JPH01500558A - Filter interconnection matrix - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] Filter mutual coupling matrix technical field The present invention relates generally to apparatus for distributing and routing signals in communication systems. geostationary communications satellites that serve as transmitting and receiving communications links between ground bases. Regarding things that use Furthermore, the present invention provides uplink and downlink satellites and bases in other zones where the frequency spectrum is the same for each zone. communication satellite to interconnect bases in one zone served by The present invention relates to a filter interconnection matrix for use in stars.

Technical background Regarding microwave communication systems such as those used in communication satellites, micro A wave channel filter is provided to separate the receive antenna beam signals according to frequency. is being given. In conventional systems, the beam polarization and spatial independence are It was used to allow reuse of the allocated frequency spectrum. This system systems were often designed with two sets of channel filters, where given All received antenna beam signals of polarization are passed through a set of filters corresponding to that polarization. Filtered by. Improved separation between adjacent filters in filter sets Therefore, this filter is divided into two groups, one group consisting of all odd numbered filters. the other group contains all even numbered filters. However, separation When the number of transmitted beams is increased, the mutual coupling of all users becomes very complex. , is one of the factors limiting the number of frequency spectrum reuses.

The above-mentioned filter device can be used for uplinks and downlinks allocated over multiple regions. Reuse the link frequency spectrum to connect small ground bases in one zone to Suitable for new communication satellites where it is desirable to interconnect with bases in the zone. isn't it. An example of such a communications satellite is found in U.S. Patent Application No. PD-86309. ) is disclosed. In the system disclosed in the specification, communication satellites are large numbers of very small ports in a way that maximizes satellite EIRP as well as effective bandwidth. Interconnect the ground bases of the diameter. This system effectively increases and allocates EIRP. very closely on the downlink allowing for multiple reuse of the frequency spectrum Use adjacent beams. As a result, the points offered for point-to-point services The number of communications that can be provided is maximized. High multicarrier transmitter efficiency reduces intermodulation products The negative effects of rain on the downlink channel are stored easily overcome by using reduced transmitter power. The interconnection of many users is Highly directionally addressable downlink beam with filter interconnection matrix This is accomplished by combining.

This filter interconnection matrix is intended to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art. , used by satellite communication systems of the type described above.

Summary of the invention In accordance with the present invention, - sets of communication input lines, each input line carrying a plurality of channels; for connecting a set of communication output lines carrying frequency division multiplexed signals with Equipment is provided.

This device is connected respectively with an input line for receiving the corresponding one of the signals. has multiple inputs, and each of the signals received at the inputs has a certain preselected Each is connected to a set of output lines for outputting the signals on the channels to each line. and means for having a plurality of outputs. The mutual coupling means is the channel of the input signal. A filter containing multiple sets of filters, each designed to pass one of the It has a router interconnection matrix. Each set of filters Only the channels that are arranged into a plurality of groups each connected to one of the output lines. This fi The router is configured such that the channel output by each output line is obtained from each of the input lines. ゛ Mutual coupling between input lines and output lines in a matrix array Ru.

This device connects multiple ground bases in the ground area for sending and receiving communications. It is particularly effective in a type of satellite communication system that includes a satellite. this The satellite has multiple uplink beams each from different zones covering the area. receive messages. Each uplink beam corresponds to the same frequency range. transmit multiple frequency division multiplexed signals, each received signal containing multiple channels. nothing. This satellite transmits multiple corresponding transmission signals over the same range of frequencies. multiple downlink beams each reaching the zone. The device of the present invention , uplink beam and downlink beam in a satellite where the received signal is converted to the transmitted signal. can be used in systems for interconnecting link beams. Ru.

Accordingly, a frame for use in interconnecting first and second sets of communication lines is provided. It is an underlying objective of the present invention to provide a filter intercommunication matrix.

Another object of the present invention is to interconnect uplink beams and downlink beams. A fiber of the above-mentioned type is particularly useful for satellite communication systems. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a router interconnection matrix.

Another object of the present invention is to form a downlink beam by converting the received signals of an uplink beam into a downlink beam. A filter mutual coupling matrix of the type described above for converting the transmitted signal to The transmitted and received signals are transmitted and received over the area served by the satellite. Each covers a different zone on the top.

These and further objects and advantages of the invention are described below with reference to preferred embodiments of the invention. It is or will become clear according to the following description.

Brief description of the drawing FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a communications satellite showing the antenna subsystem.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the antenna subsystem shown in FIG.

be.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4--4 of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of the United States, with multiple contiguous locations covered by the satellites of the present invention. The main areas of coverage are indicated by hatching, and the areas of contention are indicated by hatching. Areas are indicated by stippling.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of communications electronics for a communications satellite.

Figure 7 shows the point-to-point receiving supply horn with human power as shown in Figure 6. 1 is a schematic diagram of a coupling network interconnecting trusted electronic devices; FIG.

Figure 8 shows how to connect the receiving and transmitting zones for a point-to-point system. FIG. 2 is a reference diagram of mutual coupling channels used for

Figure 9 is a schematic of the United States showing multiple contiguous transmission zones covered by satellites. Regional distribution of interconnected channels for each zone across the United States FIG.

Figure 9A shows point-to-point distances from the center of the beam in the east-west direction. A graph showing the change in transmit antenna beam gain for each zone in a It's rough.

FIG. 9B is a graph similar to FIG. 9A showing changes in gain in the north-south direction.

Figure 10 shows the filter interconnection matrix used in the point-point system. FIG. 2 is a detailed schematic diagram of Trix.

Figure 11 shows the beamforming network used in a point-to-point system. FIG.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged fragmentary view of a portion of the beamforming network shown in FIG. Ru.

FIG. 13 is a front view of a transmit array for a point-to-point system, with each Horizontal slots in the transmitting elements are not shown for clarity.

FIG. 14 is a survey of the transmitting elements of the array shown in FIG. Figure 3 shows the combined supply network.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of one of the transmitting elements used in the transmitting array of FIG. be.

FIG. 16 is a front view of the receiver feed horn for the point-to-point system. .

