The IRIDIUM main mission antenna concept

Author

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

Author_Institution

Raytheon Co., Sudbury, MA, USA

Volume

47

Issue

3

fYear

1999

fDate

3/1/1999 12:00:00 AM

Firstpage

416

Lastpage

424

Abstract

The design of a novel phase 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 phase 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

UHF antennas; antenna phased arrays; microstrip antenna arrays; mobile satellite communication; multibeam antennas; personal communication networks; satellite antennas; shaped beam antennas; DC power consumption minimisation; IRIDIUM; L-band satellite-ground links; T/R module; UHF; beamforming architecture; compliant array operation; global personal satellite communications system; main mission antenna; multicarrier RF output power; multiple simultaneous-shaped beam operation; patch radiators; pattern testing; phase 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

Journal_Title

Antennas and Propagation, IEEE Transactions on

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

0018-926X

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/8.768775

Filename

768775