US20180164441A1 - Accelerated satellite acquisition scheme - Google Patents

Accelerated satellite acquisition scheme Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20180164441A1
US20180164441A1 US15/375,490 US201615375490A US2018164441A1 US 20180164441 A1 US20180164441 A1 US 20180164441A1 US 201615375490 A US201615375490 A US 201615375490A US 2018164441 A1 US2018164441 A1 US 2018164441A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
phased array
array antenna
reconfigurable phased
antenna
regard
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US15/375,490
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Ying J. Feria
David Whelan
Parthasarathy Ramanujam
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Boeing Co
Original Assignee
Boeing Co
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Boeing Co filed Critical Boeing Co
Priority to US15/375,490 priority Critical patent/US20180164441A1/en
Assigned to THE BOEING COMPANY reassignment THE BOEING COMPANY ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: RAMANUJAM, PARTHASARATHY, FERIA, YING J., WHELAN, DAVID
Priority to CA2982038A priority patent/CA2982038C/en
Priority to RU2017136438A priority patent/RU2756402C2/ru
Priority to EP17197858.8A priority patent/EP3334060A1/en
Priority to KR1020170140763A priority patent/KR102360451B1/ko
Priority to JP2017234821A priority patent/JP7411321B2/ja
Priority to CN201711283362.6A priority patent/CN108234012B/zh
Publication of US20180164441A1 publication Critical patent/US20180164441A1/en
Priority to US18/168,110 priority patent/US20230198166A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S19/00—Satellite radio beacon positioning systems; Determining position, velocity or attitude using signals transmitted by such systems
    • G01S19/01—Satellite radio beacon positioning systems transmitting time-stamped messages, e.g. GPS [Global Positioning System], GLONASS [Global Orbiting Navigation Satellite System] or GALILEO
    • G01S19/13—Receivers
    • G01S19/24—Acquisition or tracking or demodulation of signals transmitted by the system
    • G01S19/28—Satellite selection
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04B—TRANSMISSION
    • H04B7/00—Radio transmission systems, i.e. using radiation field
    • H04B7/14—Relay systems
    • H04B7/15—Active relay systems
    • H04B7/185—Space-based or airborne stations; Stations for satellite systems
    • H04B7/1851—Systems using a satellite or space-based relay
    • H04B7/18517—Transmission equipment in earth stations
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q21/00—Antenna arrays or systems
    • H01Q21/06—Arrays of individually energised antenna units similarly polarised and spaced apart
    • H01Q21/22—Antenna units of the array energised non-uniformly in amplitude or phase, e.g. tapered array or binomial array
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
    • H01Q1/36—Structural form of radiating elements, e.g. cone, spiral, umbrella; Particular materials used therewith
    • H01Q1/38—Structural form of radiating elements, e.g. cone, spiral, umbrella; Particular materials used therewith formed by a conductive layer on an insulating support
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
    • H01Q1/12—Supports; Mounting means
    • H01Q1/14—Supports; Mounting means for wire or other non-rigid radiating elements
    • H01Q1/16—Strainers, spreaders, or spacers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
    • H01Q1/12—Supports; Mounting means
    • H01Q1/22—Supports; Mounting means by structural association with other equipment or articles
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
    • H01Q1/50—Structural association of antennas with earthing switches, lead-in devices or lightning protectors
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q21/00—Antenna arrays or systems
    • H01Q21/06—Arrays of individually energised antenna units similarly polarised and spaced apart
    • H01Q21/061—Two dimensional planar arrays
    • H01Q21/065—Patch antenna array
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q21/00—Antenna arrays or systems
    • H01Q21/06—Arrays of individually energised antenna units similarly polarised and spaced apart
    • H01Q21/20—Arrays of individually energised antenna units similarly polarised and spaced apart the units being spaced along or adjacent to a curvilinear path
    • H01Q21/205—Arrays of individually energised antenna units similarly polarised and spaced apart the units being spaced along or adjacent to a curvilinear path providing an omnidirectional coverage
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q21/00—Antenna arrays or systems
    • H01Q21/24—Combinations of antenna units polarised in different directions for transmitting or receiving circularly and elliptically polarised waves or waves linearly polarised in any direction
    • H01Q21/245—Combinations of antenna units polarised in different directions for transmitting or receiving circularly and elliptically polarised waves or waves linearly polarised in any direction provided with means for varying the polarisation 
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q21/00—Antenna arrays or systems
    • H01Q21/29—Combinations of different interacting antenna units for giving a desired directional characteristic
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q21/00—Antenna arrays or systems
    • H01Q21/29—Combinations of different interacting antenna units for giving a desired directional characteristic
    • H01Q21/293—Combinations of different interacting antenna units for giving a desired directional characteristic one unit or more being an array of identical aerial elements
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q3/00—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system
    • H01Q3/26—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elements; varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q3/00—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system
    • H01Q3/26—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elements; varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture
    • H01Q3/28—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elements; varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture varying the amplitude
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q3/00—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system
    • H01Q3/26—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elements; varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture
    • H01Q3/30—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elements; varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture varying the relative phase between the radiating elements of an array
    • H01Q3/34—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elements; varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture varying the relative phase between the radiating elements of an array by electrical means
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04B—TRANSMISSION
    • H04B7/00—Radio transmission systems, i.e. using radiation field
    • H04B7/02—Diversity systems; Multi-antenna system, i.e. transmission or reception using multiple antennas
    • H04B7/04—Diversity systems; Multi-antenna system, i.e. transmission or reception using multiple antennas using two or more spaced independent antennas
    • H04B7/06—Diversity systems; Multi-antenna system, i.e. transmission or reception using multiple antennas using two or more spaced independent antennas at the transmitting station
    • H04B7/0686—Hybrid systems, i.e. switching and simultaneous transmission
    • H04B7/0691—Hybrid systems, i.e. switching and simultaneous transmission using subgroups of transmit antennas
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04B—TRANSMISSION
    • H04B7/00—Radio transmission systems, i.e. using radiation field
    • H04B7/02—Diversity systems; Multi-antenna system, i.e. transmission or reception using multiple antennas
    • H04B7/04—Diversity systems; Multi-antenna system, i.e. transmission or reception using multiple antennas using two or more spaced independent antennas
    • H04B7/08—Diversity systems; Multi-antenna system, i.e. transmission or reception using multiple antennas using two or more spaced independent antennas at the receiving station
    • H04B7/0868—Hybrid systems, i.e. switching and combining
    • H04B7/0874—Hybrid systems, i.e. switching and combining using subgroups of receive antennas
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04B—TRANSMISSION
    • H04B7/00—Radio transmission systems, i.e. using radiation field
    • H04B7/14—Relay systems
    • H04B7/15—Active relay systems
    • H04B7/185—Space-based or airborne stations; Stations for satellite systems
    • H04B7/1851—Systems using a satellite or space-based relay
    • H04B7/18513—Transmission in a satellite or space-based system
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04B—TRANSMISSION
    • H04B7/00—Radio transmission systems, i.e. using radiation field
    • H04B7/14—Relay systems
    • H04B7/15—Active relay systems
    • H04B7/185—Space-based or airborne stations; Stations for satellite systems
    • H04B7/1851—Systems using a satellite or space-based relay
    • H04B7/18519—Operations control, administration or maintenance

