A research partnership between C-COM Satellite Systems Inc., and the Centre for Intelligent Antenna and Radio Systems (CIARS) in 4×4 sub-array antenna module technology should have a significant impact on the global satellite antenna business. This transformative concept will significantly reduce the cost and complexity of phased array systems and expand the phased array market for flat panel mobile antennas.
Recently completed tests of the Ka-band phased array modules based on the company’s patented phase shifter technology demonstrate the ability to deploy low cost, low weight, low profile Ku, Ka or hybrid Ku/Ka-band antenna system combinations for fixed and mobile satellite broadband communication applications.
Due to the antenna’s expected modularity and ability to conform to curved surfaces, it will be possible to deliver broadband high speed communications into vehicles, (connected cars), boats, ships, trains, buses and aircraft at reasonable prices and with reduced form factor. This new antenna system and its extension to higher millimeter-wave band could be deployed in telecommunications for the next generation 5G mobile cellular and millimeter-wave automotive radar.
A working prototype of a 4x4 Ka-band intelligent antenna module, (the size of a business card) employs a low-cost multi-layer planar circuit, based on an innovative architecture that is highly flexible, thin, modular, conforming and adaptive. The initial results of this innovative architecture are very promising. The tests showed that even with a few of the antenna elements turned-off, the module can still deliver an acceptable radiation pattern, without significant performance degradation. This is essential in situations when one or a few of the many elements of the active devices may have failed.
“This ‘graceful degradation’ is another unique advantage of the intelligent array systems, which have been implemented at the smallest module (building block) of this novel architecture,” said Safieddin (Ali) Safavi-Naeini, director of CIARS, NSERC/RIM Industrial Research Chair and professor of electrical and computer engineering.
Another 1x4 prototype passive phased array module (designed without any active components) was also tested and validated for Ka-band electronic beam steering capability using the C-COM patented engineered material phase shifter technology.
Results clearly showed that electronic beam steering of up to 30 degrees from the normal direction with minimal impact on the beam shape is possible using an extremely simple and low cost structure consisting of the patented phase shifter. No active devices were required to accomplish this task and there was no need to adjust the antenna excitation amplitude.
“We are very excited about this new Ka-band antenna technology development and its potential application to expand the addressable markets for electronically steerable flat panel satellite antennas,” said Bilal Awada, CTO of C-COM Satellite Systems Inc. “The 4x4 phased array modular approach provides the basic building blocks required to manufacture new Ka-band antenna designs of various shapes and sizes for fixed and mobile applications,” continued Awada.
“These test results confirm that the technology can now be advanced to develop a high volume manufacturable product line of intelligent antenna systems in Ka and Ku-band frequencies and beyond,“ said Dr. Leslie Klein, CEO of C-COM Satellite Systems Inc. “It is a potential game changer for the mobile broadband satellite market—whether land-based, maritime or airborne—as well as for next generation 5G mobile cellular communications.”
The research work was funded by C-COM, Ontario Centre of Excellence, Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) and Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).
C-COM Satellite Systems Inc. is a leader in the development, manufacture and deployment of commercial grade mobile satellite-based technology for the delivery of two-way high-speed Internet, VoIP and Video services into vehicles. C-COM has developed a number of proprietary Mobile auto-deploying (iNetVu®) antennas that deliver broadband over satellite into vehicles while stationary virtually anywhere where one can drive. The iNetVu® Mobile antennas have also been adapted to be airline checkable and easily transportable. More than 7000 C-COM antennas have been deployed in 103 countries around the world in vertical markets such as Oil & Gas Exploration, Military Communications, Disaster Management, SNG, Emergency Communications, Cellular Backhaul, Telemedicine, Mobile Banking, and others. The Company's satellite-based products are known worldwide for their high quality, reliability and cost-effectiveness.
C-COM is also involved in the design and development of a new generation of Ku and Ka-band (communications on the move) antennas, which will deliver satellite broadband solutions into vehicles, trains and buses while in motion. More information is available at: www.c-comsat.com
iNetVu® is a registered trademark of C-COM Satellite Systems Inc.