Signal Enhancement for Long-Range Drone Operation
21 patents in this list
Updated:
Long-range drone communications face significant signal attenuation, with path losses exceeding 100 dB at typical operational ranges of 2-5 km. These losses increase dramatically in non-line-of-sight conditions, through atmospheric effects, and when operating near ground clutter, leading to unstable links and reduced operational range.
The fundamental challenge lies in maintaining reliable, high-bandwidth communications while managing the power, weight, and size constraints of airborne platforms.
This page brings together solutions from recent research—including dynamic link resource optimization, mesh network architectures, millimeter wave relay systems, and low-altitude cellular coverage extension. These and other approaches focus on practical implementations that can maintain stable drone communications across diverse operating environments and mission profiles.
1. Miniaturized Antenna System with Integrated Power Amplifiers and Signal Processing for UAV Communication Signal Enhancement
HONGHE POWER SUPPLY BUREAU YUNNAN POWER GRID CO LTD, 2023
Portable device to enhance UAV communication signals in areas with poor coverage or signal blockage. The device has a miniaturized antenna system that can boost UAV signal radiation and reception. It uses power amplifiers and signal processing techniques to strengthen and stabilize UAV communication signals, overcoming shielding and interference in challenging environments like complex terrain.
2. Multi-Channel Signal Repeater for UAV-Satellite and UAV-Ground Communication Links
CHENGDU YOUFU TECH CO LTD, CHENGDU YOUFU TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2023
Signal repeater for amplifying and relaying UAV signals to maintain communication with satellites and ground stations when UAV signals degrade due to interference or obstruction. The repeater connects to the UAV, navigation satellite, communication satellite, and ground station. It has separate channels for UAV-satellite, UAV-comm satellite, and UAV-ground links. The repeater amplifies and relays signals between these links to overcome signal degradation. This allows stable communication between UAVs, satellites, and ground stations when signals are obstructed or weakened by interference.
3. Ground-Based Broadband Communication System for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles with Terrestrial Repeater Integration and Antenna Configuration
WEI ZILI, 2023
Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) communication system that enables long-range, broadband communication between a UAV and ground control without satellites. The system uses ground broadband networks and terrestrial repeater stations instead of satellites. The UAV has omnidirectional and directional antennas. It broadcasts its position to find the nearest repeater. The repeater aims its directional antenna and establishes link. UAVs can fly long distances over land using ground broadband. This reduces cost vs satellite and expands UAV range and applications.
4. Dynamic Resource Allocation Mechanism for Wireless Communication Links in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Based on Environmental and Operational Parameters
Far EasTone Telecommunications Co., Ltd., YUANCHUAN RONGCHUANG TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, Yuanchuan Rongchuang (Hangzhou) Technology Co., Ltd., 2022
Dynamic adjustment of wireless communication link resources for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to improve reliability by adapting parameters like coding, modulation, power, and antenna direction based on factors like UAV location, altitude, speed, attitude, environment, and link quality. The UAV evaluates these factors using an algorithm to determine optimal link resource budget and plan. This allows real-time dynamic optimization of UAV-ground communication links to account for changing conditions and environments during flight.
5. Modular Wireless Communication Device with Separate Receiving, Excitation, Power Amplification, and Processing Units for Base Station Integration
HUNAN ZHONGKEE YOUYI INFORMATION TECH CO LTD, HUNAN ZHONGKEE YOUYI INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2022
Wireless long-distance communication device for base stations that allows high-altitude drones carrying base stations to communicate reliably over long distances. The device uses separate components for receiving, excitation, power amplification, and processing. The receiving unit demodulates RF signals. The excitation unit modulates demodulated RF signals and audio signals. The power amplifier amplifies RF signals. The processing unit processes audio and RF signals. This modular architecture provides high bandwidth, long range, power efficiency, and compact size for base station wireless communication.
