Tracking Receiver Phase Calibration Without Manual RF Matching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing satellite tracking systems require labor-intensive phase matching processes, manual adjustments, and long, expensive rf cables, which are prone to damage.

Innovation Solution

A tracking receiver system with integrated phase calibration using digital signal processing to automatically adjust phase shifts and eliminate the need for manual adjustments and expensive cables, utilizing a DSP to generate phase correction values based on calibration signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual phase matching process is used with rf cable trimming and manual phase shifters, then phase alignment can be achieved, but labor intensity and installation complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephase alignment accuracyVSAvoidinstallation labor intensity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical phase adjustment (mechanical phase shifters and cable trimming) with an automated electronic system. A test signal is injected through the RF cable, and a phase detector automatically measures and determines the optimal cable length and phase alignment, eliminating the need for manual mechanical adjustments while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-calibration by automatically injecting test signals, measuring phase differences, and determining optimal cable lengths without requiring external manual intervention. The phase detector and control logic work together to autonomously complete the phase matching process that previously required skilled technicians.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If long rf cables are used to provide tracking signals alongside the antenna, then signal transmission is maintained, but cable damage risk and system cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmission continuityVSAvoidcable damage susceptibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent determines the optimal RF cable length in advance during the calibration phase by injecting test signals and measuring phase characteristics. Once the optimal length is determined, the cable is trimmed to this predetermined length, eliminating the need for excessively long cables that would be more susceptible to damage while maintaining signal transmission integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If manual phase shifter adjustments are performed in the field after deployment, then phase matching can be achieved, but system complexity and maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephase matching accuracyVSAvoidmanual adjustment mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates mechanical phase shifters and their manual adjustment mechanisms by using an electronic calibration approach. A phase detector electronically measures phase differences, and a control system automatically determines the optimal cable length, replacing complex mechanical adjustment systems with simpler electronic measurement and control circuitry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Measurement precision

If labor intensive rf cable trimming is performed, then phase synchronization is achieved, but installation time and productivity decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephase synchronization accuracyVSAvoidinstallation speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic self-calibration by injecting test signals through the RF cable, measuring phase characteristics with a phase detector, and automatically determining the optimal cable length. This eliminates the need for skilled technicians to manually trim cables, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining synchronization accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical cable trimming with an automated electronic measurement and determination process. The phase detector and control system work together to automatically identify the optimal cable length based on phase measurements, eliminating the labor-intensive manual trimming process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12578412B2Tracking receiver with integrated phase calibration and method

Publication Date: 2026.03.17 VIASAT INC

AI summary

A system and method of the disclosure relates to satellite tracking. The system may comprise a tracking receiver that includes a first analog-to-digital (A/D) converter coupled between a sum input and a digital signal processor (DSP), a second A/D converter coupled between a difference input and the DSP, and a calibration output coupled to the sum input and coupled to the difference input. The first A/D converter may convert an signal received at the sum input into a sum digital signal, and provide the sum digital signal to the DSP. The second A/D converter may convert an signal received at the difference input into a difference digital signal, and provide the difference digital signal to the DSP. The tracking receiver may generate an calibration signal and provide the calibration signal through the calibration output.