A Modular and Lightweight Multibeam Active Phased Receiving Array for Satellite Applications: Design and Ground Testing

A 17 GHz receiving multibeam active phased array, based on modular "suopertiles," was built and tested. The array was launched and placed in geostationary orbit in 2008. The tile concept is characterized by low volume and low mass, making it well suited for satellite-antenna applications, and in particular for deployed multibeam active phased arrays for communications satellites. The modular design facilitates low recurring cost in a high-volume continuous production. Both component and array measurement data are presented in the paper. Measured array-antenna patterns were in good agreement with estimated and predicted values, proving that the array can be built according to its requirements, and calibrated and controlled to generate independent beams with low sidelobes from low-rms excitation errors.