초록 ▼

A control system for maximizing performance of an electronically scanned, mechanically augmented phased array (MAPA) antenna. In one preferred form, the control system forms a closed loop system which monitors a signal quality of the received signal from a primary signal source such as a primary sat

A control system for maximizing performance of an electronically scanned, mechanically augmented phased array (MAPA) antenna. In one preferred form, the control system forms a closed loop system which monitors a signal quality of the received signal from a primary signal source such as a primary satellite, and generates motor control signals for controlling a motor used to rotate the MAPA antenna about an axis so as to point the antenna at least slightly away from the primary signal source while electronically steering the antenna to track the primary signal source. The MAPA antenna is positioned so as to maximize the carrier-to-noise-plus-interference (CNI) ratio, and thus minimize the influence of interfering signal sources operating within a coverage region of the MAPA antenna. Open loop control arrangements are also described which make use of look-up tables or assumptions on the positions of interfering signal sources for generating motor control signals to position the MAPA antenna in desired orientations to limit the reception of signals from interfering signal sources.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A method for positioning a electronically steerable, mechanically augmented phased array (MAPA) antenna to track a primary signal source in a manner so as to reduce interference from one or more interfering signal sources operating within a coverage area of said MAPA antenna, the method comprisin

1. A method for positioning a electronically steerable, mechanically augmented phased array (MAPA) antenna to track a primary signal source in a manner so as to reduce interference from one or more interfering signal sources operating within a coverage area of said MAPA antenna, the method comprising:disposing said MAPA antenna on a structure able to be rotated; receiving a signal from said primary signal source with said MAPA antenna; determining an optimal signal quality value for said signal received from said primary signal source; moving an aperture of said MAPA antenna such that a boresight thereof is directed away from said primary signal source, to thereby reduce a signal quality of said signal received by said aperture below said optimum signal quality value. while said boresight is directed away from said primary signal source, causing a beam of said MAPA antenna to be electronically steered back to track said primary signal source; monitoring a signal quality of said received signal in real time and generating a signal quality value representative thereof; and moving said aperture of said MAPA antenna to cause said signal quality value to be maintained close to or at said optimal signal quality value.