The IRIDIUM(R) main mission antenna concept

Author

Schuss, J.J. ; Upton, J. ; Myers, B. ; Sikina, T. ; Rohwer, A. ; Makridakas, P. ; Francois, R. ; Wardle, L. ; Kreutel, W. ; Smith, R.

Author_Institution

Raytheon Co., Sudbury, MA, USA

fYear

1996

fDate

15-18 Oct 1996

Firstpage

411

Lastpage

415

Abstract

The design of a novel phased array panel that provides the L-band satellite to ground links for the IRIDIUM global communications system is presented. Key components and aspects of this phased array antenna are discussed, including the beamforming architecture, radiated intermodulation products, the patch radiators, and the T/R module. The strategy for minimizing DC power consumption over a large range of multicarrier RF output power is described. Finally, test results showing compliant array operation are summarized

Keywords

antenna phased arrays; intermodulation; microstrip antenna arrays; mobile satellite communication; personal communication networks; satellite antennas; DC power consumption; IRIDIUM global communications system; L-band satellite; T/R module; beamforming architecture; ground links; main mission antenna concept; multicarrier RF output power; patch radiators; phased array antenna; phased array panel; radiated intermodulation products; test results; Antenna accessories; Antenna arrays; Array signal processing; Artificial satellites; Energy consumption; Global communication; L-band; Phased arrays; Power generation; Radio frequency;

fLanguage

English

Publisher

ieee

Conference_Titel

Phased Array Systems and Technology, 1996., IEEE International Symposium on

Conference_Location

Boston, MA

Print_ISBN

0-7803-3232-6

Type

conf

DOI

10.1109/PAST.1996.566126

Filename

566126