Integrated antenna and receiver system with self-calibrating digital beamforming for space-based ADS-B

Abstract

This paper describes a digital beamforming (DBF) system with a self-calibrating function to receive Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) signals on a satellite, which can expand the coverage range and improve the detection probability that is mainly reduced by multi-signal collision. This system integrates a 4 × 4 microstrip array antenna and a 16-channel receiver into a cuboid box that can simultaneously generate more than 19 independent beams whose size and direction can be flexibly controlled. Specifically, the on-orbit self-calibration method, signal processing algorithm, antenna and receiver design, and system test method are presented in this paper. Test results in a microwave anechoic chamber verified that the design can significantly improve the sensitivity of the receiver, reduce signal collision, and enhance the reliability of the space-based ADS-B system.