Satellite Antenna Array Dynamic Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing satellite communication systems face challenges in providing high-data-rate communication, especially in densely populated regions, due to congestion and technical limitations in using higher frequency bands like the V and W bands, where antennas are often bulky, costly, and inefficient, particularly for mobile applications.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a satellite communication system with eccentric geosynchronous or near-geosynchronous orbits and a switchable array of antenna elements that dynamically select the best antenna based on location, motion, and terrestrial wireless communication network utilization, enabling high-data-rate communication in the V and W bands with improved power efficiency and pointing accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If an omni-directional antenna is used for mobile satellite communication, then the antenna is compact and lightweight, but the gain is low and receiving capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic beam steering capability that allows the antenna to adaptively track satellite movements and adjust beam direction in real-time, transforming a static omnidirectional antenna into a dynamic tracking system that maintains high gain while keeping the physical antenna structure compact
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the antenna by using phase shifters to dynamically adjust the phase and amplitude of signals across multiple antenna elements, enabling beam forming and steering without mechanical movement, thus maintaining compact size while improving receiving capability
2Reliability
If a beam-tracking phased array antenna with mechanical steering is used, then directional beam tracking is achieved, but the antenna structure becomes bulky and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical steering system with an electronic beam steering system using phase shifters and signal processing. This substitution eliminates motors, gears, and mechanical moving parts, achieving beam tracking through electrical phase manipulation rather than physical antenna movement, thus reducing weight and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic electronic beam steering that can rapidly adjust beam direction without mechanical inertia limitations, allowing the antenna to track satellite movements quickly and accurately while maintaining a fixed, compact physical structure
3Reliability
If a planar phased array antenna with phase shifters is used, then beam steering is achieved, but the cost increases due to large number of antenna elements and complicated electrical circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the antenna system into discrete可控 elements with individual phase shifters, allowing independent control of each element's beam contribution. This segmentation enables flexible beam forming while reducing the total number of elements needed compared to a fully populated phased array, thus lowering cost and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses parameter optimization techniques to adjust the phase and amplitude weights of individual antenna elements, achieving effective beam steering with fewer elements. By dynamically changing these parameters based on satellite position and communication requirements, the system maintains high performance while reducing hardware complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A satellite having a set of antenna elements with predefined directions and beam angles is described. This satellite may dynamically select at least a given antenna element based at least in part on utilization and/or availability of a terrestrial wireless communication network used by an electronic device that communicates with the satellite. Moreover, the satellite may change its attitude based at least in part on the given antenna element, where the changed attitude positions a region in a predefined beam angle of the given antenna element. The satellite may dynamically select the region to which it transmits wireless signals. For example, the region may be selected based at least in part on weather conditions associated with the region and/or priority of content conveyed by the wireless signals. Alternatively, the satellite may receive information specifying the region, the utilization and/or the availability of the terrestrial wireless communication network in the region.