Method and apparatus for increased system capacity using antenna beamforming
US6195037A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 1, 1999 |
| Grant date | Feb 27, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 1, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02D30/70
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
In a satellite communications system (100), system capacity is improved using a satellite (110 and 120) that includes a main mission antenna (MMA) (310 FIG. 3), antenna subsystem (320), and controller (350). Antenna subsystem (320) comprises a beamformer and associated software to optimize the beam shape and cell position with respect to the satellite's location. In one example, beam optimization is performed using a location based on latitude. Satellite (110 and 120) determines its spatial position and determines its latitudinal location based on this position information. The satellite determines the number of cells, the cell sizes, and the beam steering angles required at this latitudinal location. In other cases, beam optimization is performed using a location based on latitude and longitude, system loading, and satellite health and status.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.