Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation

Trw Limited

Kenneth E Westall

Mark Kintis

Mark K Christopher

Konstantinos Makrygiannis

Ronald P Smith

Harvey L Berger

Eric R Wiswell

Daniel R Lane

James L Wolcott

William C Wong

Allen F Conrad

A communication satellite cellular coverage pointing correction using uplink beacon signal is provided. A ground-based beacon transmits a monopulse tracking signal or a Traveling Wave Coupler (TWC) tracking signal to a specialized tracking feed section located within each uplink and downlink antennae of a satellite. From the monopulse or TWC tracking signal, a pointing correction is determined for each reflector, for example, the angle off boresight and the angle between the present beam direction and the target direction. Each reflector is then gimbaled to re-point the reflector to the target area. In this way, both uplink and downlink antennae are provided with closed-loop control over antenna pointing.

Communication satellite cellular coverage pointing correction using uplink beacon signal

A multiple access communications system includes a communications unit, such as satellite or a mobile link base station, and an antenna disposed thereon. The antenna has the capability to direct an antenna beam at a selected user on a packet by packet basis thereby reducing the latency, buffering, and non-uniform gain distribution associated with conventional transmission systems.

Apparatus and method for reducing latency and buffering associated with multiple access communications systems

A dual phased array payload (,) for use onboard a communications satellite is disclosed. The payload includes one or more phased array receive antennas (,) including numerous individual receiving elements distributed in a predetermined configuration. Each of the individual radiating elements is selectively adjustable in amplitude and phase to achieve scanning beams for receiving information transmitted from the ground in an uplink beam. The payload includes a packet switch (,) connected to the phased array receive antennas (,). The packet switch (,) includes a set of inputs and a set of outputs. The set of inputs are selectively connectable to the set of outputs. The payload (,) includes one or more phased array transmit antennas (,) connected to the packet switch (,). The phased array transmit antennas (,) include numerous individual radiating elements distributed in a predetermined configuration.

Dual phased-array payload concept

An adaptive nulling communication system for nulling undesired signals from communication signals in multiple separate and distinct coverage areas is disclosed. The adaptive nulling communication system includes a phased array antenna having multiple receiving elements to form a single aperture for receiving multiple signals. A first set of beam forming networks coupled to the phased array antenna forms the multiple separate and distinct coverage areas. A distribution network coupled to the first set of beam forming networks distributes the signals received from these coverage areas. A nulling processor having a second beam forming network coupled to the distribution network weights and adjusts the second beam forming network in response to the undesired signals to null these undesired signals from the communication signals.

Phased array multiple area nulling antenna architecture

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Clayton, NC, United States of America

Kenneth E Westall