This paper presents the results of the development of an active phased array antenna for Ku-Band Receive-only mobile satellite communications realised within the ESA-project NATALIA. The phased array antenna is designed for mobile satellite services and dedicated for automotive applications. An overview of the complete build-up will be provided as well as the current status of the multilayer Printed Circuit Board (PCB) designed for mass production and a dedicated MMIC-component responsible for the beam steering of the array. Finally, the results of the measurements of a proof-of-concept breadboard performed to validate the antenna will be illustrated.

Low cost Ku-band electronic steerable array antenna for mobile satellite communications

This article focuses on the buildup of the first prototype of a phased array realised within the ESA-project NATALIA. The phased array antenna is designed for mobile satellite services and dedicated to automotive applications. Key components of the complete buildup will be introduced such as a highly optimised antenna aperture, a first version of a multilayer Printed Circuit Board (PCB) including various circuits like RF-feeding network and digital logic, designed for mass production, and a dedicated MMIC-component that is the core element responsible for the beam steering of the array. Specific problems resulting from the packaging and buildup will be addressed.

First prototyping of a compact mobile Ku-band satellite terminal

We provide an overview of several high-tech antenna apertures and antenna front ends, developed and realized by IMST (in some cases in cooperation with partners) over a time span of more than 15 years. These front ends have become key components for bandwidth-hungry applications such as mobile/nomadic satellite communication terminals (satcom-onthe-move) and radar systems. Satcom terminal data throughput for multimedia services provided via satellite links is increasing rapidly. Such terminals require highly complex radio-frequency (RF) systems capable of tracking satellites despite movements of the mobile terminal platform. Depending on the type of platform (land mobile, maritime, or aeronautical), the requirements for these front ends and the resulting complexity can vary. This also applies to radar sensors for automotive applications and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platforms, for example. In all of these front ends, the antenna architecture is always based on a phased/steerable array topology. Such systems are, in general, complex configurations: they require not only RF circuitry but also complex baseband processing and highly accurate sensor platforms to perform adequate beam steering and tracking. The overall design must be cost-effective, a very demanding requirement. Through the years, IMST has developed a customized set of highly specialized skills to address all of these challenges.

Innovative Antenna Front Ends from L-Band to Ka-Band [Antenna Applications Corner]

This paper deals with the design achievements on an active antenna able to guarantee the link with the chosen geostationary satellite in Ku band in order to supply in flight entertainment services on aircraft. The aim is to realize a future affordable innovative commercial product based on an antenna system not containing any mechanical moving parts at the same time able to steer the beam as well as to align the polarization through the use of custom electronic device.

L Flamini

Papers

A Hemi-Spherical Ku-Band Fully Electronic Antenna for Aircraft In-Flight Entertainment