Steerable Antenna Reflector for Multi-Terminal Satellite Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current satellite antenna systems for wide area coverage are complex, require significant hardware, and are not suitable for rapid deployment or hosted payload applications due to their large size and static nature, leading to inefficiencies in communication and increased development time.
Innovation Solution
A communication architecture with a steerable, single small antenna reflector using agile beam forming technology for optimal tracking of multiple broadband satellite terminals, capable of high bit rate communication and adaptable to varying traffic patterns, supporting rapid deployment and hosted payload configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If large and shaped beam coverage antenna systems are used for wide area coverage, then coverage area is improved, but device complexity and hardware requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the wide coverage area into multiple discrete beams, each serving a specific region. Instead of using a single large complex antenna, the system segments the coverage into manageable beam units that can be independently controlled and optimized, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining wide coverage capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs electronically steerable beams that can be dynamically redirected to track moving satellite terminals. This dynamic beam steering capability allows the system to maintain optimal coverage and communication quality without requiring large mechanical antenna movements, thereby reducing hardware complexity while preserving wide area coverage
2Reliability
If large antenna apertures are used for low frequency bands, then communication performance is improved, but antenna size and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using higher frequency bands (Ku-band and Ka-band) where smaller antenna apertures can achieve the same communication performance. This parameter change allows the system to maintain reliable communication while significantly reducing the physical size of the antenna aperture
3Reliability
If multiple smaller antenna apertures are used for high frequency bands, then communication performance is improved, but device complexity and hardware requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple beam functions into a single antenna system with electronic steering capability. Instead of requiring multiple separate physical antenna apertures for high frequency bands, the system combines their functions into one antenna that can electronically generate and steer multiple beams, thereby reducing hardware complexity while maintaining communication performance
4Device complexity
If static antenna systems are used for wide area coverage, then system simplicity is improved, but adaptability to moving terminals and rapid deployment applications deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static antenna system into a dynamic one by implementing electronic beam steering capability. This allows the antenna to actively track moving satellite terminals and rapidly reposition beams without mechanical movement of the entire antenna structure, thereby achieving both simplicity and high adaptability for rapid deployment applications
5Area of stationary object
If antenna systems are designed for large coverage regions with variable traffic, then coverage area is improved, but hardware complexity increases due to need to support all potential high traffic beams
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic beam steering that allows the antenna to focus electronic beams only on regions with active communication needs. Instead of provisioning hardware for all potential high traffic beams across the entire coverage area, the system can dynamically redirect beams to match actual traffic patterns, reducing hardware complexity while maintaining wide coverage capability
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
Enables efficient, high bit rate communication with flexible beam positioning and interference cancellation, suitable for emergency and rapid deployment scenarios, and supports various carrier access schemes and networking connections, optimizing resource allocation and reducing hardware complexity.
Implementation Method 1
providing for a plurality of signal beams substantially adjacent from one another within the theater for tracking at least one electromagnetic signal corresponding to a respective satellite terminal
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna communication architecture (10) for simultaneous optimal tracking of multiple broadband satellite terminals (12) in support of in theatre (14) operations and rapid deployment applications, and methods in relation therewith. This communication architecture (10) is especially suitable for implementation as a hosted payload configuration on a host spacecraft (11).