Satellite Interference Mitigation via Dynamic Band Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Satellite communication systems face interference issues due to the overlap of common transmission bands in integrated Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite systems, particularly during in-line events where the main lobes of satellites and user terminals intersect, causing significant interference on shared frequency bands.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a satellite communication system with a network management server that determines in-line events using data from gateway position and satellite ephemeris databases, mitigating interference through resource consolidation by switching Ka band traffic to V or Q bands when available, and resource diversion to alternate links when V or Q band resources are not available, along with adaptive beam nulling to suppress interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple satellite constellations (MEO and LEO) use common frequency bands for communication, then spectral efficiency and resource utilization are improved, but interference occurs during in-line events when main lobes intersect

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency band utilizationVSAvoidinterference

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically changes frequency band parameters by switching from Ka band to V or Q bands when in-line events are detected. The network management server monitors satellite positions and predicts in-line events, then commands affected satellites to switch frequency bands, thereby avoiding interference while maintaining spectral efficiency during normal operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamic frequency band allocation where satellites can switch between different frequency bands (Ka, V, Q) based on real-time orbital positions and predicted in-line events. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain high frequency band utilization while avoiding interference through automated band switching controlled by the network management server

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If satellite main lobes are used for maximum signal strength and coverage, then communication quality is improved, but interference is caused to other satellites and user terminals during in-line events

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal strengthVSAvoidinterference

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies local quality control by selectively switching frequency bands only for specific satellites experiencing in-line interference, rather than changing the entire constellation's operating parameters. The network management server identifies affected satellites individually and commands only those satellites to switch from Ka band to V or Q bands, maintaining optimal signal strength for non-affected satellites

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The network management server acts as an intermediary that monitors satellite positions, predicts in-line events, and coordinates frequency band switching. It receives orbital data from databases, determines when in-line events will occur, and commands appropriate satellites to switch frequency bands, thereby managing the trade-off between signal strength and interference mitigation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If frequency band switching is implemented to mitigate interference, then interference reduction is achieved, but system complexity and coordination requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveinterferenceVSAvoidsystem coordination

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-calculating in-line events using satellite ephemeris data and gateway position databases. The network management server determines predicted in-line events in advance and proactively switches frequency bands before interference occurs, rather than reacting after interference is detected, thereby simplifying real-time coordination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Affected satellites automatically execute frequency band switching commands received from the network management server without requiring complex real-time coordination with other satellites. Each satellite independently switches from Ka band to V or Q bands based on simple command reception and execution, reducing overall system coordination complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20230075345A1Interference mitigation across multiple constellations in a satellite communication system

Publication Date: 2023.03.09 HUGHES NETWORK SYST

AI summary

A satellite communication system which provides interference mitigation across multiple constellations. The satellite communication system provides interference mitigation when an in-line event occurs where a main lobe of a satellite of the first constellation and a main lobe of a user terminal communicating with the satellite of the second satellite constellation intersect sufficiently to cause significant interference on a common frequency band of the satellite and the user terminal.