Satellite Microwave Radiometer Spatial Resolution via Phased Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microwave radiometers on artificial satellites face issues with mechanical component deterioration, limited spatial resolution due to mirror size constraints, narrow frequency bands, and increasing radio frequency interference, which hinder accurate ground observations, especially near land areas.
Innovation Solution
A measurement data processing device that enhances spatial resolution by applying a correction operation to low-resolution microwave radiometer output data using a weighted vector table and combination control unit, integrating multiplication results to improve signal intensity data accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the size of the reflecting mirror is increased to improve spatial resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but the weight of the moving object increases and mechanical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical scanning system with a phased array antenna system that uses electronic beam steering. Instead of physically moving a large reflecting mirror to achieve different observation angles, the invention uses electronic phase control to direct the antenna beam in different directions, thereby improving spatial resolution without increasing mechanical weight or complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the antenna system into multiple independent antenna elements arranged in an array. Each element can be independently controlled with different phase and amplitude, allowing electronic formation of multiple beams and improved spatial resolution through signal processing rather than mechanical means.
2Measurement precision
If mechanical scanning with a rotating reflecting mirror is used, then spatial resolution can be improved, but reliability decreases due to mechanical component deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical moving parts by using a phased array antenna with electronic beam steering. The system achieves spatial resolution improvement through electronic phase control and signal processing rather than mechanical scanning, thereby eliminating wear and deterioration of mechanical components and significantly improving reliability and in-service life.
3Adaptability or versatility
If horn antennas for each frequency band are used, then measurement capability is provided, but adaptability is limited due to narrow receivable frequency bands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a phased array antenna system that can operate across multiple frequency bands using the same physical antenna structure. By electronically adjusting the phase and amplitude of each array element, the system can adapt to different frequency bands and observation requirements, providing multi-functionality without requiring separate horn antennas for each band.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamically controllable phase shifters and amplitude modulators for each antenna element, allowing the system to adapt its beam pattern, direction, and frequency response in real-time. This dynamic control enables the same antenna array to serve multiple frequency bands and observation modes.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes an antenna having a predetermined directivity and a measurement data processing device that modifies spatial resolution of measurement data received from the antenna. The device includes a plurality of multipliers that multiply together measurement values, which are the signal intensity of the microwave output by the microwave radiometer, and weighting coefficients to be an element of a weighted vector a and output multiplication results; and an integrator that integrates the multiplication results of the plurality of multipliers. The weighted vector a modifies the accuracy of the corrected sensitivity function Φ(x,y) with performance of the arithmetic processing of the inverse problem in order to reduce integrated values of a positive value region and a negative value region present on an outer side of the sensitivity distribution of the target antenna sensitivity distribution function F(x,y) in the corrected sensitivity function Φ(x,y).