Aviation cellular communications system and method
First Claim
1. A system for controlling transmit power of a mobile node in air-to-ground communications to a plurality of fixed nodes, the system comprising:
- a first position determination unit configured to determine a position of the mobile node;
a second position determination unit configured to determine ground position information for the plurality of fixed nodes;
a power amplifier configured to amplify a power of a communications signal from one or more communication devices;
an antenna coupled to the power amplifier, the antenna being configured to produce a radio frequency (RF) pattern when energized by the power amplifier; and
a power controller coupled to the power amplifier, wherein the power controller is configured to control the power level of the power amplifier according to the position of the mobile node, the ground position information of the plurality of fixed nodes, and the RF pattern.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Disclosed are a system and method for controlling transmit power of a mobile node in air-to-ground communications to a fixed node. Power is controlled by taking into consideration the position of the mobile node, the ground position of a plurality of fixed nodes, and the RF pattern of an antenna. Preferably, a power level is selected that will excite the fewest number of the plurality of fixed nodes while still maintaining a stable connection with at least one of the fixed nodes. The system may also utilize a repeater to receive communication signals from one or more mobile phones. This repeater then pre-amplifies the signal with a gain control signal received from one of the plurality of fixed nodes. The repeater would then pass the pre-amplified signal to the power amplifier for further amplification as controlled by the power controller.
44 Citations
17 Claims
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1. A system for controlling transmit power of a mobile node in air-to-ground communications to a plurality of fixed nodes, the system comprising:
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a first position determination unit configured to determine a position of the mobile node; a second position determination unit configured to determine ground position information for the plurality of fixed nodes; a power amplifier configured to amplify a power of a communications signal from one or more communication devices; an antenna coupled to the power amplifier, the antenna being configured to produce a radio frequency (RF) pattern when energized by the power amplifier; and a power controller coupled to the power amplifier, wherein the power controller is configured to control the power level of the power amplifier according to the position of the mobile node, the ground position information of the plurality of fixed nodes, and the RF pattern. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method for controlling transmit power of a mobile node in air-to-ground communications to a plurality of fixed nodes, the mobile node including an antenna coupled to a power amplifier, the antenna being configured to produce a radio frequency (RF) pattern when energized by the power amplifier, the method comprising the steps of:
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determining a position of the mobile node; determining ground position information for the plurality of fixed nodes at a different location than the mobile node; and calculating a power level of the power amplifier utilizing the position of the mobile node, the ground position information of the plurality of fixed nodes, and the RF pattern. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17)
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Specification