Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
342354000 | With beam steering | 29 |
20080291083 | RETRO-DIRECTIVE GROUND-TERMINAL ANTENNA FOR COMMUNICATION WITH GEOSTATIONARY SATELLITES IN SLIGHTLY INCLINED ORBITS - A retro-directive antenna for communicating with a geostationary satellite autonomously detects the direction from which a signal is received, and transmits a beam that points back along the same direction. An array feed is used to illuminate a parabolic reflector. Each feed element of the retro-directive antenna is associated with a unique pointing direction of the beam in the far field. As the transmit energy is switched to different feed elements, the far-field beam is scanned, making it possible to track a geostationary satellite in a slightly inclined orbit. This eliminates the need for mechanical tracking and maintains high antenna gain in the direction of the geostationary satellite. The use of a toroidal reflector with multiple linear array feeds spaced in the azimuth direction enables multi-beam operation, allowing multiple geostationary satellites, spaced by up to fifteen beam widths in azimuth, to be tracked simultaneously and independently. | 11-27-2008 |
20090179791 | MULTI-BEAM PHASED ARRAY ANTENNA FOR LIMITED SCAN APPLICATIONS - Systems and methods are disclosed herein to provide improved phased array antenna system. For example, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a phased array antenna system includes a plurality of horn/filter assemblies. A plurality of modules are adapted to provide RF signals to the horn/filter assemblies. Each of the horn/filter assemblies is mounted on a top surface of a corresponding one of the modules. A thermal system is adapted to cool the modules. The modules are mounted on a first surface of the thermal system. A plurality of distribution boards associated with the modules are mounted on a second surface of the thermal system. A plurality of interconnects associated with the modules are adapted to connect the modules with the distribution boards through the thermal system. | 07-16-2009 |
20100033368 | Method of Using A Microwave and Millimeter Frequency Bistatic Radar for Tracking and Fire Control - A method of using a bistatic passive radar system for tracking a plurality of targets utilizing transmitted radar signals from at least one satellite platform in a geosynchronous orbit with the earth, a radar receiver capturing signals from a reflection of the transmitted radar signals from each target, tracking a position of each target over time, and a processing method for computation of a fire control solution of each target. | 02-11-2010 |
20100045515 | Communications system and method of communicating data - A communications system and method thereof are provided, wherein the system includes a first receiver. The first receiver includes at least one antenna element configured to receive the first signal having a first polarization, and a combiner in communication with the at least one antenna element, wherein the combiner enhances the first signal and minimizes a second signal having a second polarization that is different than the first polarization of the first signal, such that an output is emitted by the first receiver based upon the received first signal. The first receiver further includes a beam steerer in communication with the combiner, wherein the beam steerer is configured to steer an antenna beam of the at least one antenna element in order to minimize reflection of the second signal, such that the second polarization of the second signal remains different than the first polarization of the first signal. | 02-25-2010 |
20100123621 | Active interference suppression in a satellite communication system - The invention relates to active interference suppression in a satellite communication system, particularly but not exclusively to an apparatus and method for using active interference suppression in order to suppress co-channel interference between user signals in the communication system. The communication system includes a receive or transmit antenna having a plurality of antenna elements, each antenna element associated with a respective antenna element signal. The method includes the steps of calculating complex weighting values for one or more of a plurality of beam signals, adjusting the beam signals in accordance with the calculated complex weighting values and cancelling co-channel interference in at least one of the beam signals using the one or more adjusted derived beam signals to provide an interference suppressed output signal. The complex weighting values can be calculated based on a constant modulus algorithm. | 05-20-2010 |
20100194629 | SYSTEM FOR SIMPLIFICATION OF RECONFIGURABLE BEAM-FORMING NETWORK PROCESSING WITHIN A PHASED ARRAY ANTENNA FOR A TELECOMMUNICATIONS SATELLITE - A telecommunications satellite having a phased array antenna, wherein the beam-forming function within the phased array is simplified by partitioning it into two stages, in which the sub-array stage relates to a fixed, or infrequently changed, set of overlapping sub-arrays and the main stage provides the main pattern reconfiguration, typically in the form of multiple reconfigurable spot beams within a defined coverage region. The key advantage lies in the significant reduction in number of second stage beam-forming control points (at which independent amplitude and phase is applied) when compared with a conventional phased array (where amplitude and phase control is applied for each element of the array). The sub-array stage beam-forming may be implemented in analogue technology. The main beam-former may be implemented in digital technology, where the key processing functions of A/D or D/A conversion, frequency (de)multiplexing and digital beam-forming all scale with the number of control points. | 08-05-2010 |
