Satellite Signal Receiver Antenna Test System Using Dynamic Emulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laboratory testing of satellite signal receiver antennas lacks realism due to the inability to accurately simulate the dynamic motion and spatial relationships of orbiting satellites, which is crucial for evaluating performance under jamming conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that determine the satellite constellation state, calculate and emulate the initial positions of satellite antennas, calibrate phase delays, and move the antennas based on a propagation plan to mimic the satellite constellation's motion, using rails and trolleys to simulate satellite orbits and broadcast signals to test the antenna's performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If satellite antennas are fixed in position for testing, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates because the spatial relationships and motion of orbiting satellites cannot be accurately simulated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the satellite antennas movable rather than fixed. The system uses motorized positioning mechanisms to dynamically adjust the spatial coordinates of each antenna, enabling them to simulate the orbital motion of real satellites. This dynamic configuration allows the testing system to accurately reproduce the time-varying spatial relationships between satellites and the receiver antenna, thereby maintaining measurement precision while managing complexity through automated control.
2Measurement precision
If satellite antennas are moved to simulate orbital propagation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for precise positioning and synchronization mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control through a centralized control system that continuously monitors the positions of all satellite antennas and receives real-time satellite orbital data. The control system processes this information and dynamically adjusts the positioning of each antenna to maintain accurate spatial relationships. This feedback mechanism ensures that even as the system complexity increases due to multiple moving components, the measurement precision is maintained through automated position correction and synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional integrated control system that performs multiple tasks: it receives satellite orbital data, calculates spatial coordinates, controls antenna positioning, and synchronizes signal transmission. This universal control platform manages the complexity of coordinating multiple moving antennas by consolidating control functions into a single system that can handle all positioning and synchronization requirements efficiently.
3Ease of operation
If laboratory testing uses fixed satellite positions, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates because the testing does not accurately represent real-world jamming scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the testing system to automatically update its configuration based on real satellite orbital data. The control system autonomously calculates the required antenna positions, adjusts the positioning mechanisms, and synchronizes signal transmission without requiring manual intervention. This self-service capability maintains ease of operation while significantly improving reliability, as the system automatically adapts to represent accurate real-world satellite geometries and jamming scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for testing satellite signal receiver antenna is provided. The method includes: determining a satellite constellation state indicating status of a plurality of satellites in a satellite constellation; calculating, based on the determined satellite constellation state, initial positions of a plurality of satellite antennas that are used for emulating the satellite constellation; moving the plurality of satellite antennas to the initial positions of the plurality of satellite antennas; calibrating a phase delay of each of the plurality of satellite antennas; broadcasting, by the plurality of satellite antennas, satellite signals to test a satellite signal receiver antenna; determining a movement plan for the plurality of satellite antennas based on the satellite constellation state; and moving the plurality of satellite antennas based on the movement plan to emulate a propagation of the satellite constellation.