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to satellite communications networks, and in particular to an accelerated satellite acquisition scheme for satellite-capable user terminals.
  • LEO low Earth orbit
  • MEO medium Earth orbit
  • GEO geostationary or geosynchronous Earth orbit
  • LEO LEO is the simplest and cheapest for satellite placement, and it provides high bandwidth and low latency for communications services. Similarly, the most common use for satellites in MEO is for communications services, although navigation and geodetic/space environment science applications use MEO as well.
  • current satellite signal acquisition techniques are based on using an omni-directional antenna in a user terminal, which can see most of the satellites in a field of regard (FoR) or field of view (FoV).
  • the field of regard is the total area that can be captured by an antenna, while the field of view is an angular cone perceivable by the antenna at a particular time instant.
  • the field of regard is typically much larger than the field of view, although the field of regard and field of view coincide for a stationary antenna.
  • the user terminal When the user terminal is turned on, it needs to acquire the strongest satellite signal among the many signals in the field of regard or field of view.
  • the antenna in the user terminal needs to be directional for higher gain. Specifically, this feature benefits the normal communication channel speed, but it is not desired during acquisition of the satellite signal.
  • the present invention discloses a method and apparatus for establishing communication with a satellite by providing a user terminal including a reconfigurable phased array antenna having a plurality of antenna elements.
  • the user terminal is operable for: broadening a field of regard of the reconfigurable phased array antenna; receiving signals from a plurality of satellites within the field of regard using the reconfigurable phased array antenna; determining one or more attributes of the received signals for each of the satellites; and selecting one of the plurality of satellites for communication based on the attributes of the received signals.
  • the reconfigurable phased array antenna Prior to selecting the field of regard, the reconfigurable phased array antenna is stationary. Alternatively, the reconfigurable phased array antenna is slewed to establish an initial pointing vector comprised of an azimuth and elevation prior to selecting the field of regard, but the reconfigurable phased array antenna is not slewed once the field of regard is selected.
  • the field of regard is broadened by using a lesser number than a total number of the plurality of antenna elements of the reconfigurable phased array antenna. This includes selecting one antenna element from the plurality of antenna elements of the reconfigurable phased array antenna, or selecting a sub-array of two or more antenna elements from the plurality of antenna elements of the reconfigurable phased array antenna.
  • the field of regard is also broadened by using a spoiled beam by changing at least one of a phase and amplitude for one or more of the plurality of antenna elements of the reconfigurable phased array antenna to spread a beam width.
  • the spoiled beam is generated by introducing a phase difference that alters a coherence of the received signals at the reconfigurable phased array antenna.
  • the attributes used for selecting the satellite comprise signal strength, signal quality, or proximity to other signals.
  • the user terminal is operable for: switching to a directional mode for the reconfigurable phased array antenna; establishing the communication with the selected satellite using the reconfigurable phased array antenna; and tracking the selected satellite.
  • an initial pointing vector comprised of an azimuth and elevation and an initial tracking vector comprised of a flight path are determined for the reconfigurable phased array antenna based on ephemeris data for the satellites relative to a current terrestrial or airborne location of the user terminal.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an exemplary communications system, according to one embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates the components of the satellite-capable mobile user terminal, according to one embodiment.
  • FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate alternative embodiments for the antenna used by the user terminal, according to one embodiment.
  • FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C are graphs of theta (degrees) vs. amplitude (dB), illustrating the difference in beam patterns of the antenna for acquisition mode vs. tracking mode, according to one embodiment.
  • FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C are diagrams (in degrees), illustrating the difference in beam patterns of the antenna for acquisition mode vs. tracking mode, according to one embodiment.
  • FIG. 6 is a flowchart that illustrates the steps performed by the network, satellites and user terminals, according to one embodiment.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an exemplary communications system, according to one embodiment.
  • the communications system comprises a satellite network 100 that includes one or more satellites 102 , and one or more satellite-capable user terminals 104 are provided, which are also labeled as a terrestrial user terminal 104 and an airborne user terminal 104 in FIG. 1 , for communicating with the satellites 102 .
  • the satellite network 100 includes a ground station 106 for transmitting and receiving data to and from the satellites 102 .
  • the satellite network 100 may also interface to one or more other satellite, terrestrial and/or airborne networks (not shown), for example, a cellular or personal communications systems (PCS) network, wireless local area networks (WLANs), personal area networks (PANs), or other networks.
  • the user terminals 104 may also operate with the other satellite, terrestrial and/or airborne networks.
  • Satellite network 100 There are a number of benefits to using a satellite network 100 .
  • One benefit is the ubiquitous coverage of the satellite network 100 as an alternative network option to the terrestrial networks.
  • Another benefit of the satellite network 100 is surge capacity to overcome congestion in the terrestrial networks.
  • a satellite network 100 also transcends outages in the terrestrial networks.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates the components of an exemplary user terminal 104 , according to one embodiment.
