Cost-Optimised Active Receive Array Antenna for Mobile Satellite Terminals

Mobile satellite terminals for data applications at the L-, S-, or C frequency band, respectively, face the problem of minimum antenna size requirements due to limited satellite transmit power and shape constraints of the antenna, e.g., for low drag for aeronautical application. However, mechanical steering makes the antenna platform bulky and obtrusive, and thus little attractive for a larger market. Conformal array antennas utilising digital beam forming (DBF) can provide an attractive solution for medium gain antennas. This paper discusses design and implementation of an S-band DBF conformal receive antenna for land mobile terminals.