Holistic Ka-Band Array Control System

The emergence of high frequency array antenna that have been certified for space is changing the control and methods of operating Satellite Communications (SATCOM). Using Array antenna that have high numbers of elements can support shaped beams and multiple spot beams to give a degree of flexibility that enhances SATCOM performance. The control aspects of the array antenna have increased the complexity of the system management of the end-to-end link and network operation, with the consequence that the array antenna is now a critical component in the planning and configuration. This paper describes a holistic system analysis of active arrays for Ka-band Satellite Communications, with a particular focus on military use cases. Through judicious use of beamforming possible with the right control systems, it is possible to attain high rates of data from the up-link return terminals in various types of channel conditions and with high degrees of mobility. The narrow beams that can be realized from array antenna enable high bursts of data and have the additional aspects of security in terms of resilience and reduced signal intercept.