Broadband communication system for mobile users in a satellite-based network

• US 7,324,056 B2
• Filed: 02/03/2004
• Issued: 01/29/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 06/02/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc. (AT&T, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc. (AT&T, Inc.)
• Inventors: Wesel, Ellen K.
• Primary Examiner(s): Ho; Tan
• Application Number:
  US10/771,862
• Publication Number:
  US 20040157554A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,456 Days
• Field of Search: 343/702, 343/754, 343/766, 343/758, 343/906
• US Class Current: 343/766
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/18521 Systems of inter linked satellites, i.e. inter satellite service for optical links between satellites H04B10/118
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/18578 Satellite systems for providing broadband data service to individual earth stations for selecting H04W; provisions for broadband connection, H04Q11/0478
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/195 Non-synchronous stations

Abstract

A satellite-based communications system operating at high data rates includes a plurality of satellites each having uplink and downlink antennas for transmitting and receiving a plurality of signals utilizing a plurality of spot beams to and from a plurality of coverage areas at a predetermined range of frequencies. The system can include, or be combined with, other systems to enable increased capacity over high population areas and ubiquitous coverage over lower population areas. A portable antenna assembly can be coupled to a user'"'"'s portable or mobile electronic device for coupling the electronic device directly to a satellite. A routing switch provides routing and switching on-board the satellite and routes signals according to their desired destination.

Claims

1. A portable antenna assembly for communicating with a satellite comprising:

a connector;

a transmission wire coupled to said connector;

a phased array antenna element coupled to said transmission wire, said antenna element sending and receiving signals from said satellite;

a motor coupled to the antenna element; and

an antenna controller coupled to said motor for controlling a position of said phased array antenna element through said motor;

said phased array antenna element generating a mechanically steered electronically shaped beam.