  • the user terminal 104 includes a microprocessor 200 for controlling the terminal's 104 operations; one or more input/output components coupled to the microprocessor 200 , such as display 202 , audio 204 and keypad 206 , for inputting and outputting data as directed by the microprocessor 200 ; a plurality of transmit/receive components coupled to the microprocessor 200 for communicating with a plurality of communications networks as directed by the microprocessor 200 , wherein the transmit/receive components include a satellite transceiver 208 for communicating with the satellite network 100 , a cellular/PCS transceiver 210 for communicating with a cellular/PCS network, a WLAN/PAN transceiver 212 for communicating with other WLAN/PAN elements, as well as transmit/receive components (not shown) for communicating with other networks; and an integrated antenna 218 coupled to the transmit/receive components, such as transceivers 208
  • FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate alternative embodiments for the antenna 218 used by the user terminal 104 , according to one embodiment.
  • the antenna 218 comprises a reconfigurable phased array antenna 218 that is omni-directional for use during signal acquisition and directional for use during normal communication.
  • the phased array antenna 218 is configured to be omni-directional to acquire the strongest satellite 102 signal among the signals in the field of regard, but the phased array antenna 218 is configured to be directional to provide the highest gain during normal communication. In this manner, the user terminal 104 optimizes and accelerates the satellite 102 signal acquisition process.
  • the phased array antenna 218 is comprised of an array of radiating elements 300 formed on a substrate 302 .
  • Each element 300 is shown as a square feature, but could comprise a patch, dipole, slot or other type of antenna element 300 .
  • the substrate 302 is shown as a circular feature, but could comprise any shape.
  • the elements 300 are individually selectable by the user terminal 104 , such that the phases and/or amplitudes of signals feeding the elements 300 are varied to create a desired radiation pattern for the antenna 218 .
  • the resulting beams of the desired radiation pattern are formed and then steered by sequentially shifting the phase and/or amplitude of the signals feeding each element 300 to provide a constructive desired signal and/or destructive interference.
  • the phased array antenna 218 is re-configured, either by using only one element 300 to broaden the field of regard, or by using a “spoiled beam” with a subset or all of the elements 300 to broaden the field of regard, as well as to increase a receiving area for an increased signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).
  • FIG. 3A illustrates one embodiment, wherein only one of the elements 300 of the phased array antenna 218 is turned on for receiving, as indicated by the fill pattern, wherein this single element 300 has a much broader beam looking at a broadened field of regard, so it can see as many satellites 102 as possible.
  • FIG. 3A illustrates one embodiment, wherein only one of the elements 300 of the phased array antenna 218 is turned on for receiving, as indicated by the fill pattern, wherein this single element 300 has a much broader beam looking at a broadened field of regard, so it can see as many satellites 102 as possible.
  • 3B illustrates another embodiment, wherein a spoiled beam is formed using a subset or all of the elements 300 , as indicated by the fill patterns, to broaden the field of regard, but with higher antenna 218 directivity to increase the signal-to-noise ratio.
  • the attributes of the signals received from one or more of the satellites 102 are analyzed by the user terminal 104 , and a preferred satellite 102 is then selected by the user terminal 104 based on the attributes of the signals.
  • the phased array antenna 218 is re-configured to be directional towards the selected satellite 102 to provide a higher gain during normal communication with the selected satellite 102 .
  • the phased array antenna 218 is reconfigured to its beamforming mode to form a beam that is pointed at the satellite 102 .
  • ephemeris data broadcast by the satellites 102 is used to slew/point the antenna 218 and its beam at the selected satellite 102 , to keep tracking the selected satellite 102 after its signal is acquired.
  • the ephemeris data comprises the location for the satellites 102 in the constellation at a particular point in time, and is broadcast by each of the satellites 102 on a low data rate pilot signal.
  • the ephemeris data broadcast by the satellites 102 is also used by the user terminal 104 to perform handoffs between satellites 102 in the constellation. Specifically, the user terminal 104 performs a “make before break” seamless satellite-to-satellite handover using the ephemeris data broadcast by the satellites 102 to select a next satellite 102 for use, before it terminates communication with the current satellite 102 .
  • the user terminal 104 uses the ephemeris data broadcast by the satellites 102 to acquire the signals from the next satellite 102 either with a wide beam (e.g., an omni-directional or spoiled beam) or another high-gain beam (e.g., a directional beam) pointing at the next satellite 102 for a satellite-to-satellite handover.
  • a wide beam e.g., an omni-directional or spoiled beam
  • another high-gain beam e.g., a directional beam
  • FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C are graphs of theta (degrees) vs. amplitude (dB), illustrating the difference in beam patterns of the antenna 218 for acquisition mode vs. tracking mode.
  • FIG. 4A illustrates an array beam pattern for the antenna 218 in an acquisition mode, using one of the elements 300 of the antenna 218 for a wider beamwidth with lower gain that allows the antenna 218 to “see” as many satellite 102 signals as possible in the field of regard.
  • FIG. 4A illustrates a plane cut of a one-element 300 beam used for acquisition, with a +/ ⁇ 10 degree beam width (at ⁇ 3 dB to ⁇ 5 dB down from the peak).
  • FIG. 4B illustrates an array beam pattern for the antenna 218 in a tracking mode, using all (or most) of the elements 300 of the antenna 218 for narrow beamwidth and higher gain that allows the antenna 218 to provide greater bandwidth to the selected satellite 102 .
  • FIG. 4B illustrates a plane cut of an all-element 300 narrow beam for tracking, with a +/ ⁇ 0.5 degree beam width (at ⁇ 3 dB down from the peak).