Figure 17 shows a diagram of the transmit wave and transmit supply array for a point-to-point system. It is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the parts.

Description of the preferred embodiment Referring to Figures 1 to 4, a communication satellite lO located in a geostationary orbit above the earth's surface It is shown. As will be explained in more detail below, the satellite antenna system is Typically, the antenna system is oriented around the earth so that it maintains a constant orientation with respect to the ground. Mounted on the facing platform.

The satellite IO operates in a specific frequency band, for example the geostationary satellite service Ku band. It is a hybrid communication satellite that provides two different types of communication services. . The following types of communication services are called point-to-point services. Very small diameter antenna terminal for relatively narrow band voice and data signals Send and receive communications between the two. Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) Use and Allocation By reusing the frequency spectrum that has been used by the enemy, such communication channels can be are applied simultaneously in a single linear polarization. provided by satellite 10 Other types of communication services are broadcasting services, which are transmitted in other linear polarizations. be done. Broadcasting services will first be broadcast throughout the area provided by satellite 10. Used for unidirectional distribution of video and data. In this way, the sending antenna Nabeem covers the entire region. In this explanation, as an example, point-point The geographic area served by both the Assume that it is a country. Therefore, the broadcasting service is C0NUS (Contin It is called ``ental　United　5tate).

The antenna system of the satellite 10 includes a conventional omnidirectional antenna 13 and each point. Two antenna subs to provide point-point and C0NUS systems Including system. Point-to-point antenna subsystem for transmit and receive communications Provided for mutual communication between ground bases. The C0NUS antenna system is from the United States. by one or more specific locations on the ground in a broad pattern covering all of the United States It functions as a transponder that broadcasts the signals it receives. point - point The transmitted signal and the C0NUS received signal are vertically polarized.

The C0NUS transmit and point-to-point receive signals are horizontally polarized. This Ann The tena system is a large reflector assembly with two reflectors 12a and 12b. Contains 12. The two reflecting mirrors 12a and 12b are rotated with respect to each other around a common axis. intersect at the midpoint. The reflecting mirror 12a is horizontally polarized and receives horizontally polarized signals. On the other hand, the reflector 12b is vertically polarized and therefore vertically polarized. Operates by signal. As a result, each of the reflecting mirrors 12a and 12b is similar to the other reflecting mirror. 12a and 12b reflect the signals transmitted.

Frequency selection screen 18 is divided into two halves 18a.

18b, half of the screen 18a, 18b is best seen in Figure 2. A support is disposed on the opposite side of a center line passing diametrically through the satellite 10 so that the 30 is installed. The frequency selection screen 18 separates different frequency bands. Acts as a diplexer for separation and is formed from any suitable material such as copper an array of discrete conductive elements. Various types of known frequency selection screens A antenna may be used in this antenna system. However, It has a sharp variation characteristic and the ability to separate two frequency bands that are relatively close to each other. One suitable frequency selection screen is shown in U.S. Patent Application No. PD-855. No. 12) disclosed in the specification.

Frequency selection screen 18 includes C0NUS and point-to-point subsystems effectively separating both the transmitted and received signals. scree The two halves 18a, 18b of the conductor 18 carry individual signals that are horizontally and vertically polarized. Each is adapted to separate the numbers.

In this example, the C0NUS subsystem, which serves the whole country with signal beams, is Eight conventional transponders each having a high power traveling wave tube amplifier as a transmitter 82 (See Figure 6). The C0NtJS receiving antenna uses vertical polarization and It shares a vertically polarized reflector 12b with the in-point transmission system. C0 The NUS received signal passes through the half portion 18b of the frequency selection screen and is reflected by the reflector 1. 2b is focused onto the receiving and feeding horn 14, which is placed at the focal plane 28. so The formed antenna pattern is shaped to cover C0NUS.

The C0NUS transmitting antenna uses horizontal polarization and is compatible with point-to-point receiving systems. The reflecting mirror 12a is shared. The signal radiation from the transmitting supply horn 24 is at a horizontally polarized frequency. The second pattern covers C0NUS by number selection screen 18a. The light is reflected onto a reflecting mirror 12a shaped like this.

Point-to-point subsystems are widely used in transmitting arrays 20. Sub-reflector 22, and and a receiving and supplying horn 16. As will be explained in more detail later, the transmitting array 20 is It is mounted on a support 30 directly below the clean 18. The sub-reflector 22 It is mounted in front of the communication array 20 and slightly below the screen 18. Sending a The signal radiated from the ray 20 is transmitted to one half of the screen 18 by a sub-reflector 22. reflected onto the minute portion 18b. The main reflecting mirror 12 and the sub-reflecting mirror 22 are transmitting arrays. 20 effectively magnifying and expanding the pattern of signals emitted from the 20. Sub reflector 22? The signal reflected from the screen 18 is then greatly reflected by the half portion 18b of the screen Reflected onto mirror 12b, which in turn reflects the point-to-point signal to the ground.

This device provides the performance of a large aperture phased array. receiving supply horn 1B is located at the focal plane 26 of the reflecting mirror 12a. It is shown in Figure 16 4 main horns 50.54.58. B2 and three auxiliary horns 52.511i, Consists of 80.

Referring now to FIGS. 13-15, transmit array 20 is shown in FIG. a plurality, for example 40, arranged in parallel relationship to form an array. It includes a signal waveguide element 10B.

Each of the transmitting waveguide elements 10B has a plurality of, for example 26, elements that generate vertically polarized signals. Includes horizontal and vertically spaced slots 108. As shown in Figure 14 In general, the transmit array 20 is configured with number 1, which excites the array elements at four locations 114. The transmit signal is supplied by a collective supply network indicated by 10. collective supply The purpose of network 110 is to provide broadband matching to transmit waveguide element 106. be. The signal input to the waveguide opening 112 is such that the slot excitation is flat in the north-south direction. Array slot 108 is excited in a manner designed to provide a pattern.

