Rohde & Schwarz, a leading global provider of test and measurement solutions, has teamed up with IMST, an engineering and development company specializing in high-frequency circuits and communication systems, to unveil an innovative solution for satellite terminal testing. This cutting-edge technology was presented at the European Microwave Week (EuMW) 2023 in Berlin.
Active antenna arrays with beamforming capabilities are at the forefront of satellite communication technology, enabling seamless connectivity between satellite terminals and ground-based end devices. With the emergence of new satellite constellations in low Earth orbit (LEO), medium Earth orbit (MEO), and geostationary orbit (GEO), satellite communication is poised for transformative growth. These constellations will support a wide range of applications, from global tracking and IoT to remote sensing and non-terrestrial networks (NTN). Consequently, there is a growing demand for robust SATCOM infrastructure testing.
The joint effort between Rohde & Schwarz and IMST aims to address the challenges posed by the testing of satellite terminal systems and components. Testing these systems under realistic over-the-air (OTA) conditions is critical but can be complicated due to factors like size, form factor, weight, and performance constraints.
At the EuMW, the companies showcased a comprehensive test solution that leverages the R&S ATS1800C compact test chamber from Rohde & Schwarz for OTA measurements. This chamber features a high-quality CATR reflector, creating a large quiet zone (QZ) for highly accurate measurements. The R&S ZNA vector network analyzer is used to test and characterize devices under test (DUTs), while the R&S AMS32 software measures critical technical parameters, such as magnitude, phase, and error vector magnitude (EVM).
A highlight of the demonstration was the testing of the SANTANA IV antenna array module designed by IMST. This smart antenna terminal boasts electronically controlled beam steering, enabling precise adjustments of the beam shape and pointing direction without mechanical parts. The array includes 64 elements, supporting dual linear or circular polarization, and operates within the frequency range of 29.5 GHz to 30 GHz, making it suitable for applications like SATCOM-on-the-move (SOTM).
Rohde & Schwarz and IMST’s collaborative efforts in active antenna array testing for satellite terminals showcase their commitment to advancing SATCOM technology. This demonstration took place at the EuMW 2023 from September 19 to 21, 2023, at booth H105 of Messe Berlin Hub27.