  • FIG. 4C illustrates an array beam pattern for the antenna 218 in an acquisition mode, using a “spoiled beam” for a wider beamwidth with lower gain that allows the antenna 218 to “see” as many satellite 102 signals as possible in the field of regard.
  • FIG. 4C illustrates a plane cut of an all element 300 spoiled beam for acquisition, with a +/ ⁇ 3 degree beam width (at ⁇ 3 dB down from the peak). Note that the spoiled beam shown in FIG. 4C has a higher edge directivity ( ⁇ 18.0 dBi within the beamwidth of +/ ⁇ 10 degrees) than that of the single element beam ( ⁇ 15.9 dBi) shown in FIG. 4A .
  • FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C are diagrams (in degrees), illustrating the difference in beam patterns of the antenna 218 for acquisition mode vs. tracking mode.
  • FIG. 5A is a contour plot of a single element 300 beam used for acquisition mode.
  • the antenna 218 in acquisition mode uses a single element 300 radiation pattern, with a wide beam at a lower gain (as compared to FIG. 5B ).
  • the three contours shown in FIG. 5A are at ⁇ 2 dB down from the beam peak ( 500 ), ⁇ 4 dB down from the beam peak ( 502 ), and ⁇ 6 dB down from the beam peak ( 504 ). Also shown is the 20 degree diameter circle.
  • FIG. 5B is a contour plot of an all element 300 beam used for tracking mode.
  • the antenna 218 in tracking mode uses a 1015 element 300 radiation pattern, with a narrow beam at a higher gain (as compared to FIGS. 5A and 5C ) for a 10-degree scan angle.
  • the three beams are: a first beam 506 scanned at 0 degrees, a second beam 508 scanned at about 9 degrees elevation, and a third beam 510 scanned at about 9 degrees azimuth.
  • the contours are at ⁇ 3 dB and ⁇ 10 dB down from the beam peak.
  • FIG. 5C is a contour plot of an all element 300 spoiled beam used for acquisition mode.
  • the antenna 218 in acquisition mode uses a 1015 element 300 radiation pattern, with a wide “spoiled beam” at a lower gain (as compared to FIG. 5B ), with 17 dBi and 16.0 dBi contours for the spoiled beam.
  • FIG. 6 is a flowchart that illustrates the steps performed by the network 100 , satellites 102 and user terminals 104 in a method of establishing communication with a satellite 102 , according to one embodiment.
  • Block 600 represents the network 100 transmitting satellite ephemeris data to the satellites 102 .
  • Block 602 represents the satellites 102 broadcasting the satellite ephemeris data to the user terminals 104 .
  • Block 604 represents a user terminal 104 , in acquisition mode after being turned on, broadening a field of regard of the reconfigurable phased array antenna 218 having a plurality of antenna elements 300 .
  • the broadened field of regard results in a wider beamwidth with lower gain that allows the antenna 218 to “see” as many signal sources, e.g., satellites 102 , as possible.
  • the reconfigurable phased array antenna 218 is stationary (not slewing) when the user terminal 104 is in acquisition mode. In another embodiment, the reconfigurable phased array antenna 218 is slewed to establish an initial pointing vector comprised of azimuth and elevation prior to acquisition of pilot signals from a plurality of satellites 102 within the field of regard, but the reconfigurable phased array antenna 218 is not slewed once the field of regard is selected.
  • the user terminal 104 broadens the field of regard by using a lesser number than a total number of the plurality of antenna elements 300 of the reconfigurable phased array antenna 218 .
  • This may further comprise selecting one antenna element 300 from the plurality of antenna elements 300 of the reconfigurable phased array antenna 218 (e.g., any one of the antenna elements 300 may be selected to provide redundancy and fault tolerance), or this may further comprise selecting a sub-array of two or more antenna elements 300 from the plurality of antenna elements 300 of the reconfigurable phased array antenna 218 .
  • the user terminal 104 broadens the field of regard by using a spoiled beam by changing at least one of a phase and amplitude for (each or adjacent ones) of the plurality of antenna elements 300 of the reconfigurable phased array antenna 218 to spread a beam width.
  • the spoiled beam is generated by introducing a phase difference that alters a coherence of the received signals at the reconfigurable phased array antenna 218 .
  • Block 606 represents the user terminal 104 receiving pilot signals from a plurality of satellites 102 within the field of regard using the reconfigurable phased array antenna 218 .
  • Block 608 represents the user terminal 104 determining one or more attributes of the pilot signals received from each of the satellites 102 and then selecting one of the plurality of satellites 102 for communication with the reconfigurable phased array antenna 218 based on the attributes of the received signals.
  • the one or more attributes comprise signal strength, signal quality, or proximity to other signals.
  • Block 610 represents the user terminal 104 obtaining the satellite ephemeris data, as well as other broadcast system information, from the selected satellite 102 .
  • Block 612 represents the user terminal 104 , in tracking mode, switching to a directional (high gain, beamforming) mode for the reconfigurable phased array antenna 218 , with the elements 300 of the antenna 218 forming a narrow beam pointed at the selected satellite 102 , and establishing communications with the selected satellite 102 using the reconfigurable phased array antenna 218 .
  • the user terminal 104 tracks the selected satellite 102 using the ephemeris data to position the beams formed by the reconfigurable phased array antenna 218 , wherein an initial pointing vector comprised of an azimuth and elevation and an initial tracking vector comprised of a flight path are determined based on the ephemeris data for the satellites 102 relative to a current terrestrial or airborne location of the user terminal 104 and the reconfigurable phased array antenna 218 .
  • Block 614 represents the user terminal 104 performing normal communications, i.e., transmitting and/or receiving, with the selected satellite 102 , including applications such as consumer, commercial and military communications, satellite television, satellite radio, and Internet access.
  • Block 616 represents the satellites 102 transmitting and/or receiving normal communications with the user terminals 104 .
  • Block 618 represents the network 100 transmitting and/or receiving normal communications with the satellites 102 .

