payloads for satellites, enhancing the efficiency of altimetric and radiometric measurements by sharing antenna resources and processing functions.
Implementation Method 1
reception means common to the altimeter and to the radiometer, said means being capable of amplifying and filtering the signals received from the antenna
Implementation Method 2
reception means common to the altimeter and to the radiometer, said means being capable of amplifying and filtering the signals received from the antenna on a frequency band comprising at least the first and the second frequency band
Implementation Method 3
means for separating the signals of the first frequency band from the signals present on the second frequency band
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The system has an altimeter for emitting and receiving signals on a frequency band (401), and a radiometer for receiving the signals on another frequency band (412). The altimeter and the radiometer are connected to an antenna. Reception units amplify and filter the signals received from the antenna on the bands. Separation units separate the signals of the former band from the signals of the latter band. The signals on the former band are used to estimate distance of the altimeter from a satellite, and radiometric measurements are used to correct the estimation. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) an altimetric payload for a satellite (2) a method for measuring height of a satellite from space.