6. Signal Amplifying Antenna Device with Lead Connection for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Communication
STATE GRID CO LTD, WEIFANG POWER SUPPLY COMPANY OF STATE GRID SHANDONG POWER CO, 2022
Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) relay range extension device to enhance UAV communication range by using a signal amplifying antenna. The device connects the UAV's antenna to the remote controller's antenna via a lead. The amplifying antenna boosts the signal strength between the UAV and the controller, allowing communication over longer distances and through obstacles.
7. Mesh Network-Based Communication System for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles with Indirect Link Relay and Dynamic Node Integration
GUANGZHOU XAIRCRAFT TECH CO LTD, GUANGZHOU XAIRCRAFT TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2021
Communication system for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that allows more efficient and robust UAV-controller communication by leveraging a mesh network. The system uses a mesh device like a base station or repeater that connects the UAVs and controller via the mesh network. This allows indirect communication through the mesh node when obstructions block direct links. It also allows flexible node addition/removal for one-to-many, many-to-one, and many-to-many communication without strict antenna alignment. The controller and UAVs can have lower gain antennas since the mesh node can relay long distances.
8. Millimeter Wave Full-Duplex Drone Relay Communication Method with Optimized Drone Positioning, Beamforming, and Power Control
BEIHANG UNIVERSITY, UNIV BEIHANG, 2021
Millimeter wave full-duplex drone relay communication method to expand the coverage and capacity of millimeter wave communications using drones as relays. The method optimizes drone position, beamforming and power control to reduce self-interference and improve relay performance. The optimization involves finding the ideal drone location, alternately optimizing the transmit and receive beamforming vectors, and adjusting power levels for given beamforming.
9. Aerial Signal Relay System with Drone-Based Signal Amplification and Device Tracking
TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON, 2021
Using drones to boost communication signals in areas with poor coverage. The drones have signal amplification devices and fly to an altitude where they can receive signals from the communication system. They then relay the signals to nearby devices. The drones track device movements to stay connected. This provides a low-cost, flexible way to temporarily extend coverage in areas with signal dead zones.
10. UAV Antenna System with Multiple Signal Processing Units and Redundant Signal Paths
ZHU XIANGWEI, 2021
Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) antenna system to improve coverage and signal strength. The system uses multiple antennas connected to signal processing units that amplify and enhance signals. A signal source unit provides the control and video signals. This allows redundant signal paths and coverage around the UAV body compared to just one antenna on the UAV. The signal processing units have enhancements like power amplifiers and switches to boost signal quality.
11. Dynamic RF Power Level Adjustment Method for UAV Communication Based on Distance-Dependent Power Amplifier Control
GOERTEK INC, 2020
A UAV communication method that dynamically adjusts RF power level to optimize transmission range, conserve power, and extend flight endurance. The method involves determining the distance between the UAV and ground station, and then selecting the power amplifier operating mode based on the distance and a predefined rule set. The power amplifier is controlled to amplify RF signals at the appropriate gain level for the distance. This avoids unnecessarily high power amplification for short-range flights, conserving energy.
12. Digital Voice Signal Conversion and Relay System for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Using Non-Line-of-Sight Data Links
AGENCY DEFENSE DEV, AGENCY FOR DEFENSE DEVELOPMENT, 2020
Relaying voice communication for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) using a data link instead of traditional UHF/VHF radios when line-of-sight is not available. The relay involves converting UHF/VHF voice signals to digital using a dedicated conversion device, then relaying them over the data link. If primary radios fail, the conversion device can relay the other type's signal directly. This allows UAV voice communication over long distances without line-of-sight.
13. Signal Amplification Kit with 12V-Powered Circuitry for Remote Control and Video Transmission in Drones
CSG EHV TRANS COMPANY BOSE BUREAU, CSG EHV TRANSMISSION COMPANY BOSE BUREAU, 2020
An external kit to extend the range of remote control signals for drones by amplifying and boosting the signal. The kit includes amplifying circuits connected to the drone's remote control and video transmitters. These circuits use a 12V power supply to amplify the signals before transmitting them from the drone. The amplified signals are then received by the ground control station. The kit allows extending the range of the remote control and video links beyond the inherent limitations of the drone's built-in transmitters.