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Astronomy & Astrophysics (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
  • Remote Sensing (AREA)
  • Variable-Direction Aerials And Aerial Arrays (AREA)
  • Radio Relay Systems (AREA)
  • Position Fixing By Use Of Radio Waves (AREA)
US15/375,490 2016-12-12 2016-12-12 Accelerated satellite acquisition scheme Abandoned US20180164441A1 (en)

Priority Applications (8)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US15/375,490 US20180164441A1 (en) 2016-12-12 2016-12-12 Accelerated satellite acquisition scheme
CA2982038A CA2982038C (en) 2016-12-12 2017-10-11 Accelerated satellite acquisition scheme
RU2017136438A RU2756402C2 (ru) 2016-12-12 2017-10-16 Схема ускоренного захвата спутников
EP17197858.8A EP3334060A1 (en) 2016-12-12 2017-10-23 Accelerated satellite accquisition method by broadening of the field of regard of a reconfigurable phased array antenna.
KR1020170140763A KR102360451B1 (ko) 2016-12-12 2017-10-27 가속화된 위성 획득 구조
JP2017234821A JP7411321B2 (ja) 2016-12-12 2017-12-07 急速衛星捕捉スキーム
CN201711283362.6A CN108234012B (zh) 2016-12-12 2017-12-07 加速卫星采集方案
US18/168,110 US20230198166A1 (en) 2016-12-12 2023-02-13 Accelerated satellite acquisition scheme

