Modular phased array antennas for SatCom at millimeter wavelengths

In the recent years, there has been a continuously growing interest in satellite communications at Ka band.In light of the very stringent radiation mask requirements for TX mode of user terminals at Ka band, modular phased array architectures will be discussed. On system level, 3-D multilayer concepts for mm-wave phased array antennas are presented to integrate all required components within the confined space in a flexible and scalable manner. Various design aspects of planar antenna elements for wide-scanning angles will be presented. Parasitic effects degrading the intended scan volume will be addressed and measures discussed to suppress these efficiently. Finally, examples of several active phased array transceivers equipped with state-of-the-art SiGe BiCMOS ICs will be shown. Special emphasis is given to the calibration procedures as an inevitable part of any phased array antenna setup.