Satellite Telecommunication Variable Capacity Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current satellite telecommunication systems with multispot coverage have fixed capacity distribution, leading to overcapacity in some areas and undercapacity in others due to long satellite lifespans and inability to reallocate unused capacity, and existing flexible systems are costly and complex, using digital or intermediate frequency processors.

Innovation Solution

A satellite telecommunication system with variable capacity distribution that uses channel amplifiers with variable gain and frequency demultiplexers to split bandwidth into sub-bands, allowing dynamic assignment of carriers to spots based on user needs, without digital or IF processors, enabling flexible capacity allocation and reduced initial gateway station deployment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If fixed capacity distribution is used in satellite telecommunication systems, then system simplicity is maintained, but capacity cannot be reallocated leading to overcapacity in some areas and undercapacity in others

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapacity reallocation flexibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic capacity distribution by enabling the satellite to reallocate frequency carriers and power resources among multiple spots during its operational lifetime. The system transitions from fixed to dynamic capacity assignment, allowing adaptation to changing traffic demands in different geographic areas without requiring complex digital processors or IF processors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes system parameters by allowing variable assignment of frequency carriers and power levels to different spots. The capacity distribution is modified by adjusting the number of carriers and power allocation dynamically, enabling the system to adapt to evolving traffic patterns while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If digital processors or IF processors are used to achieve flexible capacity distribution, then capacity reallocation is enabled, but system cost and complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapacity flexibilityVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs simpler, more cost-effective components instead of expensive digital processors or IF processors. The solution uses basic frequency routing and power control mechanisms that are cheaper to manufacture and operate, achieving capacity flexibility without the high costs associated with complex processing equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex electronic processing systems (digital/IF processors) with simpler frequency routing and power control mechanisms. This substitution eliminates the need for costly digital signal processing hardware while maintaining the ability to dynamically allocate capacity among spots.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If full capacity is allocated to all spots from the beginning, then system is ready for full operation, but unused capacity cannot be utilized efficiently during early phases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapacity utilization efficiencyVSAvoidunused capacity waste

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements partial action by allowing the satellite to operate with a subset of its total capacity during early phases. Not all frequency carriers and power resources are activated simultaneously, but only those needed for current traffic demands. This enables efficient capacity utilization while preserving the option to activate additional resources as demand grows.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables dynamic activation and deactivation of capacity resources based on actual traffic demands. The system can scale its operational capacity up or down by reallocating frequency carriers and power levels, ensuring that unused capacity is not wasted while maintaining the ability to meet peak demands when they arise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9667339B2Satellite telecommunication system and method with multispot coverage and with variable capacity distribution

Publication Date: 2017.05.30 THALES SA

AI summary

A telecommunication system comprises channels connected to a spot generation device, each spot being able to cover a dedicated user cell. All the channels have an identical bandwidth. The spot generation device comprises channel amplifiers with variable gain and with constant output power dedicated to each channel, the output power levels of all the channel amplifiers being constant and identical, frequency demultiplexers respectively connected to the channel amplifiers and intended to split the bandwidth assigned to each channel into N sub-bands having the same width corresponding to N carriers having different frequencies, a device for selecting and distributing all the carriers between the spots, and frequency combiners respectively dedicated to each spot, the number of carriers assigned to each spot being variable from one spot to another spot according to the needs of the corresponding users.