Integrated Active Phased Array Antenna for Mobile Satellite Communication

Abstract

An integrated active phased array antenna operating in S band for mobile satellite communication was presented. A low-cost single probe-fed circular-polarized microstrip antenna was proposed to obtain low profile, light weight and good electrical performances, and the radiation unit covered both Rx and Tx frequency bands. An integration technology, which included the antenna units, the RF circuitry, the cooling system, the networks and secondary beam control system, was introduced to maintain the performance of low profile. And the overall height of 19-element phased array antenna was less than 50mm. The experimental results showed that the antenna array could scan electrically ± 60° in the elevation and 0-360° in the azimuth, the G/T value was more than -17dB/K, and the EIRP value was greater than 25dBW.