An active phased array for mobile satellite communication at Ka-band in LTCC technology

Abstract

To transfer broadband services to mobile users by satellite communications a large bandwidth is required. Because the frequency spectrum at lower frequencies is very crowded with different services, free broad frequency bands can be found only at Ka-band or at higher frequencies. The user terminal antenna for satellite communication should have preferably low profile so that it can be conveniently integrated into e.g. aircraft, ship or vehicle. Antennas based on the reflector technology have necessarily high profile. Antennas with lower profile are based on array technology. They can be fully electronically steered or offer a combination of electrical and mechanical scanning in elevation and azimuth respectively. The lowest profile offer fully electronically steered antennas.