14. Compact Dual-Channel UAV Communication Terminal with Integrated Antenna Switching and RF Signal Conversion Components
Joint Stock Company Kronstadt, 2019
Reducing the mass of long-range UAV radio communication terminals by integrating both direct and satellite channels into a single compact device. The terminal has a modem, power amplifier, low-noise amplifier, satellite antenna, and a direct channel duplexer with an antenna switch. The duplexer connects to both the satellite and ground antennas. This allows the UAV to switch between satellite and direct channels using the antenna switch. The terminal also has a frequency synthesizer and broadband boost/downconverters in the RF unit for efficient signal conversion.
15. Drone-Based Radio-Over-Fiber System with Fiber Optic Tether for RF Signal Transmission
EQUINOX INNOVATIVE SYSTEMS INC, 2018
A drone-based radio-over-fiber system for wireless communication using aerial drones equipped with fiber optic tethers for connectivity. The system allows a drone to be tethered to a base station using an optical fiber instead of a coaxial cable or digital fiber. RF signals are transmitted over the fiber instead of through the air or over a physical cable. This provides several benefits like reduced signal loss, lower weight, and smaller size compared to carrying all the radio equipment on the drone. The RF signals are converted to optical at the base station and back to RF at the drone for wireless communication.
16. Drone Power Amplifier with Distance-Based Dynamic Gain Adjustment Using GPS Data
GoerTek Inc., 2018
Dynamic power amplifier adjustment in drones to optimize transmission range and battery life. The drone has a GPS, processor, power amplifier, and antenna. The processor calculates the drone-ground station distance using GPS. It sets the power amplifier mode based on distance thresholds: low power for short range, medium for mid range, high power for long range. This dynamically adapts amplifier gain to match link conditions.
17. Power Amplifier with Distance-Based Gain Mode Switching for Drone Communication
GOERTEK INC, 2018
Dynamic power amplifier mode switching for drone communication to optimize power consumption and range based on distance. The drone determines the distance to the ground station using positioning and adjusts the power amplifier gain mode accordingly. For short distances, low power mode is used, while long distances require high power. This avoids wasting power with high gain amps when close, and extends range when far.
18. Unmanned Aerial System with Signal Relay and Autonomous Flight Mode Capabilities
OBSHCHESTVO S OGRANICHENNOJ OTVETSTVENNOSTYU KOSMOTEKHTRANS, Limited Liability Company Kosmotekhtrans, 2018
Enhancing safety of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) by enabling them to relay control and monitoring signals between ground stations when direct communication is not possible. The UAS acts as a flying transponder, receiving commands and flight data from ground stations, then retransmitting them to other ground stations within range. This creates a mesh network where UAS can relay signals between ground stations if line-of-sight is lost. If direct communication fails, the UAS enters autonomous flight mode and uses onboard sensors.
19. UAV-Integrated Signal Repeater with Symmetrical Base Plate Antenna Mounting System
He Yu, 2018
Signal enhancement device for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to improve wireless communication range and reliability in multi-UAV applications. The device has a repeater inside the UAV body connected to the power source. Two symmetrically arranged base plates fix the UAV outer rotor sleeve. Antennas are mounted between the bases. The antenna sleeves go in the base mounting holes, and an inner rod slides in them. One sleeve connects to the repeater. This allows multiple UAVs to have boosted wireless signals without external repeaters.
20. Adaptive Antenna Array Steering for UAVs Based on Cellular Network Data
VERIZON PATENT AND LICENSING INC, 2017
Optimizing communication of UAVs with cellular networks by having the UAV adaptively steer its antenna array based on network information received from the cellular network. The UAV receives network description data from the cellular network, such as base station locations, transmit powers, and antenna patterns. Armed with this information, the UAV can steer its antenna array to point towards the closest base station for optimal connectivity. This allows the UAV to leverage the existing cellular network infrastructure more efficiently and reliably while flying.
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