Satellite Multibeam Coverage via Elementary Beam Grouping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current satellite telecommunications systems face complexity and cost due to the need for multiple reflectors and mismatched feed antennas to generate beams of varying sizes for multibeam coverage, leading to interference issues and reduced flexibility.

Innovation Solution

A method and payload system that generates composite beams by grouping non-adjacent elementary beams of the same color, with optional phase shifts, using identical feed antennas and reflectors, allowing for flexible beam size variation and reduced interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple reflectors and mismatched feed antennas are used to generate beams of varying sizes, then beam size diversity is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam size diversityVSAvoidantenna system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the coverage region into multiple zones and assigns different numbers of elementary beams to each zone based on traffic demand. Instead of using physically different reflectors for each beam size, the system segments the beam resources and dynamically allocates them, achieving beam size diversity through software control rather than hardware complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes a single reflector serve multiple functions by enabling it to generate beams of different sizes through dynamic beamforming techniques. The same physical hardware (reflector and feed antenna) can produce various beam widths by adjusting the phase and amplitude of signals across the antenna elements, eliminating the need for multiple specialized reflectors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple reflectors and mismatched feed antennas are used to generate beams of varying sizes, then beam size diversity is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam size diversityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables a single standardized reflector assembly to perform multiple beam size functions through electronic beamforming control. By using phase shifters and amplitude controllers in the signal path, the same physical hardware can generate narrow or wide beams as needed, eliminating the need to manufacture and stock multiple types of reflectors with different focal lengths and geometries

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the electrical parameters (phase and amplitude) of the signals fed to the antenna elements to alter the beam characteristics. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system achieves different beam sizes without any physical modification to the reflector or feed antenna, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Area of stationary object

If beams of large dimensions are used in low user density zones, then coverage area is increased, but transmission pattern slopes become less steep causing interference with smaller beams

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidinterference between beams

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different beamforming characteristics to different spatial zones. In low-density areas where large coverage is needed, the system generates wide beams with appropriate main lobe widths. However, it simultaneously adjusts the sidelobe levels and spatial distribution to minimize interference with adjacent narrow beams in high-density zones. This local optimization ensures that each zone receives appropriate beam characteristics without causing harmful interference to other zones

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent acknowledges that large beams inherently produce slower intensity decay and potential interference, but converts this characteristic into a benefit by strategically allocating large beams to isolated low-density zones where interference is less critical. Meanwhile, the system uses the same large beamforming capability to provide flexible coverage adjustment, and compensates for potential interference through frequency reuse and spatial separation techniques

Inventive Principle:

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

Data Source

PatentUS11546053B2Method for multibeam coverage by the grouping of elementary beams of the same colour, and telecommunications payload for implementing such a method

Publication Date: 2023.01.03 THALES SA

AI summary

A method for multibeam coverage of a region of the surface of the Earth includes the generation, by a telecommunications payload embedded on a satellite, of a plurality of radiofrequency beams, called elementary beams; the formation of a plurality of radiofrequency beams, called composite beams, exhibiting footprints on the ground of different sizes, each the composite beam being obtained by the grouping of one or more elementary beams; and the transmission or the reception of data through the composite beams, identical data being transmitted or received through all the elementary beams forming one and the same composite beam.