Low cost Ku-band electronic steerable array antenna for mobile satellite communications

This paper presents the results of the development of an active phased array antenna for Ku-Band Receive-only mobile satellite communications realised within the ESA-project NATALIA. The phased array antenna is designed for mobile satellite services and dedicated for automotive applications. An overview of the complete build-up will be provided as well as the current status of the multilayer Printed Circuit Board (PCB) designed for mass production and a dedicated MMIC-component responsible for the beam steering of the array. Finally, the results of the measurements of a proof-of-concept breadboard performed to validate the antenna will be illustrated.