Horizontally polarized point-approximately square beam provided by a point receiving system Please refer to FIG. 5, where the scope of application is shown. In this particular example, point − The territory served by the points system is the United States. point The to-point receiving system has four uplink zones: 32°34, 36.38 including four beams R1, R2, R3, and R4, each radiating from the satellite to the satellite, Each of the beams R1-R4 has an individual position in each zone 32.34.36.38. Consists of a number of individual uplink beams emanating from a site; transmit individual signals from Uplink beam signals from individual locations are arranged into multiple channels for viewing.

For example, zone 32 has hundreds of individual A plurality of, e.g. 16 27 MHz channels.

Four beam patterns designated by 32, 34, 3B, and 38 respectively. The signal strength for each beam profile is approximately 3 dB from the peak of their respective beams. It's below. The antenna beam is circumferential in the hatching range 39.41.43.45. Achieve sufficient separation between them to allow 4x reuse of wavenumber spectra is designed to. Stipple range 40.42. and 44, this minute separation is insufficient to discriminate between signals of the same frequency originating in adjacent zones . Each signal emitted in these ranges generates two downlink signals, one of which is scheduled One is temporary, and the other is temporary. Extraordinary communications in these areas The occurrence of issues is discussed in more detail below.

The four zones covered by beams 32.34.38.38 are of equal width do not have. The east coast zone covered by Beam 32 extends approximately 1.2 degrees It is. The central zone covered by beam 34 extends approximately 1.2 degrees It is. The west central zone covered by beam pattern 36 is approximately 2.0 It is a wide range of degrees. The west coast zone covered by beam pattern 38 is It spreads about 2.0 degrees. 4 reception zones 32, 34, 38 and 38 The width of each is determined by the number of bases and population density in various parts of the country. follow Thus, beam pattern 32 accommodates the relatively high population density in the eastern United States. The beam pattern 36 is relatively narrow for people in mountainous areas. Relatively wide due to mouth density. Since each zone uses the entire frequency spectrum, the zones width adapts to high demands on channel usage in densely populated areas It is narrowed to make it easier.

As shown in Figure 9, the point-to-point transmission system has four transmission zones each. Four beams Tl, T2 . T3. T4 and each beam T1 to T4 corresponds to each zone 31.33.35.3. Multiple individual downlink bees scheduled for 7 individual downlink locations consists of multiple systems that transmit individual signals to that location. Received at individual downlink locations The downlink beam signal scheduled to be arrayed into channels. For example, zone 31 sends hundreds of individual beam signals to zone 3. 2 corresponding downlink locations by each such channel. It may include a number of 27 MHz channels, for example 16.

The use of multiple downlink zones and downlink zones of unequal width is geographically distributed so that a large portion of the intermodulation product is prevented from being received by ground stations The generation of intermodulation products generated by solid-state power amplifiers as discussed below help you grow. The real effect is that the amplifier is operated more efficiently.

The width of the transmitting zone 31, 33, 35, 37 is the same as that of the receiving zone R1, R2° R3, R4. Although they are almost the same, a small difference between the two sets will optimize the capacity of the system. Found to be.

The half power beamwidth of the individual transmit beams 29 is substantially equal to the transmit zone 31.33. ．． It is narrower than the width of 35.37. This results in the desired high gain and Avoid conflict range zones 40.42.44 featuring arrays. These individual Beam 29 is designed to maximize downlink EIRP in the direction of individual destinations. must be directed during the turn. Transmission point-point frequency address possible The apparent size of the narrow band 29 is larger than that of the main reflecting mirror 12b and the sub-reflecting mirror 22. generated by an array 20 magnified by two equally focused parabolas containing Ru. The east-west direction of each beam 29 follows the direction of its signal along the array 106 of transmitting elements 20. determined by the phase course (FIGS. 13 and 15).

This phase progression is established by beamforming network 98, discussed below, and the signal It is a function of frequency. Each of the transmit array elements 20 includes a solid state power amplifier, which will be discussed later. driven by the device.

The power supplied to the array elements 106 is not uniform, but instead is more than 10 dB lower. Even the thinner edge elements are gradually becoming weaker.

The progressively weaker beam 29 has its transmit gain adjusted according to the position of the transmit array element 20. This is achieved by The excitation pattern follows the secondary pattern of transmission shown in Figure 9A. Determine the characteristics of the turn.

Referring to Figure 9, the closest sky between transmission zones 31.33.35.37 The gap occurs between zones 31 and 33, which is approximately 1.2 degrees. This thing is The signal addressed to zone 33 using a specific frequency is 1 from its beam center. ．． The two degree side lobes cause interference with signals using the same frequency in zone 31. It means intervening. However, individual transmit gains have low sidelobe levels. frequency reuse in adjacent zones. use is allowed.

Referring to Figure 9A, the sidelobe at this angle from the center of the beam is an additional 30 It is smaller than dB, so such interference is so small that it can be ignored. Garu. The same frequency usage in zones 35 and 37 is moved further in angle and this Therefore, sidelobe interference in these zones is smaller.

FIG. 9B is an explanation of the transmission beam pattern in the north-south direction.

The 26 slots 108 of each transmit waveguide element 106 form a generally flat north-south pattern. It is excited to form and covers a distance of plus or minus 1.4 degrees from the north-south aiming direction. spread over the area.

Both point-to-point and C0NUS systems have the same uplinks and Using the downlink band, the point-to-point system uses its uplink polarization. The C0NUS system uses vertical polarization as described earlier. use For example, both services can operate between 11.7GHz and 12.2GHz at the same time. The entire 500MHz downlink frequency band between 14GHz and 14.5GHz The entire 500MHz uplink frequency band is used. Points - Point Sur Receiving zone 32, 34, 36, 38 and transmitting zone 31° 33, 35 using ．． 37(7), each using a full frequency vector (i.e. 500 MHz). Furthermore, This aggregate wavenumber spectrum consists of multiple channels, each with an effective frequency of 27 MHz. It is divided into 16 channels with bandwidth and spacing of 30 MHz. Next, 16 Each of the 800 subchannels may apply approximately 800 subchannels. this Therefore, each zone has approximately 12,500 (16 channels x 800 subchannels) A channel of 32 kilobits per second is accommodated at any given moment.

