Phased array technology for mobile user terminals

This article gives an overview of several phased array frontend topologies used for mobile platforms like cars, ships and trains. Mobility is becoming more and more important in today's communication culture and satellite links will play herein an important role. Such services are well suited for multimedia services on-the-move, require however steerable antenna frontends in order to maintain a communication link with the satellite while in movement. Satellite terminals available on the market today, are often of hybrid design, i.e. they scan in one plane mechanically, and in the other plane electronically. The ultimate goal however is to realise a full electronical solution at an efficient cost. This is the only way to achieve a successful deployment of such a technology on the telecommunication market. The most common way to steer an antenna is based on phased array technology where each antenna element is equipped with a phase shifting device. Such architectures are in general rather complex, involve a large amount of RF-components, and require dedicated designs. IMST has been involved in various projects over the years, all focusing on mobile & nomadic satellite terminals for different services. It has become a major specialisation. Some of these designs & realisations are presented and details discussed.