Sub-Reflector Beam Steering for Point-to-Point Antenna Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional dish antennas for point-to-point backhaul communication links face challenges such as limited transmit power, costly semiconductor technologies, and alignment difficulties due to narrow beamwidths, which affect system gain and data rates.
Innovation Solution
A sub-reflector assembly for point-to-point antennas that includes a main body, a sub-reflector supported by support members, and an adjustment mechanism to adjust the sub-reflector's position relative to the main body, allowing for electromechanical movement and beam steering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the parabolic reflector size is increased to obtain sufficiently large EIRP levels, then the transmit power is improved, but the beamwidth becomes narrower leading to alignment difficulties and lower net data rates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the single large reflector into two separate reflectors: a primary parabolic reflector and a secondary hyperbolic reflector. This segmentation allows each reflector to be optimized independently - the primary reflector provides broad beam coverage for easy alignment, while the secondary reflector focuses the beam to achieve high EIRP, thus resolving the contradiction between power and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a second spatial dimension by adding a secondary reflector behind the primary reflector. The secondary hyperbolic reflector takes the broad beam from the primary reflector and refracts it into a focused narrow beam in the forward direction. This dimensional addition allows the system to achieve both broad coverage for alignment and focused power for high EIRP simultaneously.
2Power
If the parabolic reflector size is increased to obtain sufficiently large EIRP levels, then the transmit power is improved, but the beamwidth becomes narrower leading to dynamic alignment difficulties during adverse weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the antenna system into primary and secondary reflectors, the invention creates a configuration where the primary reflector maintains a wide beam that is less sensitive to weather-induced misalignments, while the secondary reflector provides the necessary beam focusing. This segmentation improves reliability by reducing the system's sensitivity to alignment errors caused by adverse weather.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the beam parameters through the dual-reflector configuration. The primary reflector produces a broad beam with large angular coverage, while the secondary reflector transforms this into a focused beam. This parameter transformation allows the system to tolerate larger angular deviations from adverse weather while still achieving the required EIRP levels, thereby improving reliability.
3Power
If costly semiconductor technologies are used to increase amplifier output power, then the transmit power is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the need for high-power (and costly) semiconductor amplifiers with a mechanical/optical solution: the dual-reflector antenna system. By using the primary and secondary reflectors to focus and direct the radio waves, the system achieves high EIRP levels through geometric concentration of energy rather than through expensive high-power amplification electronics, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the approach to achieving high power from electrical amplification to optical/geometric concentration. Instead of increasing amplifier output power through costly semiconductor technologies, the dual-reflector system uses the hyperbolic secondary reflector to concentrate the broad beam from the primary reflector into a focused narrow beam, achieving high EIRP through parameter transformation rather than electrical power amplification.
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
The sub-reflector assembly enables improved antenna beam steering, reducing alignment difficulties and enhancing system gain, while maintaining a compact design and cost efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a sub-reflector supported by a plurality of support members extending axially outwardly from the main body
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a sub-reflector assembly for a point-to-point antenna. The sub-reflector assembly includes a main body configured to hold an antenna, a sub-reflector supported by a plurality of support members extending axially outwardly from the main body, and an adjustment mechanism coupled to the sub-reflector and at least two of the support members, the adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the position of the sub-reflector relative to the main body to steer an antenna beam from the antenna. Related antenna assemblies are also described herein.