20100194630 | Optimized Beamforming for Satellite Communication - A method for determining beamforming weights used onboard a satellite and ground-based beamforming weights used in a ground-based station as part of a satellite communication system. This beamforming method is a two-stage beamforming process that requires a reduced downlink bandwidth between the satellite and the ground-based station yet achieves optimal signal-to-noise ratio for bandwidth allocated for the downlink. values for the fixed onboard beamforming weights are computed to yield a maximum, | 08-05-2010 |
20100201566 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SATELLITE COMMUNICATION - A system and method are disclosed which may include providing at least one satellite having a plurality of beamformers configured to provide a plurality of respective beams having a plurality of different respective fixed pitch angles about an axis of the satellite; causing the at least one satellite to move around the earth along a non-geostationary orbit; establishing a data communication path between a first of the beamformers on the satellite and a communication target, the data communication path having a satellite end at the first beamformer and an target end at the communication target; shifting the satellite end of the data communication path through a succession of the beamformers as the satellite moves along its orbit; and at least substantially reducing an amount of RF wave energy directed to beamformers of the plurality of beamformers not forming part of the data communication path. | 08-12-2010 |
20100231442 | SATELLITE BEAM-POINTING ERROR CORRECTION IN DIGITAL BEAM-FORMING ARCHITECTURE - A digital method of determining and correcting beam-pointing for a communications spacecraft that has a digital beam-forming architecture for defining multiple spot transmit and receive beams, the antenna system of the spacecraft including a receive antenna (DRA, AFR) having antenna elements providing respective antenna element signals, and wherein at least one of the uplink signals to the spacecraft includes a beacon signal, | 09-16-2010 |
20110032143 | Fixed User Terminal for Inclined Orbit Satellite Operation - An advanced multiple-beam fixed ground terminal is achieved that is capable of simultaneously tracking multiple inclined orbit satellites, increasing and suppressing gain in multiple directions. The fixed user terminal equipped with digital beam-forming and null-forming technique can track and identify signals from multiple inclined orbit satellites at the same time. This technique enables a geostationary satellite drift to an inclined orbit without losing communication with ground terminals which not only increase the life span of an inclined orbit satellite, but also relieve the scarcity of geo-stationary orbit. In extreme cases, satellite can be placed in the same slot which further enhanced the usage of geosynchronous orbits. Another present invention is to from double nulls whose null width is much wider than a single null. A wider null increases the system robustness to frequency drift and change of signal direction, thus in turn reduce the system's complexity by lowering update beam wave vectors. To use the same beam wave vector on wider frequency spans, an FIR filter need to be designed according to system requirements. | 02-10-2011 |
20110109501 | AUTOMATED BEAM PEAKING SATELLITE GROUND TERMINAL - This disclosure may relate generally to systems, devices, and methods for a phased array illuminated reflector dish RF antenna combining a phased array with a microwave reflector dish and using beam steering to align the antenna beam to maximize antenna performance. The phased array may be connected in communication with one of a transmitter, a receiver, and a transceiver. In various exemplary embodiments the phased array illuminated reflector dish RF antenna includes a boom arm supporting the microwave reflector dish and the phased array. In one exemplary embodiment, the phased array only communicates signals with a remote source of the signals via the microwave reflector dish (not directly). The RF antenna system may be configured to be rough pointed by mechanically aiming the RF antenna system, and the RF antenna system is configured to fine tune aim the beam of said RF antenna system by beam steering. | 05-12-2011 |
20110169688 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR SATELITE COMMUNICATION - A communications system and method are disclosed that may include a constellation of satellites operating in a substantially equatorial, non-geostationary orbit; a plurality of ground stations configured to communicate with the satellites, at least one given ground station of the ground stations lacking a wired connection to any global communications network; and at least one gateway station coupled to a global communications network and to at least one said satellite, wherein each satellite includes at least one antenna having a steerable beam, the antenna being controllable to continuously direct a concentrated spot beam toward the given ground station. | 07-14-2011 |
