Array antennas for JPL/NASA Deep Space Network

We address the optimization of the geometric design of two classes of multifaceted antenna arrays, namely, pyramids and pyramidal frusta. The optimization involves choosing the face elevation and the number of arrays. The optimal face elevation minimizes the maximum scan angle encountered by the arrays, given a general hemispherical coverage requirement. Firstly, an approach is presented to compute the face elevation of the pyramidal frustum, based on equalizing the maximum scan angles. It is demonstrated that the equalization-based approach is not always optimal. Secondly, a new optimal approach based on minimax optimization is presented and used for both pyramids and pyramidal frusta, along with a comparison of the two approaches. Finally, the choice of the number of arrays is addressed using different cost functions including scan angles, scan losses, antenna dimensions, geometric directivity, and total number of antenna elements. Quantitative guidelines on how to choose among planar, pyramidal, and pyramidal frustum antenna systems are outlined.Index Terms-Antenna arrays, hemispherical scan coverage, maximum scan angle, pyramid, pyramidal frustum.

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“…For the pyramid, this is done by equating and given in (2). The resulting and for general hemispherical coverage are given in (4) and (5) of [4].…”

Section: A the Equalization-based Approachmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…H EMISPHERICAL scan coverage is required in many applications such as satellite communications, tracking and surveillance [1], and radio astronomy [2]. It can be achieved using multifaceted antenna arrays which allow sectoral coverage, and hence reduce scan losses, relative to a single planar array.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Geometric Design and Comparison of Multifaceted Antenna Arrays for Hemispherical Coverage

Khalifa

Vaughan²

2009

IEEE Trans. Antennas Propagat.

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“…For multi-aperture (MA) receivers, the input wavefront is sampled by an aperture array to sum the energy from different positions of the wavefront. MA receivers are routinely used for radiofrequency systems [9], and MA FSO receivers have recently been presented to improve the optical feeder links efficiency [7]. However this architecture requires a coherent receiver for each aperture, which is costly, bulky and not easily scalable to tens/hundreds of aperture.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Free space optical communication receiver based on a spatial demultiplexer and a photonic integrated coherent combining circuit

et al. 2021

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Atmospheric turbulences can generate scintillation or beam wandering phenomena that impairs free space optical (FSO) communication. In this paper, we propose and demonstrate a proof-of-concept FSO communication receiver based on a spatial demultiplexer and a photonic integrated circuit coherent combiner. The system collects the light from several Hermite Gauss spatial modes and coherently combine on chip the energy from the different modes into a single output. The FSO receiver is characterized with a wavefront emulator bench that generates arbitrary phase and intensity patterns. The multimode receiver presents a strong resilience to wavefront distortions, compared to a monomode FSO receiver. The system is then used to detect a modulation of the optical beam through a random wavefront profile.

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“…Another approach for increasing collection area is to combine signals from multiple apertures. The concept of using multiple receive apertures to increase collection area has been successfully demonstrated in radio frequency (RF) systems (e.g., the NASA Deep-Space Network (DSN) [14]) and optical imaging telescopes (e.g., Large Binocular Telescope Observatory (LBTO) [15]). Large monolithic telescope apertures, however, have difficulty pointing near the sun or operating during the day due to thermal heating issues.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Multi-aperture digital coherent combining for free-space optical communication receivers

et al. 2016

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Space-to-ground optical communication systems can benefit from reducing the size, weight, and power profiles of space terminals. One way of reducing the required power-aperture product on a space platform is to implement effective, but costly, single-aperture ground terminals with large collection areas. In contrast, we present a ground terminal receiver architecture in which many small less-expensive apertures are efficiently combined to create a large effective aperture while maintaining excellent receiver sensitivity. This is accomplished via coherent detection behind each aperture followed by digitization. The digitized signals are then combined in a digital signal processing chain. Experimental results demonstrate lossless coherent combining of four lasercom signals, at power levels below 0.1 photons/bit/aperture.

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Array antennas for JPL/NASA Deep Space Network

Cited by 26 publications

References 4 publications

Geometric Design and Comparison of Multifaceted Antenna Arrays for Hemispherical Coverage

Geometric Design and Comparison of Multifaceted Antenna Arrays for Hemispherical Coverage

Free space optical communication receiver based on a spatial demultiplexer and a photonic integrated coherent combining circuit

Multi-aperture digital coherent combining for free-space optical communication receivers

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