As explained below, a point-to-point system communication configuration can be to communicate directly with any other base. Therefore, in a single polarization, A total of 50,000 sub-channels are covered nationwide.

With particular reference to Figures 1, 2, 6, 7, and 16, the points To-point receive supply array 16 uses seven receive horns 50-62. Ho 50.54.58. and 62 are zones 32.34.3B and 38 respectively Receive signals from. Horns 52.56 and 60 have conflict ranges 40.42 and 44. A series of hybrid couplers or power dividers to C9, the signals received by horns 50 to 62 are output to four outputs 64. to 70. For example, from the area of contention range 44 and by horn 60. The signal received by is split by coupler C2, and the split signal part is The signals are divided into coupler C1 and coupler C4, respectively, and the divided signals are is combined with the input signal received by channel 58.82. Similarly, competitive range 4 The signal emanating from region 2 and received by horn 56 is coupled by coupler C5. be divided. A part of the divided signal is sent to coupler C4 by coupler C3. output, while the remaining part of the split signal is hosted by coupler C7. signal received by the channel 54.

Receiving signals for both C0NUS and point-to-point systems and Particular attention is drawn to FIG. 6, which shows a block diagram of the transmitting electronics. Point - Poi The point receive signals 64-70 (see FIG. 7) are the point-to-point receive signals of FIG. while the C0NUS receive signal 72 is obtained from the C0NUS receive supply horn 1 4 (Figs. 1 and 3). Point-Point and C0NUS The received signal is transmitted through a strip selectively connecting five corresponding receivers and input lines 64-72. Input to switching network 76, its eight receivers are indicated generally at 74.

Receivers 74 are of normal design, three of which are redundant. It is normally not used unless one of the receivers fails. late In the event of a failure, switching circuitry 76 switches backup receiver 74 to the appropriate Reconnect to input lines 84-72. Receiver 74 is a filter mutual coupling matrix It functions to drive the filter in the bus 90. Connected to line 84-70 The output of receiver 74 is connected to four receive lines by a second switching network 78. are coupled to filter interconnection matrix 9o via channels R1-R4. Discussed below As discussed, a filter interconnection matrix (FIM) is provided in the receiving zone 32. 34.36.38 and transmission zone 31.33.35.37. provide Operation at 500MHz as described above with 16 27MHz channels 4 sets of 16 filters used. Each set of 16 filters has a total frequency spectrum of 500MHz , and each filter has a bandwidth of 27 MHz. As described below, fill The data outputs TI-T4 are arranged in four groups, each group having four transmission zones 31.33. Scheduled for one of 35.37.

The transmitted signals TI-T4 each pass through a switching network 94 to six driving amplifiers. 92, and two of such amplifiers 92 It is provided for backup purposes. one of the amplifiers 92 In the event of a failure, one of the backup amplifiers 92 4, it is reconnected to the corresponding transmission signal TI-T4. Similarly, switch Gig circuitry 96 couples the amplified output of amplifier 92 to beamforming circuitry 98. . Beamforming network 98 includes four delay lines, as described in further detail below. It consists of multiple transmission delay lines connected at equal intervals along the line.

These spacings and widths of the delay lines provide the desired centerband beam skint and A signal with a frequency for the corresponding transmission zone 31, 33, 35, 37 to be serviced. selected to give a system scanning speed. Combined transmission from 4 delay lines The signals are transmitted in beamforming network 98 as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. summed to provide input to solid state power amplifier 100, which is a point-to-point It may also be embedded in the transmitting unit 20 of the client system. Implementation discussed below In the example, 40 solid state power amplifiers (SSPA) 100 are provided. Ru. Each of the 5 SPA 100 has 40 signals formed by beam forming network 98. Amplify the corresponding one of the numbers. 5SPA100 gradually weakens as explained earlier. have different power capacities to provide array excitation. The output of 5SPA100 is It is connected to the input 112 (FIG. 14) of one of the elements of the signal array 20.

The received signal for C0NUS on line 72 is provided by switching networks 76 and 78. Connected to a suitable receiver 74. The output of the receiver connected to the C0NUS signal is to input multiplexer 80 provided for eight channels as described. Output. The purpose of input multiplexer 80 is to allow sub-signals to be amplified individually. By splitting one low level C0NUS signal into sub-signals so that Ru. The C0NUS received signal is distributed to the very small ground base where the C0NUS transmitted signal is. Highly amplified so that The output of input multiplexer 80 is a switching circuit. via network 84 to eight of twelve high power traveling wave tube amplifiers (TWTA) 82. four TWTA82s are connected as backup in the event of a failure. used for The outputs of the eight TWTA82s connect to another switching network 8G. and an output multiple that recombines the eight amplified signals into one C0NUS transmit signal. Connected to multiplexer 88. The output of multiplexer 88 is C0NUS transmitter 2 4 (FIGS. 2 and 3).

Note in Figure 10, which shows the filter interconnection matrix FIM90 (Figure 6) in detail. I see it. As previously discussed, the FIM 90 can be used in any reception zone 32.34. Any terminal in 38.38 (Figure 5) and any transmission zone 31.33.3 5.37 to effectively interconnect any terminal. FIM90 is the received signal Four waveguide inputs for receiving R1° R2, R3, and R4, respectively 1. 20, 122, 124 and 12B. As explained earlier, The received signal R1~ generated from the receiving zone 32, 34, 36, 38 (Fig. 5) to R4 contains the entire assigned frequency spectrum (e.g. 500MHz) , into multiple channels (eg, 16 27 MHz channels). blood The channel is further separated into multiple subchannels, each of which has a corresponding transmit signals from uplink locations. FIM90 contains 64 filters. , one of which is indicated by the reference number 102. Each filter 102 the bus band (e.g. 1403 to 1430MHz) that corresponds to one of the channels. do. The filters 102 are for each receiving zone 32.34; 36.38 respectively. arranged in four groups, each group containing two filters of eight filters per subgroup. Contains banks or subgroups. One subgroup of filter 102 is even Contain these filters for numbered channels, and the other groups in each group are odd Contains 8 filters for several numbered channels. Thus, for example, the received signal The filter group for R1 is a subgroup 104 of the odd channel filter 102. Contains a subgroup 106 of the filter 102 for the sleep channel.

