Signal Amplification for Long-Range Drone Communication
20 patents in this list
Updated:
In the realm of long-range drone communication, maintaining a clear signal over vast distances is a significant challenge. Drones often traverse environments where signal degradation is common, such as urban landscapes or remote areas. Ensuring reliable communication is crucial for both safety and operational efficiency, especially as drones become integral to logistics, surveillance, and data collection.
The key challenge lies in amplifying signals without compromising battery life or adding excessive weight. Environmental factors like terrain and weather can further complicate signal transmission, requiring robust solutions to maintain connectivity. Drones must also navigate complex airspaces where interference from other signals is a constant threat.
This page explores a range of solutions designed to tackle these issues, such as miniaturized antenna systems with integrated power amplifiers and dynamic resource allocation mechanisms. You'll find insights into modular communication devices and drone-based relay systems that enhance signal strength and coverage. These approaches aim to optimize communication links, ensuring drones remain connected and responsive across diverse operational scenarios.
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. Low-Altitude Signal Coverage System with Amplifiers and Antennas for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
SHENZHEN SKY AUTO NETWORK CO LTD, 2022
Low-altitude 4G/5G signal coverage system for unmanned aerial vehicles that provides reliable wireless connectivity for drones flying at altitudes between 100-300 meters above ground level, where ground network coverage is poor. The system involves installing low-altitude coverage points at drone landing sites that amplify and extend the cellular signal. It uses access antennas, amplifiers, and low-altitude antennas at heights of 300nm or less to amplify the signals and extend coverage. This allows drones to maintain stable network access and avoid intermittent connectivity issues at lower altitudes.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. 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.
16. 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.
17. Multicast-Controlled Antenna Tracking System for UAV-to-UAV Video Data Relay
AGENCY DEFENSE DEV, AGENCY FOR DEFENSE DEVELOPMENT, Agency for Defense Development, 2018
Tracking antennas between unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for aerial relay of video data using a steering control data link (CDL) and exchanging location information between UAVs via a separate control data link (C2 DL). The C2 DL is used to broadcast location data from UAVs over the air, allowing ground equipment and opposing UAVs to receive it. This enables tracking of the CDL antennas between moving UAVs using the exchanged location info. The C2 DL is modified to transmit UAV status packets with multicast addresses for location data, and the UAV analyzes and changes destinations based on availability.
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. 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.
20. UHF/VHF Frequency Band Relay Transmission System with Narrowband Interference Mitigation for Unmanned Helicopters
BEIHANG UNIVERSITY, UNIV BEIHANG, 2012
Relay transmission system for unmanned helicopters that allows extended range communication by using a relay transmitter on the helicopter and a ground receiving station. The helicopter-mounted relay transmits and receives signals in the UHF/VHF frequency band using an antenna, amplifier, filter, and demodulator module. The ground station has a wideband antenna, amplifier, filter, and demodulator to recover the signals. The helicopter's relay module uses narrowband filters for interference mitigation. The system allows the helicopter to relay signals over long distances by amplifying and forwarding them to the ground.
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