Systems engineering of digitally beam formed electronically scanned phased arrays for terabit per second satellites

The top level systems engineering of a digitally beam formed phased array for high throughput satellites is described. The focus of this work is on demonstrating that a viable concept exists by partitioning the system and showing a technology path for the subsystems. The system design is supported by trade studies which justify technology choices. Also, applicable industry standards for digital interfaces and communication are shown. Phased arrays offer distinct advantages over fixed beam antennas such as the ability to dynamically reconfigure antenna beam patterns as user needs change over time. A system level analysis is performed which shows how each subsystem will meet customer needs. The result of this work demonstrates that digitally beam formed arrays should be taken seriously as a technology alternative for high throughput terabit per second satellite systems.