Need More Bandwidth for the Ka-Band? Here Are Three Options (.PDF Download)

As the demand for global connectedness increases, many satellite communications (satcom) systems are pushing toward higher data rates with an increased presence in the Ka-band spectrum. With high-performance signal chains now able to support multiple GHz of instantaneous bandwidth, and with potentially hundreds of transceivers in a system, the potential for very-high-throughput data rates is now a reality.

In addition, there is a trend in many systems to move away from static mechanically-steered parabolic antennas and move toward active phased-array antennas. This is driven by the enhanced technology and increased integration available to drive element spacing down to what is required at Ka-band frequencies. Phased-array technology also allows for improved interference mitigation by creating nulls in the antenna pattern in the direction of interfering signals.