Variable Attenuation Control for Satellite Low-Noise Amplifiers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing low-noise amplifiers in satellite communication systems deteriorate when receiving excessive signal strength, and current protection methods only cut off the signal flow without controlling the signal strength effectively.
Innovation Solution
A low-noise amplification device comprising a low-noise amplification unit, a variable-power attenuation unit, and a signal control unit that adjusts attenuation based on the signal strength, using a control signal to manage the attenuation of the variable-power attenuation unit to prevent excessive signal input to the low-noise amplification unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If signal flow is cut off by switching to protect the low-noise amplifier, then the amplifier is protected from excessive signal strength, but the control of signal strength is not achieved and communication quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the attenuation amount variable rather than fixed. The variable-power attenuation unit dynamically adjusts the attenuation level based on real-time signal strength measurements, allowing the system to adapt to changing signal conditions while protecting the low-noise amplifier and maintaining communication quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of attenuation amount from a fixed state to a variable state. By controlling the attenuation unit to adjust its attenuation parameter according to signal strength, the system achieves both protection of the amplifier and effective signal strength control, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
2Reliability
If fixed attenuation is applied to protect the low-noise amplifier, then the amplifier is protected from excessive signal, but the attenuation amount cannot be adjusted according to signal strength changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by measuring the actual signal strength and using this information to control the attenuation unit. The signal strength measurement unit continuously monitors the input signal and feeds this information back to the control mechanism, which adjusts the attenuation amount accordingly, enabling both protection and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static fixed attenuation to dynamic variable attenuation. The attenuation amount is continuously adjusted based on real-time signal strength conditions, allowing the system to adapt to varying signal environments while maintaining amplifier protection.
3Device complexity
If signal strength is not controlled, then the system is simple, but the low-noise amplifier deteriorates in performance when receiving excessive signal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by attenuating the signal before it reaches the low-noise amplifier. The variable-power attenuation unit is positioned in the signal path prior to the amplifier, proactively reducing excessive signal strength before it can cause performance deterioration or damage, thus protecting the amplifier while maintaining system reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
Strength of a signal received by a low-noise amplifier is controlled depending on strength of a reception signal emitted to a communication satellite by a mobile terminal. A low-noise amplification device provided in the communication satellite comprises: a variable-power attenuation unit which generates an attenuation signal by attenuating the reception signal received in the communication satellite; a low-noise amplification unit which generates an amplification signal by amplifying the attenuation signal with low noise; and a signal control unit which outputs a control signal to the variable-power attenuation unit depending on the attenuation signal, and then adjusts an attenuation of the variable-power attenuation unit.