Ka Band Terminal – Ground Based

Status

Ongoing
Status date

2025-10-02
Activity Code

7C.068

Objectives

The project objective is to develop a prototype ground-based terminal with Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 to demonstrate our low Size, Weight and Power consumption (SWaP) advantages.

This involves the design, manufacture and validation of multiple new integrated circuit (IC) components, sub-modules, motherboards, antennas, chassis and thermal management. It also includes extensive system design, software development and test development. These activities were focused on satisfying our challenging performance and SWaP targets while creating a low-cost product that can be manufactured at scale. We have given particular attention to developing a conducted port test jig to enable fast and low cost terminal calibration without the need for lengthy and expensive over-the-air (OTA) RF testing.

Challenges

The biggest challenge of the project is the scope of the development activities within the satellite communications terminal.

The design, manufacture and validation of multiple IC components, hardware modules, software and test capability has been extremely challenging when considering the small team and limited budget available.

Benefits

Sofant’s technology is poised to disrupt the satellite communications industry by offering ground-based terminal technology with superior performance metrics and lower cost. Built on proprietary RF MEMS platform and enhanced by GaN power amplification, our antenna module delivers a 10x improvement in Size, Weight, Power Consumption, and Cost (SWaP-C) compared to traditional phased array systems. It is designed to operate seamlessly across geostationary orbits (GEO), medium Earth orbit (MEO), and low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations, enabling uninterrupted mobile connectivity in even the most demanding environments. Our solution solves critical challenges in thermal management and energy efficiency that have long constrained high-frequency antenna systems.

The project also acts as a platform for enabling innovation elsewhere. Its modular architecture allows for rapid customization and integration by third-party manufacturers and resellers, accelerating deployment across defence, emergency response, maritime, and airborne sectors. This flexibility supports new service delivery models, particularly in mobile and tactical communications.

Features

Our compact, lightweight, passively cooled comms on the move terminals deliver unparalleled performance across LEO, MEO, and GEO satellite networks.

Key features:

Transmitter (Tx) Frequency: 27.5 – 31.0 GHz
Receiver (Rx) Frequency: 17.7 – 21.2 GHz
Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP): 44.5 dBW at Boresight
Antenna Gain-to-Noise Temperature (G/T): 13.5 dB/K at Boresight
Power Consumption (100% duty cycle at max power): 275 Watts
Weight: 24 kg
Polarisation: RHCP or LHCP, Electronically switchable <500 microsecs
Elevation Scan Range: +/- 70 degrees

Power and control:

Data Interface: Ethernet and USB
Power Input: 24 – 30 Vdc
Protocol: OpenAMIP and OpenBMIP
Control Technique: IMU, GPS and RSSI combined

System Architecture

The system has been designed from the outset to minimise signal loss and maximise power efficiency. We have achieved this by using our patented RF MEMS ICs that experience significantly lower signal loss than conventional semiconductor approaches. We have coupled this technology with our world-class GaN Power Amplifiers that have superior power efficiency when compared to their conventional semiconductor equivalents. Both of these key ICs have allowed us to re-architect a traditional RF transmitter and receiver signal chain to maximise Tx signal output power and Rx signal sensitivity. At the same time, we are able to minimise the amount of power consumption of the system itself which leads to the avoidance of heavy and expensive active cooling systems. Our approach enables passive cooling only.

The objective of this project is to demonstrate the overall system architecture and prove the benefits of our RF MEMS ICs. It does not include demonstration of the GaN power amplifier at this stage.

Plan

Sofant have developed a satellite ground terminal operating at Ka band. We have completed the CDR and TRR phases of the project and have manufactured technical demonstrators at TRL6. We are currently performing internal FAT in readiness for the next phase and project close out.

Current status

The project has completed the simulation and design phase and progressed onto manufacture of transmit and receive antennas, and terminal assemblies. These have been tested in the near field range and verified.

Field trials are underway on the terminal’s receiver antenna. The Transmitter module has been chamber tested and further verification testing is ongoing.