Lightweight Space-Fed Phased Array Antenna
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spaceborne active phased array antennas are limited by their large size, high mass, and complex mechanical support systems, which restrict their use due to weight and cost constraints, making them unsuitable for frequent launches and flexible operational missions.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight space-fed active phased array antenna system with local power generation and storage at each active antenna node, using a space feed to distribute signals and a geometry compensation system to correct for mechanical distortions, reducing the overall mass and complexity while maintaining operational capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional rigid support structures and complex interconnection systems are used to maintain antenna beam quality, then the antenna can maintain stable beam performance, but the mass increases to 45 kg per square meter
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is divided into multiple deployable panels that can be independently supported and positioned. Each panel is a separate structural unit that can be deployed and stabilized independently, allowing the overall antenna to achieve the required beam quality without requiring a single massive rigid support structure for the entire aperture.
Solution Approach 2:
Complex mechanical interconnection systems and rigid support trusses are replaced with space-fed signal distribution systems and electronic beam forming networks. The mechanical structure is minimized to only what is necessary for deployment and initial positioning, while beam quality is maintained through electronic control rather than purely mechanical rigidity.
2Reliability
If large rigid antenna structures are used to ensure beam stability, then the antenna can maintain operational performance, but the device complexity increases due to required support trusses and deployment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic deployable system. The panels can be deployed and positioned as needed, and the beam forming is dynamically controlled through electronic phase and amplitude adjustment. This allows the same structure to serve multiple functions at different stages of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna panels and support structures are designed to serve multiple functions: structural support during deployment, radiating elements during operation, and potentially reconfigurable for different beam patterns. The space-fed architecture allows the same physical structure to support multiple operational modes without requiring separate specialized components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex interconnection systems are used to connect antenna elements to the main bus, then complete signal distribution and control is achieved, but the mass and manufacturing complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
A space-fed signal distribution system acts as an intermediary between the main bus and the antenna elements. Instead of direct complex interconnections from each element to the central control, signals are distributed through intermediate feed points in space, simplifying the physical connections while maintaining full signal distribution capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The signal distribution architecture moves from a planar two-dimensional connection matrix to a three-dimensional space-fed configuration. Signals are distributed through spatial feeds that can access multiple antenna elements from different angular positions, reducing the complexity of physical interconnections while maintaining comprehensive signal distribution and control capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for a satellite includes a core system and multiple nodes for generating an active phased array. Each node includes a transceiver for wirelessly receiving a transmit signal from the core system, for wirelessly transmitting the transmit signals to a target, for wirelessly receiving the receive signals from the target, and for wirelessly transmitting the receive signal back to the core system. The system also includes a subsystem for inhibiting signal interference between the transmit and receive signals. Each of the nodes may also include local power generation circuitry.