Beam forming networks for mm-wave satellite communications
Abstract
Technology features of a beam forming network (BFN) employing ferrite devices to provide multiple beam antenna pattern control for satellites used in telecommunications are described. The BFN produces the phase and amplitude distribution for each horn in an antenna array, with the number of horns in the array being equal to the number of outputs in the BFN. One configuration involves microwave switches and permits illumination of a single feed horn at a time using ferrite latching circulators that function by reversing the circulation direction. A more flexible version, yielding a variable amplitude distribution across the feed horn array to accommodate changing traffic patterns or serving a TDMA system, includes the capability of forming nulls in the system with a variable phase shifter in the input ports. The antenna scan angles in phased arrays can be limited to 8 deg from center. Acceptable insertion losses have been demonstrated in BFN with hundreds of ports and switching rates as high as 10 kHz.
- Publication:
-
Microwave Journal
- Pub Date:
- August 1983
- Bibcode:
- 1983MiJo...26..105S
- Keywords:
-
- Communication Networks;
- Communication Satellites;
- Microwave Switching;
- Millimeter Waves;
- Multibeam Antennas;
- Network Control;
- Antenna Feeds;
- Antenna Radiation Patterns;
- Horn Antennas;
- Insertion Loss;
- Phased Arrays;
- Transmission Efficiency;
- Communications and Radar