Optimizing Antenna Activation for Even Power Distribution in Multi-Beam Satellite Systems Using Genetic Algorithm

Recent advancements in onboard satellite communication have significantly enhanced the ability to dynamically modify the radiation pattern of a Direct Radiating Array, which is essential for both conventional communication satellites like GEO and those in lower orbits such as LEO. This is particularly relevant for communication at 28 GHz, a key frequency in the mmWave spectrum, used for high-bandwidth satellite links and 5G communications. Critical design factors include the number of beams, beamwidth, and SLL for each beam. However, in multibeam scenarios, balancing these design factors can result in uneven power distribution, leading to over-saturation in centrally located antenna elements due to frequent activations. This paper introduces a GA-based approach to optimize beamforming coefficients by modulating the amplitude component of the weight matrix, while imposing a constraint on activation instances per element to avoid over-saturation in the RF chain. The proposed method, tested on an 16x16 DRA patch antenna array at 28 GHz for a CubeSat orbiting at 500 km, demonstrates how the algorithm efficiently meets beam pattern requirements and ensures uniform activation distribution. These findings are particularly relevant for emerging satellite systems and 5G networks operating in the mmWave spectrum.

Overview of Use Cases in Single Channel Full Duplex Techniques for Satellite Communication

This paper provides an overview of the diverse range of applications and use cases for Single-Channel Full-Duplex (SCFD) techniques within the field of satellite communication. SCFD, allowing simultaneous transmission and reception on a single frequency channel, presents a transformative approach to enhancing satellite communication systems. We select eight potential use cases with the objective of highlighting the substantial potential of SCFD techniques in revolutionizing SatCom across a multitude of critical domains. In addition, preliminary results from the qualitative assessment are shown. This work is carried out within the European Space Agency (ESA) ongoing activity FDSAT: Single Channel Full Duplex Techniques for Satellite Communications.