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US15/375,490 US20180164441A1 (en) 2016-12-12 2016-12-12 Accelerated satellite acquisition scheme

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US18/168,110 Continuation US20230198166A1 (en) 2016-12-12 2023-02-13 Accelerated satellite acquisition scheme

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20180164441A1 true US20180164441A1 (en) 2018-06-14

Family

ID=60201329

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US15/375,490 Abandoned US20180164441A1 (en) 2016-12-12 2016-12-12 Accelerated satellite acquisition scheme
US18/168,110 Pending US20230198166A1 (en) 2016-12-12 2023-02-13 Accelerated satellite acquisition scheme

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US18/168,110 Pending US20230198166A1 (en) 2016-12-12 2023-02-13 Accelerated satellite acquisition scheme

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (2) US20180164441A1 (zh)
EP (1) EP3334060A1 (zh)
JP (1) JP7411321B2 (zh)
KR (1) KR102360451B1 (zh)
CN (1) CN108234012B (zh)
CA (1) CA2982038C (zh)
RU (1) RU2756402C2 (zh)

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20180108986A1 (en) * 2016-10-13 2018-04-19 The Boeing Company System and Method for Wireless Communications Using an Adaptable Diamond Phased Array Antenna System
CN110401034A (zh) * 2019-08-13 2019-11-01 中国电子科技集团公司第五十四研究所 一种通信导航一体化集成天线
US20210400462A1 (en) * 2019-03-15 2021-12-23 Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. Communication method, communications apparatus, device, and communications system
US11356169B2 (en) 2019-02-11 2022-06-07 Gogo Business Aviation Llc Multi-constellation satellite terminal
US20220302968A1 (en) * 2021-03-22 2022-09-22 Aura Network Systems, Inc. Systems and methods for flight plan initiated beam/null forming antenna control
WO2023194752A1 (en) * 2022-04-08 2023-10-12 All.Space Networks Limited Method of operating a satellite communications terminal
US20230370158A1 (en) * 2022-05-11 2023-11-16 Bao Tran Mobile satellite communication system
US11963203B2 (en) 2021-01-06 2024-04-16 Aura Network Systems, Inc. Systems and methods for managing radio frequency spectrum in ground to aerial vehicle communications

Families Citing this family (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN111130615B (zh) * 2018-10-30 2021-06-22 华为技术有限公司 Apt子系统和太空飞行器的通信系统
CN111464940B (zh) * 2020-04-14 2021-03-30 清华大学 一种通导一体星座波束调度方法与系统
CN114280647A (zh) * 2021-12-28 2022-04-05 西安闻泰信息技术有限公司 室内定位方法、装置及系统、电子设备及存储介质
US12088368B2 (en) 2022-11-18 2024-09-10 Gogo Business Aviation Llc Systems and methods for satellite selection using beamscanning techniques
CN116527109B (zh) * 2023-04-26 2024-02-23 中国人民解放军32039部队 一种面向智能航天器的天基随遇接入方法和装置
KR102713238B1 (ko) * 2023-11-10 2024-10-04 한화시스템 주식회사 위성 통신 방법 및 위성 통신 장치

