Telecommunication system antenna and method for transmitting and receiving using the antenna
First Claim
1. A transmit and receive antenna, for a telecommunications system, for communicating via signals with a target or source area having a position which is variable relative to the antenna, the antenna having a radiation pattern and including, in combination:
- guide means (80, 82) for pointing the antenna towards the target or source area; and
a plurality of radiating elements (74, 76),the antenna being characterized in that the target or source area is of large extent, and in that the radiating elements are associated with power control means for modifying the radiation pattern of the antenna, as a function of the varying relative position of the antenna and the target or source area, to match the pattern to the shape of the target or source area, as seen by the antenna, so as to maintain communication between the target or source area and the antenna regardless of the varying position of the antenna relative to said area.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A telecommunications system antenna for communicating, in transmission and in reception, with a large area whose position relative to the antenna varies. The antenna has motors (80, 82) for pointing the antenna towards the area and radiating elements (74, 76) associated with a control device for modifying the antenna'"'"'s radiation pattern according to the relative position of the antenna and the area. When the antenna is installed on a telecommunications satellite, as the antenna moves, the antenna can remain constantly in communication with an area of the Earth covering several hundred kilometers.
39 Citations
14 Claims
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1. A transmit and receive antenna, for a telecommunications system, for communicating via signals with a target or source area having a position which is variable relative to the antenna, the antenna having a radiation pattern and including, in combination:
- guide means (80, 82) for pointing the antenna towards the target or source area; and
a plurality of radiating elements (74, 76),the antenna being characterized in that the target or source area is of large extent, and in that the radiating elements are associated with power control means for modifying the radiation pattern of the antenna, as a function of the varying relative position of the antenna and the target or source area, to match the pattern to the shape of the target or source area, as seen by the antenna, so as to maintain communication between the target or source area and the antenna regardless of the varying position of the antenna relative to said area. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
- guide means (80, 82) for pointing the antenna towards the target or source area; and
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13. A method of transmitting and receiving radio signals, using an antenna which has a radiation pattern and which is adapted to communicate with a large target or source area having a position that is variable relative to the antenna, wherein the antenna includes drive means and radiating elements, said method comprising the steps of:
- pointing the antenna towards the target or source area; and
controlling the radiating pattern of the radiating elements in accordance with the relative position of the antenna and the target or source area, so as to match the pattern to a varying shape, of the target or source area, as seen by the antenna. - View Dependent Claims (14)
- pointing the antenna towards the target or source area; and
Specification