Analysis of low cost beamforming techniques for LMS Communication Rx terminal

The user demand for communication on the move has grown exponentially over past decade which are currently being served using terrestrial communication. Similar, demands also exist for land mobile satellite (LMS) communication (like TV broadcast reception, multimedia communication etc). High antenna gain is required to sustain a reasonably high data rate links, which demands for bigger antenna and tracking system. The handheld LMS terminals can support low data rate links where as vehicle mounted transportable LMS terminals can support high data rate links as use of bigger antenna is not an issue. The antenna used for transportable terminals should have low profile and needs tracking system to point its narrow beam towards the satellite. The low profile requirement can be met by planner antenna technology. The tracking requirement can be met by beamforming techniques without disturbing profile. The user terminals are also cost sensitive. Hence, its implementation should be cost effective with current technology. A comprehensive survey of different beamforming techniques and architectures is presented to meet the demands of LMS Communication terminal. A proof of concept (POC) model has been developed to evaluate the performance of selected technique and architecture.