Genetic Algorithm-based Beamforming in Subarray Architectures for GEO Satellites

TL;DR

This paper presents a genetic algorithm-based method for optimizing beamforming in subarray architectures of GEO satellites, improving beam scanning efficiency, power, and side lobe levels in Ka-band frequencies.

Contribution

It introduces a novel genetic algorithm approach for beamforming that compensates for losses and optimizes beam parameters in satellite subarray arrays.

Findings

Enhanced beamforming with reduced losses

Improved side lobe levels and beamwidth control

Effective power management in Ka-band satellite arrays

Abstract

The incorporation of subarrays in Direct Radiating Arrays for satellite missions is fundamental in reducing the number of Radio Frequency chains, which correspondingly diminishes cost, power consumption, space, and mass. Despite the advantages, previous beamforming schemes incur significant losses during beam scanning, particularly when hybrid beamforming is not employed. Consequently, this paper introduces an algorithm capable of compensating for these losses by increasing the power, for this, the algorithm will activate radiating elements required to address a specific Effective Isotropic Radiated Power for a beam pattern over Earth, projected from a GeoStationary satellite. In addition to the aforementioned compensation, other beam parameters have been addressed in the algorithm, such as beamwidth and Side Lobe Levels. To achieve these objectives, we propose employing the array thinning concept through the use of genetic algorithms, which enable beam shaping with the desired characteristics and power. The full array design considers an open-ended waveguide, configured to operate in circular polarization within the Ka-band frequency range of 17.7-20.2 GHz.