Spatially segmented anti-jam antenna for RF interference rejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Link 16 networking systems are vulnerable to RF jamming due to their omnidirectional antenna design, which limits their anti-jamming capabilities to frequency hopping and message coding, necessitating improved methods to enhance RF anti-jamming effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A multidirectional antenna system that spatially segments an operational theatre into regions using directional antenna elements, coupled with receivers, modems, and a processing unit to identify and connect the directional antenna element with the highest signal-to-jamming ratio to a multifunction information distribution system terminal, thereby mitigating jamming effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If omnidirectional antennas are used to provide spherical coverage, then real-time situational awareness is improved, but RF jamming power is easily received by the terminal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the omnidirectional antenna into multiple directional antenna elements arranged in a geometric pattern. Each directional element covers a specific sector of the operational theater, collectively providing omnidirectional coverage while enabling spatial segmentation of received signals for jamming identification and rejection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent assigns different functional properties to different parts of the antenna system. Each directional antenna element has specialized beamforming capabilities tailored to its specific coverage sector, allowing localized signal processing and jamming rejection optimized for each direction while maintaining overall omnidirectional functionality
2Reliability
If frequency hopping and message coding gain approaches are used, then some anti-jamming capability is provided, but the capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces spatial processing as an intermediary layer between the antenna and the communication terminal. The directional antenna elements and signal processing system act as intermediaries that physically separate desired signals from jamming before they reach the terminal, adding a new dimension to anti-jamming beyond frequency and code domain techniques
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional frequency-domain and code-domain anti-jamming techniques to spatial-domain processing. By utilizing the spatial dimension through multiple directional antenna elements and beamforming, the system creates a new dimension for jamming rejection that complements existing frequency hopping and coding approaches
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention includes providing a multidirectional antenna unit including a plurality of directional antenna elements configured to spatially segment an operational theatre into a plurality of segmented regions, receiving radio frequency signals via the plurality of directional antenna elements from the plurality of segmented region, identifying a directional antenna element having the highest signal-to-jamming ratio, and connecting the directional antenna element having the highest signal-to-jamming ratio to a multifunction information distribution system terminal.