Satellite Antenna Source Arm Weight Reduction via TWT Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile satellite telecommunications stations face challenges with bulky and heavy high power amplifiers (HPAs) that impose significant structural constraints and require oversized source arms, leading to increased weight, size, and energy consumption, as well as signal loss due to waveguides used to connect HPAs to antennas.
Innovation Solution
Separating the high voltage power supply from the Traveling Wave Tube (TWT) amplifier, placing the TWT on the source arm near the antenna and using flexible cables to connect it to the power supply, eliminating the need for waveguides and allowing for a more compact and lightweight design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the HPA is installed on the source arm of the antenna, then the transmission power requirement is satisfied, but the source arm becomes bulky and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The HPA is divided into two separate components: the TWT (traveling wave tube) and the high voltage power supply. The TWT is mounted on the source arm near the antenna, while the heavy power supply is positioned separately on the support structure. This segmentation allows the source arm to carry only the lightweight TWT, reducing its weight and structural requirements, while the power supply provides the necessary power from a stable base position.
2Power
If the HPA is installed on the source arm, then transmission power is sufficient, but the antenna system becomes too heavy for mobile applications
Solution Approach 1:
The HPA system is segmented into mobile and stationary components. The TWT, being lightweight, is integrated with the antenna system for mobile deployment, while the heavy power supply remains as a separate stationary or semi-stationary unit on the support structure, reducing the overall weight burden on the mobile antenna system.
3Reliability
If waveguides are used to connect HPA to antenna, then signal transmission is maintained, but power loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide connection is removed from the system. Instead, the TWT is positioned in direct proximity to the antenna feed, allowing for a much shorter and more efficient signal path. This extraction of the waveguide eliminates the associated power losses while maintaining reliable signal transmission through the shortened connection path.
4Strength
If the source arm is reinforced to support HPA, then structural stability is improved, but the antenna becomes bulky and unsuitable for transport
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the HPA into TWT and power supply, the source arm only needs to support the lightweight TWT, requiring minimal structural reinforcement. This maintains source arm strength where needed while avoiding the bulk and volume increase that would result from reinforcing the arm to carry the entire HPA assembly.
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 minimizes power loss, reduces the load on the source arm, and enables a more compact and efficient antenna system that meets transport standards while maintaining effective transmission performance.
Implementation Method 1
a source arm, and high power amplifier means. The amplifier means comprises a Traveling Wave Tube (TWT) type amplifier
Implementation Method 2
a primary parabolic reflector... in reception, concentrates the waves emitted by a satellite towards a source antenna mounted on the source arm and, in transmission, diffuses by reflection the waves emitted by this source antenna towards the satellite
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6
Figure 7~7bis
AI summary
The invention relates to a satellite antenna for transmitting and receiving an electromagnetic signal comprising at least one primary parabolic reflector (10), a source arm (12), and a high-power amplifier, in which said high-power amplifier comprises a travelling wave tube (125) disposed on said source arm (12) and a high-voltage supply arranged so as to supply said tube (125) and disposed outside of said source arm (12). The invention also relates to a satellite-based mobile telecommunication station comprising such a satellite antenna and a storage structure in which this antenna is folded up and in which said high-voltage supply sits. Application to telereporting and to tactical requirements.