PAGE CONTENTS
Objectives
The objective of the project SPADE-25 is the design and development of a Steered Phase Array Demonstrator in Ka-band to be used for transmission/reception of the signals for LEO/MEO multi-constellations and especially for the CNS LEO multi-constellation for Indra (our business case).
These types of antennas are foreseen to cover simultaneously several links with different LEO/MEO satellites. The technology of these antennas is based on phase arrays of different radiating elements spread on a flat surface.
The phased array antennas allow to electronically change the pointing and the gain of each beam. And allow us to be able to contact more than one satellite per antenna.
Benefits
- The use of lenses to increase the elevation range coverage (10-90º) without a mayor degradation of the performances.
- Modular solution that is scalable and will cover a wide range of final products (since small user terminals to big anchor stations).
- Multibeam feature with hybrid or digital architecture.
Features
The following technical characteristics are expected to be covered by the product:
- Ka band:
- Tx Freq: 27.5 GHz – 31 GHz
- Rx Freq: 17.3 GHz – 21.2 GHz
- Normal EIRP:
- 54dBW@29.25 GHZ
- Normal G/T:
- 18 dB/K@19.45GHz
- Beams:
- Up to 4 full duplex beams
- Scan Angles:
- Az 0-360º
- El 10-90º
- Polarisation Mode: Tx and Rx LHCP or RHCP, electronically switchable
Challenges
- The innovative use of lenses to increase the elevation range.
- Multibeam architecture
- The use of high technology breadboard considering the complexity of the frequency band (Ka) and bandwidth.
- Power dissipation
- Prioritising the use of European components when possible.
- Final price containment despite using full-digital or hybrid architectures.
- Calibration procedures
System Architecture
The SPADE-25 is a phased array antenna in Ka band. It will consist of several building blocks that are integrated together to provide the necessary EIRP and G/T performance. The most critical component of the antenna is therefore the building block. Following their architecture is described:
Each transmit will drive radiating elements on both polarizations to be able to switch between RHCP and LHCP. There will be an RF power distribution network which will divide the RF signals to each MMIC. After that, the signal will be generated with a DAC (Digital to Analogue Converter). The DACs from the different building blocks will have to be synchronised to achieve the desired performance and meet the requirements.
Each receptor will drive radiating elements on both polarizations to be able to switch between RHCP and LHCP. There will be an RF power distribution network which will divide the RF signals to each MMIC. After that, the signal will be generated with an Analogue to Digital Converter (ADC). The ADCs from the different building blocks will have to be synchronized to achieve the desired performance and meet the requirements.
The system also contains lenses which amplify the signal and protects it from the weather conditions and could integrate part of the radiation polarisation network. A power supply and cooling system will be incorporated into the system as well.
The role of the product in the context of the overall system/service of its target users is the transmission/reception of the signals for LEO/MEO multi-constellations and especially for the CNS LEO multi-constellation for Indra (our business case).
Plan
The following milestones are covered by the project activities:
- KOM
- PDR1
- PDR2
- TRR1
- FAT1
- PDR3
- TRR2
- FAT2
- Final Review
Current Status
Achievements:
- The project was successfully initiated with the completion of the Kick-Off (KO) meeting
Work currently in progress:
- The Preliminary Design Phase 1 is currently ongoing, with approximately 64% progress achieved.
- Key activities in progress include the closure of technical requirements and the completion of system and architectural trade-off analyses.
Activities about to start:
- The next planned activity is the preparation of the full documentation package in support of the PDR1 milestone.
