Tunable antenna system for plug&play satellite avionics: Prototyping and test

In the framework of an ESA program, a new architecture for plug&play compact antenna systems in the X band has been investigated and experimentally verified by many prototypes. The proposed antenna system takes inspiration from the LEGO building toys: the basic component of the new architecture is a 2.7cm-cube complex module that integrates a three-dimensional local network and a programmable mechanism based on the bonding-wire technology to select one among three polarization options. Elemental blocks can be augmented by accessories to shape the beam and may be used in array configuration over boards provided with cluster-level beamforming networks. Measurements have been performed for both standalone configurations as well as when the devices are installed over a satellite mockup. The remarkable agreement with computer simulation demonstrates that the system performances may be fully controlled by assessed design procedures, even in the most complex configurations.