The table below describes the received signals and zones for those filter subgroups. It is.

filter subgroup 32 R1104106 34R21,0811,0 36R3112114 38R, 4116118 When the received signals R1, -R4 are filtered, the filtered output is the same as the transmitted signal. Filters are grouped in unique ways such that they can be combined to form.

The transmitted signal Tl-T4 also covers the entire allocated frequency spectrum (e.g. 500 M Hz) is used. In the described embodiment, each of the transmitted signals Tl-74 is 1 It has six 27 MHz wide channels, each of four reception zones 32-38. (Figure 5).

The input received signals R1-R4 effectively send 50% of the signal power to each subgroup. Each related hybrid coupler to aim at! 28-134 corresponds to the subgroup Split into loops.

Therefore, for example, half of the R1 signal input at waveguide 120 is The other half of the R1 signal is routed to transmission line 136 serving the to a transmission line 138 serving subgroup 10B of filter 102. Ru. In a similar manner, each of subgroups 104-118 of filter 102 are supplied by corresponding distribution lines similar to lines 136 and 138.

The configuration of subgroup 104 will be explained in more detail. remaining subgroup 1 06-118 has the same structure as subgroup 104. Along transmission line 136 There are eight ferrite circulators 140 spaced apart, each with one are associated with odd numbered channel filters 102. of circulator 140 The function is to connect the transmission line 136 to each of the odd channels in a lossless manner. That is. Therefore, for example, the R1 signal enters the first circulator 140a. , passes the 27 MHz band signal corresponding to channel 1 to the circulator 142. Cycle it counterclockwise as usual. All other frequencies are reflected. child These reflected signals pass through a circulator to the next filter where the processing is repeated. Propagated. Through this processing, the R1 received signal is divided into 16 frames corresponding to the R1 signal. The 16 channels are filtered by filters 104-108. in this way , the R1 signal having a frequency in the range of channel 1 is connected to the first ferrite circuit. 1.40 g and is filtered by filter 1 of group 104. Ru.

Outputs from filter subgroups 104-118 are filtered in a cross pattern. of ferrite circulator 142 summing the outputs from 102 adjacent groups. selectively coupled by a second set. For example, group 104's channel The outputs of filters 1°5.9 and 13 are the channel filters of filter group 112. 3.7.11 and 15. This total is the output terminal 1 for T1. Appears on the 14th. Referring to Figure 8, these signals are located between reception zones R1 and R3. corresponds to the combination and transmission zone T1.

FIM9 for transmitting and receiving signals to allow transmitting and receiving communications between arbitrary terminals. Attention is drawn to FIGS. 8 and 9 which show how they are interconnected by 0.

In particular, Figure 8 shows how the receive and transmit zones are separated by mutually coupled channels. Give a table showing how these are connected together, and the diagram 9 shows how these interconnections Channels are geographically distributed across transmission zones 31.33.35.37 Show that. In FIG. 8, the received signals R1-R4 are arranged for each row of mutually coupled channels. The transmitted signal Tl-74 is read out column by column of mutually coupled channels.

Each of the transmitted signals Tl-74 is from 16 channels each arranged in four groups. It can be quickly seen from FIG. 8 that each group is associated with one of the received signals R1-R4. Recognized quickly. The satellite communication system of the present invention transmits signals to the ground via packet switched signals. A ground base called a satellite network control center that coordinates communications between upper bases used in connection with The network control center determines the desired downlink location. Assign uplink frequencies to uplink users based on Assign the valid frequency whose longitude is closest to that of the destination. frequency addressable The downlink transmit beam 29 is therefore addressed by the frequency of the uplink signal. will be missed.

This method maximizes the gain of the downlink signal.

As shown in Figure 9, the American continent is divided into four basic zones. It is divided into 5.37 parts. Zone 31 is called the east coast zone and zone 33 is the central Zone 35 is called the Mountain Zone and Zone 37 is the West Coast Zone. It is. As previously explained, each of zones 31.33.35.37 has an assigned The entire frequency spectrum (for example, 500 MHz) is used. Therefore, 500M In the case of the assigned frequency band of Hz, there is a protective band in each of zones 31, 33 and 35, 37. There are 16 27MHz channels including

The numbers 1-16 repeated four times in beam 29 of Figure 9 are so numbered. The longitude of the beam corresponding to the center frequency of the selected channel is shown. Beam frequency sensitivity Therefore, the channel's lowest frequency narrowband signal and highest frequency narrowband signal and The longitude span between is approximately one channel width. Each beam has half its power 0.6 degree width between the points, i.e. the zone width in the east coast and central zone This is approximately one-third of the zone width in the Mountain Zone and the West Coast Zone.

The antenna beams 29 overlap each other to establish high signal density. Immediately The more the beams overlap, the more the channel capacity in a given area increases. The quantity becomes larger. Therefore, in the east coast zone 31, the signal of the east coast zone 31 than in Mountain Zone 35 since the amount is considerably larger than that in Mountain Zone 35. There is a large overlap.

For the interconnection scheme described above, typical communication between bases in different zones is This will be explained as an example. In this example, a caller from Detroit, Michigan Suppose you are trying to call a base in Los Angeles, California. Therefore, Detroit, Michigan, located in the central zone, is an uplink location and Los Angeles, California, located in Kishi Zone 37, is for downlink purposes It is the earth. As shown in Figure 9, each geographical location in the Americas is can be associated with a particular channel in a zone.

Therefore, Los Angeles is located between channels 14 and 15 in transmission zone 37. It is determined.

