PAGE CONTENTS
Objectives
In the frame of this activity, low cost S-Band Rx/Tx antennas for vehicular applications have been developed. The activity aims at a pre-series development of antenna units to be installed on cars for exploiting S-band DVB-SH system capabilities.
Two antenna types have been developed: Rx only antenna type and Tx/Rx antenna type. The Rx antenna type is a sub-product of the Tx/Rx type. The Tx/Rx antenna embeds four radiators for S-band: SAT Rx, S-band SAT Tx, GSM/UMTS and GPS and relevant RF Front-Ends. These antennas have been already used in the field in the frame of the SOLARIS/Eutelsat W2A experimentation.
The objective of the activity was to develop a low cost, miniaturised antenna unit for automotive applications suitable for S-band Mobile Satellite Systems based on DVB-SH and in particular suitable for the systems of the two European S-band licensees Solaris Mobile and Inmarsat.
The antenna has small dimensions and has aesthetically designed for installation on automobiles. The antenna implements a conical shaped beam and a very efficient active chain that maximises the reception of DVB-SH signal all over Europe.
Two different types of antennas were developed, one for Receiveonly systems (only broadcasting services) and one for bi-directional systems (including return channel). Both antennas are suitable for the reception of positioning systems (GPS), terrestrial communications (GSM, UMTS) and S-band CGC (Complementary Ground Components).
The multisystem antenna together with the respective satellite transceivers and applications allows the deployment of safety, logistics, communication and broadcast services in a pan-European coverage.
Figure 1 – Overview of the targeted services.
Challenges
The key issues addressed in this project are:
- Design of a compact multi-system antenna taking into account all coupling and interferences issues,
- Collaborate with DVB-SH system engineers to refine return channel specifications and transmit/receive antenna requirements,
- Implement a low-cost antenna design and manufacturing process,
- Work on marketing and distribution of a bundled solution (transceiver + antenna).
Plan
The activity is composed of two main phases. The first phase has been dedicated to the following activities:
- State-of-the-Art review of radiating elements and RF components
- Antenna architecture and implementation trade-off.
- Preliminary Antenna Design and Critical breadboards manufacturing and validation
- Final Antennas Design
The second phase has included the following activities:
- Prototype Manufacturing
- Prototype Testing and design refinement
- Industrialisation of the antenna design and definition of production testing procedures
- Production of Pre-series antennas
- Testing of Pre-series antennas
- Refinement of production and testing procedures
Current Status
The project has been successfully completed.
