Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, receiving, by a feed point of a dielectric antenna, electromagnetic waves from a dielectric core coupled to the feed point without an electrical return path, where at least a portion of the dielectric antenna comprises a conductive surface, directing, by the feed point, the electromagnetic waves to a proximal portion of the dielectric antenna, and radiating, via an aperture of the dielectric antenna, a wireless signal responsive to the electromagnetic waves being received at the aperture. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Method and apparatus for coupling an antenna to a device

A distributed antenna and backhaul system provide network connectivity for a small cell deployment. Rather than building new structures, and installing additional fiber and cable, embodiments described herein disclose using high-bandwidth, millimeter-wave communications and existing power line infrastructure. Above ground backhaul connections via power lines and line-of-sight millimeter-wave band signals as well as underground backhaul connections via buried electrical conduits can provide connectivity to the distributed base stations. An overhead millimeter-wave system can also be used to provide backhaul connectivity. Modules can be placed onto existing infrastructure, such as streetlights and utility poles, and the modules can contain base stations and antennas to transmit the millimeter-waves to and from other modules.

Backhaul link for distributed antenna system

A distributed antenna system is provided that frequency shifts the output of one or more microcells to a 60 GHz or higher frequency range for transmission to a set of distributed antennas. The cellular band outputs of these microcell base station devices are used to modulate a 60 GHz (or higher) carrier wave, yielding a group of subcarriers on the 60 GHz carrier wave. This group will then be transmitted in the air via analog microwave RF unit, after which it can be repeated or radiated to the surrounding area. The repeaters amplify the signal and resend it on the air again toward the next repeater. In places where a microcell is required, the 60 GHz signal is shifted in frequency back to its original frequency (e.g., the 1.9 GHz cellular band) and radiated locally to nearby mobile devices.

Remote distributed antenna system

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a device that facilitates transmitting electromagnetic waves along a surface of a wire that facilitates delivery of electric energy to devices, and sensing a condition that is adverse to the electromagnetic waves propagating along the surface of the wire. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Method and apparatus for sensing a condition in a transmission medium of electromagnetic waves

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a system for detecting a fault in a first wire of a power grid that affects a transmission or reception of electromagnetic waves that transport data and that propagate along a surface of the first wire, selecting a backup communication medium from one or more backup communication mediums according to one or more selection criteria, and redirecting the data to the backup communication medium to circumvent the fault. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Method and apparatus that provides fault tolerance in a communication network

A system and method for determining the attitude of a platform is provided. The method includes: (a) Searching and scanning for one or more GPS satellite(s) to determine initial platform position; wherein a single directionally steered antenna scans for the GPS/GNSS satellite; (b) pointing and scanning the antenna to GPS/GNSS satellite to determine a first angular measurement of a direction of a GPS/GNSS signal; (c) measuring carrier to noise ratio of the GPS/GNSS satellite; (d) dithering the single directionally steered antenna to obtain an angular measurement relative to an antenna pattern bore-sight reference; (e) repeating steps (b)-(d) to determine a second angular measurement of the direction of a second GPS signal; (f) determining the attitude error of the platform using the first and second angular measurements; (g) updating the platform position and attitude.

Method and system for attitude determination of a platform using global navigation satellite system and a steered antenna

GPS gyro calibration methods and systems are described. In an embodiment, a ground station can receive antenna position data for a spot beam antenna from a global positioning system (GPS) platform where the antenna position data indicates a boresight direction of the spot beam antenna. GPS-enabled receiver(s) can receive scan signals transmitted via the spot beam antenna of the GPS platform, and the GPS-enabled receivers can determine signal power measurements for each of the scan signals. The ground station can receive the signal power measurements from the GPS-enabled receiver(s) and estimate a pointing error of the spot beam antenna based on the signal power measurements and the antenna position data received from the GPS platform. The ground station can then determine gyro calibration parameters from the estimated pointing error and communicate the gyro calibration parameters to the GPS platform to calibrate for gyro drift errors.

GPS gyro calibration

A GNSS ultra-tight coupling (UTC) receiver architecture applicable to space borne orbit platforms is described. A receiver in accordance with this architecture retains the rotational motion sensors typically found in an inertial measurement unit (IMU) of a conventional UTC receiver, but replaces the IMU accelerometer sensors with precise orbital dynamics models to predict the translational motion of the platform center of gravity (CG). Drag and radiation pressure may be modeled as well. The various models can be implemented in software. The IMU rotational sensors are retained for compensation of the GNSS antenna lever arm effect due to platform rotation.

Ultra-tightly coupled global navigation satellite system space borne receiver system

Scanning horizon sensor attitude correction for Earth oblateness

An improved approach to satellite-based navigation (e.g., GPS) is provided. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving a first set of tracking information. A nominal orbital path for the navigation satellite is determined using the first set of tracking information. Ephemeris data corresponding to the nominal orbital path is computed and uploaded to the navigation satellite. Long-term navigation information corresponding to the nominal orbital path is transmitted to a communication system for broadcast to a plurality of navigation devices. A second set of tracking information is received, an orbital path of the navigation satellite using the second set of tracking information is predicted, and a difference between the predicted orbital path and the nominal orbital path is determined. Commands configured to instruct the navigation satellite to adjust an actual orbital path of the navigation satellite to substantially conform to the nominal orbital path are uploaded to the navigation satellite.

Jonathan A. Tekawy

Papers

Method and system for attitude determination of a platform using global navigation satellite system and a steered antenna

GPS gyro calibration

Ultra-tightly coupled global navigation satellite system space borne receiver system

Scanning horizon sensor attitude correction for Earth oblateness

Satellite navigation using long-term navigation information