With particular reference to FIGS. 5, 8, and 9 at the same time, the receiving and transmitting zones R1 and T1 are located in east coast zones 32 and 31, and R2 and T2 are located in central zone 34 and 33, R3 and T3 exist in mountain zones 36 and 35, and R4 and T4 exist in the West Sea It is present in shore zones 38 and 37. Detroit is in Central or R2 Zone 34 so that the signal can be sent to the west coast or T4 zone 37. The channels are determined in the table of FIG. 8 on channels 1, 5.9 and 13. So Therefore, from Detroit, uplink users can access channel l, 5.9 or 13. uplink for any of these channels and downlink for any of these channels Closest to the destination (-.Los Angeles is between channels 14 and 15) Because the network control center Since it is also nearby, the signal of channel 13 will be uplinked. Downlink beam width is Wide enough to give high gains in Los Angeles.

Conversely, if the A/L link location is in Los Angeles and the downlink destination is in If in Troit, row R4 and column T2 of FIG. 8 must be considered. . This crossing depends on which channel the signal is closest to the downlink location. Represents that it can be transmitted on channel 1, 5.9 or 13. Chan Network since Channel 9 is closest to Channel 11 which is closest to Detroit. The control center uplinks the signal from Los Angeles on Channel 9.

Referring to Figure 1O, the conversion of the received signal to the transmitted signal is performed when the uplink position is In connection with the example mentioned above, Troit has a downlink location in Los Angeles. It is explained as follows. The uplink signal sent from Detroit becomes the received signal R2 Therefore, it is transmitted to channel 13. Therefore, the R2 received signal is A portion of such an input signal is input to the hybrid coupler 13 0 to the input line of subgroup lO8 of filter 102. sub Group 108 contains eight filter banks for odd channels; Contains 13. Therefore, the input signal is filtered by the filter 13, and the sub Groups 108 and 116 output on line 164 along with other signals. Cha The signal present on line 1B4 of channel 13 is coupled by hybrid coupler 158. signals emanating from subgroups 106 and 114 to output line 150. A T4 signal is formed on the top. The transmitted signal T4 is then downlinked to Los Angeles. is blocked.

A 27MHz wide channel is actually a number of smaller channels, e.g. Consisting of 800 subchannels of bandwidth, the network control center The above example has been simplified slightly since we are allocating specific channels rather than MHz bandwidth. It is.

Referring again to Figures 5, 8, and 9, the uplink and ri signals are in the contention range. 40.42.44 (Fig. 5), such a signal is not only transmitted to the desired downlink destination of Signals are transmitted to other geographic areas. For example, if the uplink signal is in contention range 42 The signal originates from Chicago, Illinois, in the area of Assuming it is directed to San Diego. Conflict range 42 covers zones 34 and 3B. It is generated by the overlap of forming beams. Therefore, uplink The signal may be transmitted as received signal R2 or R3. Ne!・Work control center determines whether the uplink communication is carried by the received signal R2 or R3. decide. In this example, Chicago is closer to zone 36, so the up Link communications are conveyed on received signal R3.

As discussed earlier, the downlink destination, namely Los Angeles, is in Zone 37. between channels 14 and 15. As shown in Figure 8, The intersection of R3 with column T4 creates a channel over which communications can be routed. Therefore, The Chicago uplink signal is on channels 2.6. One of lO or 14 Sent in Channel 1 since Los Angeles is closest to Channel 14. 4 is selected by the network control center as the uplink channel . However, undesired signals are also transmitted from zone 34 on channel 14. It is important to be believed. Where unwanted signals are downlinked To determine, the table of FIG. 8 is taken into account. The table in Figure 8 shows the channel for R2 zone 34. The uplink signal transmitted on the channel 14 is transmitted on the downlink to the T1 transmission zone 31. It means to be done. Desired signal sent to Los Angeles, undesired The signal (ie, irrelevant signal) is sent to the east coast (ie, zone 31). netwa The control center maintains the trajectory of these unrelated signals when making frequency assignments. do. The effects of these extraneous signals can be reduced slightly by reducing the capacity of the system. be.

Referring again to FIG. 6, beamforming circuitry 98 receives transmit signal TI-T4. , the individual among these transmitted signals so that a transmit antenna beam for each signal is formed. functions to combine all of the communication signals together. Assigned frequency spectrum In the example above where the torque is 500 MHz, there are approximately 50,000 total - Burlap antenna beam beamforming circuitry 98. Each antenna beam is It is shaped in such a way that it is oriented in a direction that optimizes the characteristics of the system. Adjacent The incremental phase shift between the elements determines the direction of the antenna beam. This phase shift is determined by the signal frequency, this system Called.

Attention is directed to FIGS. 11 and 12, which show details of beamforming network 98. 1st The beamforming network, generally designated 98 in Figure 1, is generally arranged in an arc. It is usually attached to the communication field (not shown) of an artificial satellite. Beam forming times The arcuate shape of the network 98 is such that a device ensures that the signal path is the correct length. It is intended to be easily obtained.

Beamforming network 98 includes transmission delay lines 168 extending around the first set; 170, a second set radially spaced from delay lines 168 and 170; transmission delay lines 172, 174, and a plurality of radially extending waveguide assemblies. assembly 176. In the illustrated embodiment, 40 waveguide assemblies 17 6, one for each element 106 of the transmitting array 20. (Figure 13). Waveguide assembly 17B connects each of delay lines 168-174. They intersect and are spaced at equal angular intervals.

Each waveguide assembly 176 defines a radial summer, with delay lines 168-1 . It intersects each of 74. At the intersection, the radial line A cruciform combiner 180 is provided between summer 176 and transmission delay lines 188-174. is being given. The cruciform combiner 180 connects the radial line summer 176 and the delay line. Connect 18g-174. The function of the cruciform coupler 180 is further described below. Discussed in detail.

Four delay lines 168-174 are provided for each of the four transmit zones Tl-T4. (Figure 9). Therefore, the transmitted signal T1 is input to the delay line 170. T2 is fed to the input of delay line 168, T3 is fed to delay line 1 74 and T4 is fed to the input of delay line 172.

As shown in Figure 12, the distance between the radial line adders is indicated by the letter “L”. The width of each delay line is indicated by the letter "W". The radial line adder 17B is Although located at equal angular intervals along delay line 188-174, Since the extension lines 188-174 are located radially to each other, the distance between them is Change from delay line to delay line. Therefore, the radial line summer 17G The further away from the center of the arcuate shape formed by The distance between the radial line summers 176 at the point where they intersect -174 becomes larger. Ru.

