Variable Bias HPA for Multi-Beam Antenna Power Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-beam satellite antenna systems face challenges in achieving high RF power handling and flexibility in power allocation, particularly in Array Fed Reflector (AFR) systems, where radiating elements not participating in beam formation waste power, and existing technologies do not efficiently manage power distribution and conversion efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable RF front-end circuit with a low-level reconfigurable beam forming network (LLRBFN), variable bias high power amplifiers (VB-HPAs), and a lossless multiport hybrid matrix network, which distributes and reallocates power among radiating elements with phase and amplitude control, optimizing power utilization and reducing the required saturated power level while maintaining effective isotropic radiated power (EIRP) levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If radiating elements not participating in beam formation are continuously powered, then power allocation flexibility is improved, but power conversion efficiency deteriorates due to wasted power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of radiating element activation states, allowing the system to adaptively switch between different operational configurations. The control unit dynamically determines which radiating elements should be active based on current beam formation requirements, transitioning elements between powered and unpowered states to match actual operational needs, thereby resolving the contradiction between flexibility and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the principle of discarding power to radiating elements that are not currently needed for beam formation. By selectively deactivating and powering down unused radiating elements while maintaining their operational capability for future use, the system eliminates wasted power consumption while preserving the ability to reallocate power flexibly when beam requirements change.
2Power
If high power amplifiers operate at saturation to maximize power output, then RF power handling is improved, but power conversion efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial action by operating high power amplifiers below their saturation point when full power output is not required. The control unit adjusts amplifier operating levels to match actual beam power requirements, avoiding the excessive power consumption and reduced efficiency associated with continuous saturation operation, while still maintaining the capability to deliver full saturated power when needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If variable bias high power amplifiers are used to control output power, then power allocation flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automated control systems that manage the complexity of variable bias amplifiers. The control unit automatically adjusts amplifier bias conditions and power allocation based on beam formation requirements, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing the operational complexity burden on users while maintaining the flexibility benefits of variable bias technology.
4Loss of energy
If radiating elements are dynamically powered and unpowered to improve efficiency, then power conversion efficiency is improved, but system reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by maintaining radiating elements in a pre-conditioned state ready for rapid activation. Elements that are temporarily deactivated remain in a low-power standby mode rather than complete shutdown, allowing them to be quickly reactivated when needed without lengthy warm-up periods or reliability-degrading cold starts, thus preserving system reliability while achieving efficiency improvements.
Data Source
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AI summary
Reconfigurable RF front-end circuit for a multi-beam array fed reflector antenna system having a first plurality of N B input beam signals and a second plurality of N E radiating elements (RE), and method of operating such a front-end circuit. The front-end circuit comprises a reconfigurable beam forming network (LLRBFN), having a set of N B input ports and distributing each input port signal to a plurality of N A output ports with phase and amplitude control, a plurality of N A high power amplifiers (HPA) connected to the plurality of N A output ports of the reconfigurable beam forming network (LLRBFN) and an output network (ONET, OSN), arranged for recombining signals output by the high power amplifiers (HPA) and feeding the recombined signals to the second plurality of N E radiating elements (RE). The high power amplifiers (HPA) are variable bias high power amplifiers (VB-HPA).