Satellite Communication System with Optical Feeder Stations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Very high-speed satellite communication systems face bottlenecks in data feed links and resource mobilization on user satellites, leading to reduced profitability and availability due to signal attenuation and the need for extensive site diversity techniques.
Innovation Solution
A satellite communication system utilizing optical feeder stations with digitally modulated infrared links, user satellites with radio frequency links, and feeder satellites with analog modulation optical links, along with central controllers and terrestrial diversity networks to manage modulation/demodulation processes, optimizing resource allocation and increasing bandwidth capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If modulation/demodulation sets are installed on user satellites, then data processing capability is improved, but mass and power resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the satellite system into two functional segments: feeder satellites that handle modulation/demodulation and data processing, and user satellites that handle radio frequency transmission. This segmentation allows user satellites to remain lightweight while feeder satellites concentrate the processing functions, resolving the contradiction between data processing capability and satellite mass.
Solution Approach 2:
Feeder satellites act as intermediary components between ground stations and user satellites. They perform the modulation/demodulation functions that would otherwise require heavy equipment on user satellites, enabling user satellites to maintain low mass while still achieving high data processing capability through the intermediary feeder satellites.
2Quantity of substance
If Q/V band radiofrequency links are used for feed links, then bandwidth capacity is improved, but signal attenuation due to weather increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces feeder satellites as intermediary components that receive data from ground stations via Q/V band optical links (which have high bandwidth capacity) and retransmit it to user satellites via Ka band radiofrequency links. This intermediary approach allows the system to exploit the high bandwidth of optical links while avoiding the direct exposure of user terminals to weather-related attenuation issues.
3Reliability
If site diversity technique is implemented to improve availability, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the diversity function into the feeder satellite layer rather than requiring multiple ground-based feeder stations. Each feeder satellite can serve multiple user satellites and implement diversity at the satellite level, reducing the number of ground stations needed while maintaining high availability.
Solution Approach 2:
Feeder satellites provide multi-functional capabilities: they perform modulation/demodulation, implement diversity techniques, and serve multiple user satellites simultaneously. This universality reduces the overall system complexity compared to having dedicated diversity infrastructure for each user satellite.
4Quantity of substance
If user satellites are made larger to accommodate more resources, then bandwidth capacity is improved, but satellite cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bandwidth capacity function between feeder satellites and user satellites. Feeder satellites handle the high-capacity data processing and modulation/demodulation functions, while user satellites focus on radio frequency transmission with simpler, lower-cost hardware. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high total bandwidth capacity without requiring expensive large user satellites.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration maximizes mass and power resources for radio frequency links, enhances bandwidth capacity, and increases system modularity and scalability, while reducing satellite size and cost, and improving availability by separating data processing and transmission tasks.
Implementation Method 1
exchange digital data with a feeder satellite via an optical link with infrared signals modulated by said digital data
Implementation Method 2
exchange radio frequency signals with user terminals via a radio frequency link
Implementation Method 3
exchanging radio frequency signals with at least one user satellite by analog modulation optical link
Data Source
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AI summary
Very high-speed satellite communication system comprising: - at least one optical feed station (SOA_i); - at least one user satellite (SAT_Util) configured to exchange radio frequency (RF) signals with user terminals (UT) via a link; - at least one feed satellite (SAT_Alim_#i) configured to exchange said radio frequency (RF) signals with at least one user satellite (SAT_Util, SAT_Util_#j) via an analog-modulated optical link (LOMA), and to exchange digital data with at least one optical feed earth station (SOA_i) via a digitally modulated infrared optical link, and equipped with a modulation/demodulation set (Modem); and - at least one terrestrial diversity network (RD).