Location
The Leonardo Event Center
Start Date
5-12-2015 1:30 PM
Description
Limited scan range beamsteering can serve as a cost-effective solution for three application scenarios in satellite communications. Two feasible technical paths to realize the function are discussed in this paper. The first one is to utilize a electronically steered array feed with a conventional parabolic reflector. By feeding the reflector with different weights across the array feed, the phase distribution on the dish aperture is continuously shifted leading to a steered beam. Acquisition and tracking functions can be realized economically by integrating a power detector based feedback system. A necessary calibration process is provided to ensure a correct indicator of signalto- noise ratio. One dimensional bemsteering was demonstrated experimentally and an improved two dimensional system is shown as well. The second path is to use a tile array with each tile consisting of a passive network fed subarray, which reduces the cost of active components significantly, at the expense of beamsteering range. The rule of the relationship between tile distance and element distance is discussed. Preliminary array factor analysis shows the sidelobe level of a uniformly excited array panel exceeds the regulatory pattern mask requirement.
High Planar Arrays and Array Feeds for Satellite Communications
The Leonardo Event Center
Limited scan range beamsteering can serve as a cost-effective solution for three application scenarios in satellite communications. Two feasible technical paths to realize the function are discussed in this paper. The first one is to utilize a electronically steered array feed with a conventional parabolic reflector. By feeding the reflector with different weights across the array feed, the phase distribution on the dish aperture is continuously shifted leading to a steered beam. Acquisition and tracking functions can be realized economically by integrating a power detector based feedback system. A necessary calibration process is provided to ensure a correct indicator of signalto- noise ratio. One dimensional bemsteering was demonstrated experimentally and an improved two dimensional system is shown as well. The second path is to use a tile array with each tile consisting of a passive network fed subarray, which reduces the cost of active components significantly, at the expense of beamsteering range. The rule of the relationship between tile distance and element distance is discussed. Preliminary array factor analysis shows the sidelobe level of a uniformly excited array panel exceeds the regulatory pattern mask requirement.