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6111542A (en) * 1998-04-06 2000-08-29 Motorola, Inc. Rotating electronically steerable antenna system and method of operation thereof
US20040014502A1 (en) * 2000-06-30 2004-01-22 Bill Shurvinton Antenna system
US20040038713A1 (en) * 2002-08-23 2004-02-26 Ntt Docomo, Inc. Base station, mobile communication system, and communication method
US20080026797A1 (en) * 2006-06-06 2008-01-31 Sanjiv Nanda Apparatus and method for wireless communication via at least one of directional and omni-direction antennas
US20090232023A1 (en) * 2008-03-11 2009-09-17 Menashe Soffer Combined omni- and directional- communications in high-frequency wireless networks
US20090284411A1 (en) * 2008-05-14 2009-11-19 Thomas Ronald Tessier Apparatus for satellite telecommunications
US20160093950A1 (en) * 2014-09-29 2016-03-31 Maxtena System in which a phased array antenna emulates lower directivity antennas
US20170126296A1 (en) * 2015-11-04 2017-05-04 Futurewei Technologies, Inc. System and Method for Large Scale Multiple Input Multiple Output Beamforming

Family Cites Families (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2002232335A (ja) 2001-02-07 2002-08-16 Nippon Hoso Kyokai <Nhk> ダイバーシティ衛星放送受信方式および装置
US20030128159A1 (en) * 2002-01-10 2003-07-10 De La Chapelle Michael 1-D electronic scanned satellite user terminal antenna
JP3669355B2 (ja) 2002-09-27 2005-07-06 日産自動車株式会社 衛星追尾アンテナ
US6961025B1 (en) * 2003-08-18 2005-11-01 Lockheed Martin Corporation High-gain conformal array antenna
US7633442B2 (en) 2004-06-03 2009-12-15 Interdigital Technology Corporation Satellite communication subscriber device with a smart antenna and associated method
US7230569B1 (en) * 2005-12-23 2007-06-12 Delphi Technologies, Inc. Search algorithm for phased array antenna
US8344945B2 (en) * 2007-07-20 2013-01-01 Astrium Limited System for simplification of reconfigurable beam-forming network processing within a phased array antenna for a telecommunications satellite
CN103364805B (zh) * 2013-07-19 2015-06-24 上海交通大学 伺服天线自动跟踪中轨导航卫星的方法及系统
ES2657383T3 (es) * 2014-10-13 2018-03-05 Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V. Antena de sistema en fase
CN205752544U (zh) * 2015-12-17 2016-11-30 中国电子科技集团公司第五十四研究所 一种双星双波束s频段卫星通信相控阵天线
US11374650B2 (en) * 2016-05-27 2022-06-28 Viasat, Inc. Position-based access to satellite networks for satellite terminals

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6111542A (en) * 1998-04-06 2000-08-29 Motorola, Inc. Rotating electronically steerable antenna system and method of operation thereof
US20040014502A1 (en) * 2000-06-30 2004-01-22 Bill Shurvinton Antenna system
US20040038713A1 (en) * 2002-08-23 2004-02-26 Ntt Docomo, Inc. Base station, mobile communication system, and communication method
US20080026797A1 (en) * 2006-06-06 2008-01-31 Sanjiv Nanda Apparatus and method for wireless communication via at least one of directional and omni-direction antennas
US20090232023A1 (en) * 2008-03-11 2009-09-17 Menashe Soffer Combined omni- and directional- communications in high-frequency wireless networks
US20090284411A1 (en) * 2008-05-14 2009-11-19 Thomas Ronald Tessier Apparatus for satellite telecommunications
US20160093950A1 (en) * 2014-09-29 2016-03-31 Maxtena System in which a phased array antenna emulates lower directivity antennas
US20170126296A1 (en) * 2015-11-04 2017-05-04 Futurewei Technologies, Inc. System and Method for Large Scale Multiple Input Multiple Output Beamforming

