Adaptive multiple beam antennas for communications satellites

An adaptive multiple beam antenna configuration which uses an offset reflector fed by a cluster of hexagonally distributed feed horns is described. This design has low sidelobes to reduce the effectiveness of interferers located outside of the coverage region. The received signals from the N feed horns are adaptively weighted and then combined to provide a single input signal to the communications receiver. The steady-state adaptive performance was evaluated using a simulation model. The simulation model was initially run for a minimum system of seven beams to evaluate the dependence of system performance on aperture diameter and beam crossover level. In general, the seven-beam configuration can handle up to four high-level interferers within the coverage area.<>