Uplink Antenna Power Optimization via Signal Degradation Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing satellite systems face challenges with unreliable performance, frequent maintenance needs, networking interruptions, and single points of failure, leading to sub-optimal or unacceptable signal quality due to various factors including Set Top Boxes, uplink antennas, satellite configuration, and weather.

Innovation Solution

A satellite signal optimization system and method that includes obtaining signal data from downlink customer receivers, measuring and analyzing the data to identify signal degradation, correlating degradation to probable causes, predicting remediation actions, and executing these actions to optimize uplink band usage and power output, correct antenna misalignment and gear misconfiguration, and provide alternative path swaps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If satellite systems operate without constant monitoring and repair, then operational autonomy is improved, but signal quality deteriorates due to carrier-to-noise ratio and interference issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational autonomyVSAvoidsignal quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The satellite system performs self-diagnosis and self-correction by automatically monitoring its own signal quality parameters (carrier-to-noise ratio, interference levels) and adjusting uplink power output without human intervention. The system identifies degradation sources and implements remediation actions autonomously, allowing continuous operation without constant human monitoring while maintaining signal quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously measures signal quality metrics from multiple downlink customer receivers and feeds this information back to the control system. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts uplink antenna power output and identifies degradation sources, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains reliability while operating autonomously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If human operators are sent for local monitoring and repair, then signal quality is maintained, but operational costs increase substantially

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal qualityVSAvoidoperational costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The satellite system performs self-diagnosis and self-correction of signal quality issues by automatically monitoring parameters and adjusting uplink power output. This eliminates the need to send human operators for routine monitoring and repair, substantially reducing travel, labor, and operational costs while maintaining signal quality through automated remediation actions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces human operators with automated electronic monitoring and control mechanisms. Sensors continuously measure signal quality, and control systems automatically adjust uplink parameters, substituting mechanical human intervention with electronic automation that reduces operational costs while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If uplink power output is increased to compensate for signal degradation, then signal quality is improved, but interference with other signals increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal qualityVSAvoidsignal interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies different power output levels to different uplink antennas based on their specific degradation conditions. Instead of uniformly increasing power across all antennas, the system selectively adjusts only those antennas experiencing signal degradation, maintaining local optimization while minimizing overall interference to other signals in the network.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies partial power adjustment only to the extent necessary to correct identified signal degradation. By using precise measurements and targeted remediation on specific antennas rather than blanket power increases, the system achieves sufficient signal quality improvement while minimizing excessive action that would cause interference with other signals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS20250132824A1System and method to optimize uplink band power output from earth station uplink antennas

Publication Date: 2025.04.24 DISH NETWORK LLC

AI summary

A method for optimizing satellite signal performance in a satellite transmission system. The method includes: obtaining signal data from at least some of the plurality of customer receivers, measuring the signal data from each of the signal beams that were obtained; analyzing metadata from the components of the satellite transmission system, signal source front end controls, and spectral sampling; identifying signal degradation at one or more uplink antennas from the signal data of actual spot beam coverage using the measured signal data and the analyzed metadata; and predicting remediation actions to correct the signal degradation at the uplink antennas.