20120139780 | POWER MANAGEMENT SCHEME FOR PROTECTING COMPONENTS ON BOARD A SPACECRAFT - A system for protecting a power unit on a spacecraft may include a ground station. The ground station may include a power unit loading estimation and monitoring module for estimating a power loading level on a power unit of the spacecraft power unit. The ground station may also include a ground station power limiter to regulate a power of a signal for transmission from the ground station to the spacecraft to prevent overloading the spacecraft power unit. The power of the signal for transmission to the spacecraft may be regulated based at least in part on an estimated power loading level on the power unit of the spacecraft. | 06-07-2012 |
20120218141 | METHOD FOR ITERATIVE ESTIMATION OF GLOBAL PARAMETERS - A method for iterative estimation of a set of unknown channel parameters in a beamforming network including determining a first order estimate of offsets at measurement nodes and an estimate of the confidence in the initial estimate of the measurement nodes' offsets, and iterating, until a desired estimation accuracy is obtained, determining an improved estimate of a parameter set, and the confidence in the estimates, using the prior estimate of the offsets at the measurement nodes and determining an improved estimate of the offsets at the measurement nodes and the associated confidence values using the prior estimate of the parameter set and the corresponding confidence values. | 08-30-2012 |
20120242539 | ANTENNA SYSTEM FOR LOW-EARTH-ORBIT SATELLITES - The present invention regards an antenna system comprising a reflection system that comprises a reflector having a rotational symmetry with respect to an axis of symmetry. Moreover, the antenna system also comprises an electronically steerable planar radiating array that is arranged in a focal region of the reflection system, has a rotational symmetry with respect to the axis of symmetry and is operable to radiate a primary radiofrequency beam oriented in a predefined direction of illumination with respect to the axis of symmetry in such a way as to cause a specific region of the reflector to be illuminated by said primary radiofrequency beam. Said specific region of the reflector is designed, when illuminated by said primary radiofrequency beam, to generate by reflection a secondary radiofrequency beam oriented in at least one predefined direction of transmission with respect to the axis of symmetry. | 09-27-2012 |
20120249366 | COMMUNICATIONS ON THE MOVE ANTENNA SYSTEM - Embodiments of the present apparatus and system are directed to a compact satellite communications on the move (SOTM) antenna system that maintains a communications link with a hybrid combination of mechanical and electronic beam steering. This hybrid system ensures that the antenna beamwidth in the plane of the geosynchronous satellites remains within internationally agreed to limits, independent of the location of the satellite with respect to the ground terminal. Systems constructed according to the principles presently disclosed also provide reduced antenna sidelobes in the satellite plane and minimize the electronic scan loss while simultaneously achieving controllable beamwidth, full field of view coverage, and low antenna height. | 10-04-2012 |
20120274507 | ARCHITECTURE AND METHOD FOR OPTIMAL TRACKING OF MULTIPLE BROADBAND SATELLITE TERMINALS IN SUPPORT OF IN THEATRE AND RAPID DEPLOYMENT APPLICATIONS - An antenna communication architecture for simultaneous optimal tracking of multiple broadband satellite terminals in support of in theatre operations and rapid deployment applications, and methods in relation therewith. This communication architecture is especially suitable for implementation as a hosted payload configuration on a host spacecraft. | 11-01-2012 |
20130009809 | Multi-Spot Satellite System with Efficient Space Resource Allocation - A satellite system comprises at least one satellite that receives and transmits signals from/to user terminals located in a service area covered by a plurality of beams, frequencies used in each beam being allocated in order to allow frequency reuse. The beam sizes, the bandwidth used in each beam and the power density in each beam are chosen as a function of the user density in the service area. | 01-10-2013 |
20130044024 | METHOD FOR ITERATIVE ESTIMATION OF GLOBAL PARAMETERS - A method for iterative estimation of a set of unknown channel parameters in a beamforming network including determining a first order estimate of offsets at measurement nodes and an estimate of the confidence in the initial estimate of the measurement nodes' offsets, and iterating, until a desired estimation accuracy is obtained, determining an improved estimate of a parameter set, and the confidence in the estimates, using the prior estimate of the offsets at the measurement nodes and determining an improved estimate of the offsets at the measurement nodes and the associated confidence values using the prior estimate of the parameter set and the corresponding confidence values. | 02-21-2013 |