In other words, between radial line summers 176 for delay line 168 The spacing “L” is between adjacent radial line summers 176 for delay line 174. smaller than the interval. Typical values for the sizes of “L” and #W are listed below. .

Delay line signal L9 inch W2 inch 168 T2 1.66 0.64 Width “W” of Delay Line IH-174 and Distance Between Adjacent Radial Line Summers The separation “L” is desired so that beam pointing is correct for each channel. selected to give a central beam skint and beam scanning speed of this child yields the desired starting and ending points for each of the transmission zones Tl-74.

With particular reference to FIG. 12, the transmitted signal T2 is transmitted to the first radial line summer 176. propagates down delay line 168 at the correct distance to reach . Part of the T2 signal is , 1 percent of the transmit power of the transmit signal T2 goes below the radial line summer 176. For example, the signal passes through a cruciform coupler 180 with a 20 dB coupler.

This extracted energy is directed to a corresponding solid-state power amplifier 100 through a waveguide 176. (Figures 6 and 11). This process propagates through delay line 170. Repeated for signal T1. Signal T1 derived by cruciform combiner 180 and a portion of T2 are summed in radial line summer 176 to form a combined signal 0.01 (TI+T2) is radiated towards the next set of delay lines 172 and 174. It propagates outward in a similar manner. This same coupling process applies to delay lines 174 and 172. Each is repeated for signals T3 and T4. That is, signals T3 and T4 of 0.01 are It is coupled via a cruciform coupler 180 to a radial line summer 176 . composite bond Signal 0.01 (T1+T2+T3+T4) is amplified in propagation for transmission. and propagates radially outward to the associated solid state power amplifier 100.

After encountering the first radial line summer 176, the remainder of signal TI-T4 is 0. 99 is a second radial line from which another 1 percent of the signal is drawn to summer 17B. propagates to the adder.

This process of deriving 1 percent of the signal T1-T4 is performed by the radial line summer 17. Repeat for each of B.

The signal propagating towards 5SPA through the radial line summer 17B is The signal T is a mixture of all of the signals TI-T4. However, the transmitted signal T Each I-T4 includes 12.500 sub-signals. As a result, the radial line The 40 signals propagating through the calculator 176 have an assigned frequency spectrum of 50 For the example above with a width of 0 MHz, a mixture of all 50,000 signals It may be. Therefore, each of the 5SPA 100 has a plurality of waveguide assemblies 17 All 50,000 signals originating from each of B are amplified.

Each of the 5SPA100 will carry all of the 50,000 signals scheduled for the entire range of the country. all narrow high-gain downlink beams are connected to a common pool of transmitters. That is, it is formed from all 5SPA100. This device is installed at each station covering the whole country. Since the unlink beam is generated using all 5 SPAIQQ, the nationwide It is considered to effectively give a pool. As a result, the signal power of other beams is effectively Adaptation of specific disadvantaged downlink users on an individual basis without reduction Part of this national pool of electricity could be diverted to increase energy efficiency. For example, downlink beam attenuates the signal strength of the beam due to rain at the downlink destination. be put at a “disadvantage”. Users who are disadvantaged by such rain should update the corresponding app. individually adjusted by increasing the signal strength of the link beams. This is not true A small portion of the power ( that is, by splitting a small portion of the power supplied by the 5SPA. will be accomplished. The power of an individual uplink beam is that of the corresponding downlink beam. is proportional to Consequently, in order to increase the power of the downlink beam, It is merely necessary to increase the power of the plink beam.

In fact, the network control centers described above are limited to those in rainy countries. Maintain all trajectories of the area and track which uplink users are in the rain-affected area. and decide whether to send the communication to the downlink destination. network control center The rain-affected areas are then scheduled using packet-switched signals. each of these uplinks to increase its uplink power for those signals. Indicate the link user. Uplink user signal power increase is affected by rain. 5SPA100 to produce downlink beams that cover large areas. This results in a further collective amplification of these signals, which increases sufficiently to compensate for the rain attenuation. power level. Typically scheduled for areas affected by rain. The number of signals handled by the 5SPA is proportional to the total number of signals handled by the 100 total pools. It's small. Therefore, other downlinks in zones not affected by rain Users are aware that small losses in their signals can affect thousands of users. Therefore, there is no substantial signal loss.

5SPA100 (Figs. 8 and 11) can be used, for example, in the communication field of an artificial satellite (without) may be attached to the edge. The signal amplified by 5SPA100 is sent 13 and 14 to corresponding elements 106 of signal array 20 (FIGS. 13 and 14).

As previously explained, the incremental phase shift is applied to the 40 radial line summers 176. This is achieved between signals that are combined at

Beamforming network 98 therefore (Figures 1, 2 and 13) can be directed by frequency assignments. and allow. The increased phase shift increases with the frequency as well as the time delay between the waveguides 176. Related.

Four schematic diagrams of 40 transmitting array elements 106 and wavefronts of radio waves emitted from them are shown below. Attention is drawn to FIG. 17, where °d° is the spacing between transmit array elements 106. equal. The composite antenna beam has a slope of angle e, where e is the beam scanning defined as an angle. This means that θ is the angle from the normal to the center of the transmitted beam. Ru. The incremental phase shift caused by the delay line device is ΔΦ. The relationship between ΔΦ and θ The relationship is given by the following formula:

ΔΦ−(2πd/λ) 5ane During the ceremony, λ - signal wavelength e-beam scan angle d-spacing between array elements Therefore, the east-west direction of the antenna beam is determined by the four delay lines of beamforming network 98. 168-1.74, determined by an increasing phase shift that is different from 1.74 This results in the four transmission zones TI-T4 described.

