Satellite Terminal Link Attenuation Estimation for Signal Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Satellite user terminals face challenges in providing a reliable signal strength indicator when switching between communication links with varying signal strengths, leading to unstable antenna tracking and potential misalignment with the satellite, especially with high-gain directional antennas.

Innovation Solution

The terminal estimates link attenuation by determining the difference between maximum and actual signal strengths, applying this estimate to new communication links and using a threshold to detect if signals are direct or reflected, thereby stabilizing signal strength indications and preventing undesired reflections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the terminal switches between multiple communication links with varying signal strengths, then the terminal can maintain communication connectivity, but the signal strength indicator becomes unstable and unreliable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication link switching capabilityVSAvoidsignal strength indicator stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces link attenuation as an intermediary parameter that mediates between the varying signal strengths of different communication links and the signal strength indicator. By calculating link attenuation based on maximum signal strength and applying it to adjust signal strength readings across links, the patent creates a stabilizing layer that smooths out variations caused by switching between links with different signal characteristics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter used for signal strength indication from raw signal strength to adjusted signal strength that incorporates link attenuation compensation. By dynamically adjusting the signal strength indicator using the calculated link attenuation parameter, the system maintains indicator stability while allowing communication link switching

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If the terminal uses high-gain directional antennas for better signal reception, then the signal reception quality improves, but the antenna may track reflected signals instead of direct satellite signals

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal reception qualityVSAvoidreflected signal interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of reflected signal tracking into a beneficial detection mechanism. By analyzing link attenuation characteristics, the system can identify when the antenna is tracking reflected signals (which exhibit specific attenuation patterns) and take corrective action, thus transforming the problem of reflected signal interference into a detectable and correctable condition

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where link attenuation measurements provide information about antenna tracking quality. When the measured link attenuation indicates reflected signal tracking, the system can provide feedback to adjust antenna orientation or communication parameters, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents harmful reflected signal interference

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10250320B2Satellite signal strength indication and reflection detection

Publication Date: 2019.04.02 HUGHES NETWORK SYST

AI summary

A telecommunications terminal includes a memory and a processor programmed to execute instructions stored in the memory. The instructions include determining an estimate of a link attenuation of a first communication link while receiving a channel and applying the estimate of the link attenuation to a second communication link after transitioning to the second communication link.