Multi-beam reflector antenna system with a simple beamforming network
First Claim
1. A contiguous spot beam generating system, comprising:
- a reflector system configured in a side-fed offset Cassegrain (SFOC) configuration;
an array of feed horns comprising at least a subset of feed horns for illuminating the reflector system; and
a beamforming network, communicatively coupled to the array of feed horns, for controlling an excitation of the subset of the feed horns in the array of feed horns.
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Abstract
An antenna system and method for generating a desired contiguous spot beam pattern, and a signal is disclosed. The contiguous spot beam generating antenna system comprises a reflector system configured in a side-fed Cassegrain (SFOC) configuration, an array of feed horns comprising at least a subset of feed horns for illuminating the reflector system, and a beamforming network, communicatively coupled to the array of feed horns, for controlling an excitation of the subset of the feed horns in the array of feed horns. The method comprises illuminating a side fed offset Cassegrain reflector system with an RF signal emanating from an array of feed horns, and controlling an excitation of the subset of the feed horns. The present invention provides a beamformer network that can produce uniform performance over wide scan angles, is easier to integrate and test, that can change the beam pattern on orbit, and that provides a more complete utilization of space assets without dramatically increasing the cost of manufacturing and operating a satellite. The use of a SFOC configuration or other wide scanning antenna permits the use of a simple beamforming network while maintaining excellent beam beam scanning characteristics.
72 Citations
21 Claims
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1. A contiguous spot beam generating system, comprising:
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a reflector system configured in a side-fed offset Cassegrain (SFOC) configuration;
an array of feed horns comprising at least a subset of feed horns for illuminating the reflector system; and
a beamforming network, communicatively coupled to the array of feed horns, for controlling an excitation of the subset of the feed horns in the array of feed horns. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method of generating a desired contiguous spot beam radiation pattern, comprising:
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illuminating a side-fed offset Cassegrain reflector system with a radio frequency (RF) signal emanating from at least a subset of an array of feed horns; and
controlling an excitation of the subset of the feed horns. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A signal, generated by:
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illuminating a side fed offset Cassegrain reflector system with a radio frequency (RF) signal emanating from at least a subset of an array of feed horns; and
controlling an excitation of the subset of the feed horns.
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Specification