Having thus described the present invention, one skilled in the art will appreciate the scope of this contribution to the art. Various modifications to the preferred embodiment have been made to illustrate the invention without departing from the scope of the invention. It is recognized that additions may be made. Therefore, it is stated in the claims. Protection is sought for all matters included in the technical scope of the present invention. It should be understood that

P1 degree of Iυ now in the beam east-west international search report 1111-111＾帥-1--・PCT/US 87101717 International Search Report Notice

Claims (24)

[Claims] (1) A first channel that transmits frequency division multiplexed signals each having multiple channels. In an apparatus for interconnecting a set of communication lines and a second set of communication lines, said first set of lines for receiving a corresponding one of said frequency division multiplexed signals; has a plurality of inputs, each connected to the input, and each received on said input. a signal on a certain preselected channel of each of said frequency division multiplexed signals. respectively connected to said second set of lines for outputting to each of said second set of lines; device including interconnection means having a plurality of outputs. (2) The mutual coupling means connects a plurality of sets each associated with the frequency division multiplexed signal. Contains a filter to pass only those signals on the corresponding channel. 2. A device according to claim 1 operative. (3) each of said set of filters includes a channel passed by the filter; a corresponding one of said output for transmitting a signal of said signal to said corresponding one of said output. each including an associated filter, each of said outputs being associated with said set of filters. 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the apparatus receives a signal on a channel passed by each of the Place. (4) The mutual coupling means connects each filter in the set to a frequency division multiplexed signal. to each filter in its corresponding set. 3. The apparatus of claim 2 including a plurality of circulators each coupled therebetween. (5) each set of filters is arranged in a group, and at least two sets of filters are arranged in groups; 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein groups of data are connected to the same one of said outputs. (6) Each filter of said set includes a plurality of groups thereof, and each of said outputs includes a plurality of groups thereof; 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the apparatus is associated with a group of filters in each set. (7) One of the groups of filters in that set is a filter in the other set. 7. The device of claim 6, wherein the device is connected to one of the groups of . (8) Said group of filters in the set is operated by a ferrite circulator. 8. The device of claim 7, wherein the devices are interconnected. (9) Multiple inputs and multiple outputs, each containing multiple channels. In an apparatus for guiding any individual signal of a frequency division multiplexed signal, a plurality of inputs for respectively receiving the plurality of frequency division multiplexed signals; said output collectively outputs all channels of all said frequency division multiplexed signals; a certain channel of each of said frequency division multiplexed signals received by said input; multiple outputs, each outputting only the said frequency to mutually couple each of said input and said output and separate channels. between the input and the output to selectively filter each of the multiplexed signals. filter mutual coupling means connected to said plurality of frequency division multiplexed signals; a plurality of sets of filters, each associated with a channel of a signal to which the filter corresponds; Each channel is associated with a channel, and each filters through only the channels it is associated with. each set of filters is configured such that each set of filters has at least a corresponding one of said outputs and a number of filters each associated with Each of the routers has an input terminal coupled to one of said inputs and a corresponding one of said outputs. an output terminal coupled to a The filter phase as defined by the outputs of said several filters of that entire set and mutual coupling means. (10) each of said sets of filters includes two groups of said filters; The filters in one group of each set filter every other group of said channels. The filters in the other group of each set are 10. The apparatus of claim 9 operative to filter the other alternate group. Place. (11) the power of the signal received by the filter mutual coupling means or each of the inputs; into a first part for distribution to one group of filters in each set, and means for dividing each set of filters into a second portion for distribution to the other group; 11. The apparatus of claim 10. (12) The filter interconnection means is such that each filter is intended to filter. the corresponding filter in each set to receive the channel at its input terminal. In order to distribute the signals of each channel of each frequency division multiplexed signal, multiple inputs and 10. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising means coupled between each corresponding set of input terminals of the router. Place. (13) the distribution means includes a plurality of interconnected ferrite circulators; 13. Apparatus according to claim 12. (14) The filter mutual coupling means corresponds to the output terminals of each set of filters. Multiple interconnected ferrite circuits each coupled between the output 10. The apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising: a. (15) The circulator has at least one of its at least two sets of filters. 15. The device of claim 14, wherein several output terminals are interconnected. (16) Connect and communicate multiple ground bases on the ground area for sending and receiving communications An artificial satellite communication system including an earth-orbiting satellite, wherein the artificial satellite travels over the area. Receive multiple uplink beams each from different zones covering the Frequency division multiplexing of multiple corresponding uplink beams over the same frequency range transmitting received signals, each received signal including a plurality of channels; Each star sends a plurality of respective transmitted signals over the same frequency range to each of the zones. Collaboration with satellite communication systems such as transmitting multiple downlink beams for transmission At the same time, the satellite is configured to convert the received signal into the transmitted signal. In an apparatus for mutually coupling an uplink beam and the downlink beam, the a plurality, one for each of said zones, each receiving said plurality of received signals; and the input of a plurality, one for each of said zones, each outputting said plurality of transmission signals; and the output of The transmitted signal output from each output is obtained from a preselected channel of each received signal. said channels of said respective received signals from said respective inputs to said respective outputs such that between said input and said output for guiding the signal of a predetermined one of the channels. and connected means. (17) The guiding means receives a corresponding received signal and receives a frequency of the channel. a plurality of sets of said filters each connected to said input for passing said input; 16. The apparatus according to claim 15. (18) each of the channels of said set is arranged into its groups; 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein a filter is connected to a corresponding one of the outputs. (19) Each of said set of filters is arranged on the channel passed by the filter. to a corresponding one of said outputs in order to transmit a signal of said output to a corresponding one of said outputs. each including an associated filter, each output being passed by each filter of the set. 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the apparatus receives a signal on a channel. (20) The guiding means may be configured to one of the corresponding inputs for distributing the received signal to each of the filters 17. The apparatus of claim 16, comprising a plurality of circulators each coupled together. (21) Each set of filters is arranged in a group, and at least one of the filters is arranged in a group. 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein two groups are connected to the same one of said outputs. (22) Each of said set of filters includes a plurality of said groups, and each said output 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the apparatus is combined with a group of filters in each of the sets of . (23) One of the groups of filters in one set is in the other set. 23. The device of claim 22, wherein the device is connected to one of a group of filters. (24) The group of filters in the set is controlled by a ferrite circulator. 23. The device of claim 22, wherein the device is interconnected.