Steerable Satellite Antenna Orientation for Tighter Avoidance Angles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Satellite communication systems using non-geosynchronous satellites face challenges in accurately determining the orientation of electronically steerable satellite antennas, leading to increased interference with non-target satellites due to larger avoidance angles, which reduces antenna performance and efficiency in spectrum sharing.

Innovation Solution

Determining a precise set physical orientation of an electronically steerable satellite antenna using triangulation with signals from multiple satellites, calculating azimuth, elevation, and rotation angles to minimize interference by modeling the radiation pattern and adjusting the antenna's orientation autonomously.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If non-GEO satellites are used for satellite communication, then latency is reduced and orbital slot availability is improved, but interference with other satellites increases due to larger avoidance angles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal latencyVSAvoidinterference with non-target satellites

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical orientation measurement systems with an electronic signal processing system. By using signal triangulation from multiple satellites to determine antenna orientation, the system achieves precise angular measurement without mechanical sensors, thereby reducing avoidance angles and interference while maintaining the benefits of non-GEO satellite communication

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces satellite signals as an intermediary medium to determine antenna orientation. Instead of directly measuring physical orientation, the system uses signals from multiple satellites as mediators to calculate the antenna's angular position through triangulation, enabling precise interference avoidance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If traditional orientation determination methods are used for electronically steerable antennas, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of antenna orientation deteriorates leading to larger avoidance angles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna system complexityVSAvoidantenna orientation precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the satellite signal reception system multi-functional. The same antenna and signal processing infrastructure used for communication also serves to determine orientation through triangulation, eliminating the need for separate orientation measurement devices while achieving high measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses its own received satellite signals to determine its orientation. By analyzing the arrival directions of signals from multiple satellites that the antenna is already receiving for communication, the system self-determines its angular position without external measurement equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 approach reduces error margins for avoidance angles, enhancing antenna performance by minimizing interference events and optimizing spectrum usage in satellite communication systems.

Implementation Method 1

generally determines a set physical orientation of an electronically steerable satellite antenna based on triangulation using received signals from a plurality of transmitters (e.g., one or more satellites)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTriangulation:

Data Source

PatentUS11994595B2Systems and methods for determining orientation of an electronically steerable antenna

Publication Date: 2024.05.28 VIASAT INC

AI summary

Determination of a set physical orientation of an electronically steerable satellite antenna using received signals at the satellite antenna is described. The set physical orientation of the satellite antenna may be static for the antenna. In turn, the antenna may scan a beam through a range of angles to measure signal strength of signals from transmitters (e.g., satellites) to determine a direction of incidence of the signals. The direction of incidence of the signals from corresponding known orbital locations of the satellites allow the satellite antenna to determine the set physical orientation to a high degree of precision. Specifically, the high degree of precision allows avoidance angles to non-target satellites to be minimized to allow more efficient antenna operation with fewer interference mitigation operations.