Cited By (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10128570B2 (en) * 2016-10-13 2018-11-13 The Boeing Company System and method for wireless communications using an adaptable diamond phased array antenna system
US20180108986A1 (en) * 2016-10-13 2018-04-19 The Boeing Company System and Method for Wireless Communications Using an Adaptable Diamond Phased Array Antenna System
US11356169B2 (en) 2019-02-11 2022-06-07 Gogo Business Aviation Llc Multi-constellation satellite terminal
US11770178B2 (en) 2019-02-11 2023-09-26 Gogo Business Aviation Llc Multi-constellation satellite terminal
US12034517B2 (en) 2019-02-11 2024-07-09 Gogo Business Aviation Llc LEO constellation satellite terminal
US12034518B2 (en) 2019-02-11 2024-07-09 Gogo Business Aviation Llc LEO constellation satellite terminal
US20210400462A1 (en) * 2019-03-15 2021-12-23 Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. Communication method, communications apparatus, device, and communications system
EP3920433A4 (en) * 2019-03-15 2022-07-27 Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. COMMUNICATION METHOD AND APPARATUS, DEVICE AND SYSTEM
CN110401034A (zh) * 2019-08-13 2019-11-01 中国电子科技集团公司第五十四研究所 一种通信导航一体化集成天线
US11963203B2 (en) 2021-01-06 2024-04-16 Aura Network Systems, Inc. Systems and methods for managing radio frequency spectrum in ground to aerial vehicle communications
US20220302968A1 (en) * 2021-03-22 2022-09-22 Aura Network Systems, Inc. Systems and methods for flight plan initiated beam/null forming antenna control
US11923943B2 (en) * 2021-03-22 2024-03-05 Aura Network Systems, Inc. Systems and methods for flight plan initiated beam/null forming antenna control
WO2023194752A1 (en) * 2022-04-08 2023-10-12 All.Space Networks Limited Method of operating a satellite communications terminal
US20230370158A1 (en) * 2022-05-11 2023-11-16 Bao Tran Mobile satellite communication system

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA2982038C (en) 2023-10-10
RU2756402C2 (ru) 2021-09-30
CN108234012B (zh) 2022-12-30
JP2018136303A (ja) 2018-08-30
JP7411321B2 (ja) 2024-01-11
CA2982038A1 (en) 2018-06-12
KR102360451B1 (ko) 2022-02-08
RU2017136438A3 (zh) 2020-10-30
KR20180067410A (ko) 2018-06-20
RU2017136438A (ru) 2019-04-16
EP3334060A1 (en) 2018-06-13
CN108234012A (zh) 2018-06-29
US20230198166A1 (en) 2023-06-22

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20230198166A1 (en) Accelerated satellite acquisition scheme
CN108140943B (zh) 低成本卫星用户终端天线
JP6301568B1 (ja) 衛星ビームの動的周波数割振り
US9859927B2 (en) Communication-satellite system that causes reduced interference
US9673888B2 (en) Acquiring LEO satellites without compass
US7636552B2 (en) Point-to-multipoint communications system and method
US7606528B2 (en) Distributed conformal adaptive antenna array for SATCOM using decision direction
US11387554B2 (en) Methods circuits devices assemblies and systems for providing an active antenna
JP2018515962A (ja) 対地球非静止衛星システムの干渉制限値の超過を回避するための方法および装置
CN104884350A (zh) 诸如为了定位地球上的干扰源等的用于获得与从地球发射的电磁能量有关的信息的设备、系统和方法
US10665940B2 (en) Antenna array for aeronautical communications
WO2004025900A2 (en) Mobile communication system using directional antennas
Zheng et al. LEO satellite and RIS: Two keys to seamless indoor and outdoor localization
EP3309902B1 (en) System and method for wireless communications using an adaptable diamond phased array antenna system
GB2448510A (en) Alignment of directional antenna beams to form a high gain communication link
Jacob et al. Advanced terminal antenna concepts for mobile satellite communications
US20210313687A1 (en) Radio transceiver with antenna array formed by horn-antenna elements
Demirev SCP-RPSC–the Key Technology for the Next Generation Microwave Communication Systems
JPH04307803A (ja) アンテナ自動追尾装置

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: THE BOEING COMPANY, ILLINOIS

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:FERIA, YING J.;WHELAN, DAVID;RAMANUJAM, PARTHASARATHY;SIGNING DATES FROM 20161120 TO 20161205;REEL/FRAME:040713/0150

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: FINAL REJECTION MAILED

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: ADVISORY ACTION MAILED

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: FINAL REJECTION MAILED

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: RESPONSE TO NON-FINAL OFFICE ACTION ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: FINAL REJECTION MAILED

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: ADVISORY ACTION MAILED

STCV Information on status: appeal procedure

Free format text: NOTICE OF APPEAL FILED

STCV Information on status: appeal procedure

Free format text: APPEAL BRIEF (OR SUPPLEMENTAL BRIEF) ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER

STCV Information on status: appeal procedure

Free format text: EXAMINER'S ANSWER TO APPEAL BRIEF MAILED

STCV Information on status: appeal procedure

Free format text: ON APPEAL -- AWAITING DECISION BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS

STCV Information on status: appeal procedure

Free format text: BOARD OF APPEALS DECISION RENDERED

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- AFTER EXAMINER'S ANSWER OR BOARD OF APPEALS DECISION