Description
The objective of this activity is to develop a concept of a Ka-band transmit/receive active antenna achieving the high isolation requirement (in the order of at least 150 dBc) and the demanding thermal and integration requirements. An antenna tile breadboard will be designed, manufactured and tested to evaluate the concept.
Targeted Improvements:
Enabling transmit/receive active antennas. 30% mass and volume savings due to the integration of the transmit and receive functions.
Description:
Existing Ka-band highthroughput and very high throughput satellites make use of integrated transmit/receive passive antennas with relatively large feed chains and separate active transmit and receive subsystems. To fulfil the increased flexibility need, medium-size active antennas are currently under development, mainly with physically separate transmit and receive apertures and associated active subsystems. However, an antenna that accommodates both transmit and receive functions in a single aperture could significantly reduce the overall size of the antenna solution. To maximise system capacity, the transmit and receive frequency bands should be as wide as possible. Integrated transceiver modules have large heritage in radar applications, but without simultaneous transmission and reception as required for satellite communications. The activity shall address the development of a Ka-band integrated, dual-polarised, transmit/receive radiating element and feed chain with an integrated active transmit/receive subsystem (i.e. low noise amplifier, solid state power amplifier). The size and mass of the integrated solution shall be minimised, whilst fulfilling thermal and mechanical active antenna requirements.
Tender Specifics