Antenna for receiving data from low earth orbit satellites
View Patent ↗The present invention relates to a feed-motion antenna device. Provided is an antenna for receiving data from low Earth orbit satellites, the antenna comprising a fixedly mounted antenna reflector, a moveable feed, a feed positioner configured to move the feed in the focal plane of the antenna reflector, the feed positioned having a primary rotation axis and an auxiliary rotation axis, and a control device configured to send control signals to the feed positioner. The primary rotation axis of the feed positioner passes through the center of the antenna reflector and the primary rotation axis is perpendicular to the focal plane of the antenna reflector; the auxiliary rotation axis of the feed positioner is parallel to the primary rotation axis. The feed positioner comprises an equal-arm structure comprising a first arm and a second arm, and each arm is arranged in a plane perpendicular to the primary and auxiliary rotation axes. The first arm is connected at one its end to the primary rotation axis and adapted to be rotated around the primary rotation axis, the feed is connected to an end of the second arm, and the first arm and the second arm are connected to each other at the auxiliary rotation axis and are adapted to be rotated with respect to each other. The diameter of the antenna reflector is at least 1.5 m, and the focal length of the antenna reflector is at least 1.0 m. Further provided is a method for receiving satellite data by means of the offered antenna.
1. An antenna for receiving data from low Earth orbit satellites, the antenna comprising:
a fixedly mounted antenna reflector,
a moveable feed,
a feed positioner configured to move the feed in the focal plane of the antenna reflector, the feed positioner having a primary rotation axis and an auxiliary rotation axis, and
a control device configured to send control signals to the feed positioner,
the feed positioner comprises a first arm and a second arm,
the feed is connected to an end of the second arm, and
the first arm and the second arm are connected to each other at the auxiliary rotation axis and are adapted to be rotated with respect to each other, and wherein
the first arm is connected at one its end to the primary rotation axis and is adapted to be rotated around the primary rotation axis,
wherein the primary rotation axis of the feed positioner passes through a center of the antenna reflector and the primary rotation axis is perpendicular to the focal plane of the antenna reflector, the auxiliary rotation axis of the feed positioner is parallel to the primary rotation axis,
the first and second arms form an equal-arm structure, each arm being arranged in a plane perpendicular to the primary and auxiliary rotation axes,
wherein the diameter of the antenna reflector is at least 1.5 m, and the focal length of the antenna reflector is at least 1.0 m.
2. The antenna according to claim 1 , wherein the antenna reflector is fixed in a horizontal plane with respect to the Earth surface.
3. The antenna according to claim 1 , wherein the auxiliary rotation axis of the feed positioner is arranged within the antenna reflector.
4. The antenna according to claim 1 , wherein the feed is configured to perform curvilinear movement.
5. The antenna according to claim 1 , further comprising a radio transparent cover mounted above the antenna reflector and the feed positioner.
6. The antenna according to claim 1 , wherein the antenna is operated in the X band.
7. The antenna according to claim 1 , wherein the feed positioner comprises drives adapted to drive components of the feed positioner.
8. The antenna according to claim 1 , wherein the control device is configured to control the feed positioner based on predetermined control modes.
9. The antenna according to claim 1 , wherein the diameter of the antenna reflector is 2.0 m, and the focal length of the antenna reflector is 1.4 m.
10. A method for receiving data by the antenna for receiving data from low Earth orbit satellites according to claim 1 , including:
receiving a signal about coming satellite via the control device,
sending control signals from the control device to the feed positioner,
moving the feed by means of the positioner with respect to the antenna reflector in accordance with the control signals,
wherein the feed is moved during at least one time interval during which the first arm and/or the second arm is/are rotated.
11. The method according to claim 10 , wherein the control signals provide movement of the feed based on predetermined control modes.