20130069820 | Apparatus and Methods for Satellite Communication - A communications system and method are disclosed that may include a constellation of satellites operating in a substantially equatorial, non-geostationary orbit; a plurality of ground stations configured to communicate with the satellites, at least one given ground station of the ground stations lacking a wired connection to any global communications network; and at least one gateway station coupled to a global communications network and to at least one said satellite, wherein each satellite includes at least one antenna having a steerable beam, the antenna being controllable to continuously direct a concentrated spot beam toward the given ground station. | 03-21-2013 |
20140266870 | COMPENSATING FOR A NON-IDEAL SURFACE OF A REFLECTOR IN A SATELLITE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM - A method is provided that includes measuring amplitudes and phases of signals reflected off a reflector of a satellite, with the amplitudes and phases forming a first set of measurements. The method includes calculating an element correlation matrix as a function of the first set of measurements. The element correlation matrix represents a radiated feed element pattern off the reflector. And the method includes adjusting a formed beam pattern of a beamformer based on the element correlation matrix to thereby compensate for a non-ideal surface of the reflector. | 09-18-2014 |
20140266871 | Method for Satellite Beacon Signal Detection and Antenna Alignment - A method for detecting a beacon signal, by receiving a beacon signal and processing the beacon signal with respect to a local copy of the beacon signal. The processing including multiplying the beacon signal with a local copy of the beacon signal and integrating the result to generate a background noise filtered beacon signal output. The beacon signal output may be utilized to align an antenna with the beacon signal by adjusting alignment until the beacon signal output is either maximized or minimized, depending upon the function applied. | 09-18-2014 |
20140320338 | System and Method for Satellite Communication - A system and method are disclosed which may include providing at least one satellite having a plurality of beamformers configured to provide a plurality of respective beams having a plurality of different respective fixed pitch angles about an axis of the satellite; causing the at least one satellite to move around the earth along a non-geostationary orbit; establishing a data communication path between a first of the beamformers on the satellite and a communication target, the data communication path having a satellite end at the first beamformer and an target end at the communication target; shifting the satellite end of the data communication path through a succession of the beamformers as the satellite moves along its orbit; and at least substantially reducing an amount of RF wave energy directed to beamformers of the plurality of beamformers not forming part of the data communication path. | 10-30-2014 |
20150061930 | TRUE TIME DELAY COMPENSATION IN WIDEBAND PHASED ARRAY FED REFLECTOR ANTENNA SYSTEMS - Systems, devices, and methods for determining and applying true time delay (TTD) values for compensating for free-space path length differences between a phased array and a reflector in wideband communication are disclosed. TTD values are determined for individual and groups of antenna elements in phased array fed reflector (PAFR) antennas based distances from a focal region of the reflector. The distance from the focal region of the reflector and the offset of the phased array from the reflectors focal plane can be used to determine path length differences. Corresponding TTD values for antenna elements are then determined based on the path length difference associated with the antenna elements. Each antenna element can be coupled to a TTD element to provide the corresponding TTD value to the signals received by and generated by the antenna elements of the phased array. The TTD elements include transverse electromagnetic (TEM) mode mechanisms. | 03-05-2015 |
20150102959 | JAMMER SUPPRESSION FOR BROADCAST SATELLITE SYSTEM SERVICES - A system for interference suppression onboard a satellite includes a beamforming module that processes radio-frequency (RF) signals originated from a plurality of antenna elements of an array antenna to generate multiple analog signals. At least one of the analog signals is an anti-interference signal. Analog-to-digital converters convert the analog signals to a number of digital signals. A processing module processes the digital signals to generate a phase and amplitude control signal. A summation module generates one or more composite signals with reduced interference. | 04-16-2015 |
20150295640 | BROADBAND SATELLITE PAYLOAD ARCHITECTURE - A spacecraft includes a payload subsystem, the payload subsystem including a phased array of feed elements configured to illuminate an antenna reflector, a beam forming network (BFN) disposed proximate to the array of feed elements, and a plurality of power amplifiers disposed between the BFN and the array of feed elements. The BFN includes a plurality of variable amplitude and phase adjusting arrangements disposed between (i) m:1 power combiners that are communicatively coupled with the power amplifiers and (ii) at least one 1:n power splitter, where m is greater than 1, and n is greater than 2 | 10-15-2015 |
20160170029 | User Terminal Having a Linear Array Antenna with Electronic and Mechanical Actuation System | 06-16-2016 |
20160204784 | System and Method for Synchronizing Multiple Oscillators Using Reduced Frequency Signaling | 07-14-2016 |
20180026710 | CROSS-BAND SYSTEM FOR END-TO-END BEAMFORMING | 01-25-2018 |