A multi-beam antenna including a reflector having a single reflector surface defining a first focal region and a second focal region. A first feed group located within the first focal region includes a first feed oriented relative to the reflector to define a first beam pointed in a first direction. The multi-beam antenna further includes a fixed attachment mechanism attaching the first feed group to the reflector such that a position of the first feed group is fixed relative to the reflector. The multi-beam antenna further includes a second feed group located within the second focal region that includes a second feed oriented relative to the reflector to define a second beam pointed in a second direction. The multi-beam antenna further includes an adjustable attachment mechanism attaching the second feed group to the reflector, whereby a difference between the first direction and the second direction is adjustable.

Optimizations are provided in the design and fabrication of a parabolic antenna reflector. In particular, a parabolic antenna reflector comprises an inner reflective face being formed in a parabolic shape and a first outer circumferential portion. The parabolic antenna also includes an outer face being formed in a different parabolic shape and a second circumferential portion. The first outer circumferential portion is coupled to the second outer circumferential portion to form an inner body between the inner reflective face and the outer face. This inner body includes a monopulse comparator waveguide. As a result, the monopulse comparator waveguide is embedded between the inner reflective face and the outer face. In some instances, this waveguide includes one or more bends. Additionally, in some instances, the parabolic antenna reflector is fabricated using additive manufacturing techniques such that the parabolic antenna reflector is a single printed unit.

A radar sensor having a frame, a housing arranged at the frame, a transmission and reception unit for high frequency signals arranged within the housing, wherein a radiation direction of the high frequency signals irradiated by the transmission and reception unit is rotatable about an axis of rotation. The radiation direction of the high frequency signals irradiated by the transmission and reception unit is substantially orthogonally oriented toward the axis of rotation, and the housing is supported at the frame rotatably about a pivot axis.

An earth coverage antenna system includes a reflector, a feed horn and a strut. The reflector has a circularly symmetric reflector surface. The feed horn is positioned on the symmetry axis of the reflector and is attached to the strut. The feed horn transmits RF microwave energy toward the reflector surface. The antenna system further includes two cables that prevent side-ways movement of the strut. The antenna system further includes a lens assembly that directs microwave energy away from the central region of the reflector. The antenna system further includes a microwave energy scattering device disposed at the center of the reflector to scatter microwave energy away from the feed horn. The reflector surface is defined by a perturbed parabolic geometrical shape that is swept around the symmetry axis. The reflector reflects most microwave energy towards the earth's horizon, but diverts enough microwave energy towards the regions closer to nadir so as to maintain an isoflux of energy on the earth's surface. The reflector shape is optimized to minimize flux ripples caused by interference of the microwave energy scattered from the microwave energy scattering device.

Determining movement for alignment of a satellite antenna using accelerometer data and gyroscope data of the satellite antenna. Described techniques include receiving accelerometer data for a first time period from an accelerometer mounted on the antenna and analyzing the accelerometer data to determine a movement time window for a movement event of the antenna. The techniques may include receiving gyroscope data for the first time period from a gyroscope mounted on the antenna and analyzing the gyroscope data during the movement time window to determine an amount of movement of the antenna due to the movement event.

Methods and systems are described for providing end-to-end beamforming. For example, end-to-end beamforming systems include end-to-end relays and ground networks to provide communications to user terminals located in user beam coverage areas. The ground segment can include geographically distributed access nodes and a central processing system. Return uplink signals, transmitted from the user terminals, have multipath induced by a plurality of receive/transmit signal paths in the end to end relay and are relayed to the ground network. The ground network, using beamformers, recovers user data streams transmitted by the user terminals from return downlink signals. The ground network, using beamformers generates forward uplink signals from appropriately weighted combinations of user data streams that, after relay by the end-end-end relay, produce forward downlink signals that combine to form user beams.

In one embodiment, a multi-beam antenna is described. The multi-beam antenna includes a reflector having a single reflector surface defining a first focal region and a second focal region. A first feed group is located within the first focal region. The first feed group includes a first feed oriented relative to the reflector define a first beam pointed in a first direction. The multi-beam antenna further includes a fixed attachment mechanism attaching the first feed group to the reflector such that a position of the first feed group is fixed relative to the reflector. The multi-beam antenna further includes a second feed group located within the second focal region. The second feed group includes a second feed oriented relative to the reflector to define a second beam pointed in a second direction. The multi-beam antenna further includes an adjustable attachment mechanism attaching the second feed group to the reflector in an adjustable relation to the reflector, whereby a difference between the first direction and the second direction is adjustable.

The present invention discloses an antenna for satellite communication having a structure for switching multiband signals. The antenna for satellite communication according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a main reflecting plate configured to be rotatable in a predetermined direction so as to be oriented in a direction in which a satellite is located, a first feed horn configured to be detachably installed in a region of an edge of the main reflecting plate, a sub-reflecting plate configured to be installed so as to be spaced apart from a reflecting surface of the main reflecting plate by a predetermined distance by at least one support means provided in a region of the main reflecting plate, and a second feed horn configured to be detachably installed on a side opposite to the reflecting surface of the sub-reflecting plate, wherein an installation position of the sub-reflecting plate is changeable.

According to an aspect, an antenna mount includes a pole canister and an assembly. The assembly includes a first bracket coupled in a fixed position to the pole canister. The assembly also includes a second bracket coupled to the first bracket at a pivot. The assembly also includes a third bracket movably coupled to the second bracket. The assembly further includes a first cam adapted to pivot the second bracket about the pivot in relation to the first bracket along a horizontal axis. The assembly also includes a second cam adapted to slide the third bracket in relation to the second bracket.

Methods and systems are described for providing end-to-end beamforming. For example, end-to-end beamforming systems include end-to-end relays and ground networks to provide communications to user terminals located in user beam coverage areas. The ground segment can include geographically distributed access nodes and a central processing system. Return uplink signals, transmitted from the user terminals, have multipath induced by a plurality of receive/transmit signal paths in the end to end relay and are relayed to the ground network. The ground network, using beamformers, recovers user data streams transmitted by the user terminals from return downlink signals. The ground network, using beamformers generates forward uplink signals from appropriately weighted combinations of user data streams that, after relay by the end-end-end relay, produce forward downlink signals that combine to form user beams.