Phased arrays
The RESA series – Requtech Electronically Scanned Antennas
Fully integrated phased array antennas
History
Since 2011 Requtech has designed phased arrays and conducted internal projects and theoretical studies. By 2017 Requtech had initiated the design of phased array antennas for Ka bands and has since conducted several product designs.
In 2018 we received a national funding project together with Linköping University of Technology and the company Forsway for design and development of a comms on the move (COTM) antenna system which was steered either electrically or both electrically and mechanically. This project was called: “Array antennas for SatCom applications on mobile platforms”.
The project idea was to synergistically combine the knowledge and experience of antenna technology from Requtech, modem knowhow from Forsway and tracking algorithms from the University to develop the full tracking module required for a COTM/LEO/MEO antenna system.
In 2021 Requtech received funding from European Space Agency and Swedish Space National Board for development of a mesh-based RESA terminal.
Technology
Requtech has gone on to develop a range of products to be used primarily with the upcoming and future LEO and MEO satellite constellations and SatCom on the Move (SOTM). These are the Requtech Electronically Scanning Arrays, the RESA family.
Based upon industry accepted, proven chip sets and Requtech’s experience with phased array radar technology, the RESA family is based on a tile-based architecture. This technology core can be configured to meet our customer’s SWaP and data throughput requirements while the radome can be configured to meet the environmental needs – be it for a manpack or other land-based application, marine or airborne platform.
As a solid-state solution with no heavy or power-hungry motors, the RESA is extremely light weight, often less that 20kg depending on the configuration.
RESA has full duplex communication and is capable of multi-beam operation with extremely fast switching and scanning. RESA can be provided in various levels of integration including up to a fully integrated terminal with embedded modem, ACU, beacon receiver, GPS, IMU, up and down conversion etc. RESA can also be integrated with Wi-Fi and Cellular communications.
RESA is currently available in Ka band or Ku band.
Future development
The RESA series come in S, M and L sizes to fit operations from ultra portable to fixed installed base solutions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
A phased array antenna is an advanced antenna system that uses multiple individual antenna elements, which are electronically controlled to direct the beam of radio waves in a specific direction without physically moving the antenna. This technology is widely used in radar, satellite communications, and wireless networks.
A phased array antenna works by adjusting the phase of the signal at each individual antenna element, allowing the combined signal to be steered in a desired direction. This steering is achieved electronically, which enables rapid changes in direction and beam shaping without mechanical movement.
The advantages of phased array antennas include rapid beam steering, high reliability, the ability to form multiple beams simultaneously, and enhanced signal strength and quality. They are highly effective in applications requiring dynamic and precise control of signal direction, such as in radar and telecommunications.
Phased array antennas are used in a variety of applications, including radar systems, satellite communications, 5G wireless networks, missile guidance, and even medical imaging. Their ability to dynamically steer beams makes them ideal for scenarios requiring accurate and agile signal control.
Compared to traditional antennas, phased array antennas offer superior performance in terms of beam steering, flexibility, and speed. While traditional antennas require physical movement to change direction, phased array antennas achieve this electronically, making them faster and more reliable in dynamic environments.
There are two main types of phased array antennas: passive and active. Passive phased arrays rely on a central transmitter or receiver, with signal phases adjusted across the array. Active phased arrays, on the other hand, have individual transmitters or receivers at each antenna element, allowing for more powerful and flexible signal processing.
Beamforming in phased array antennas is achieved by controlling the phase and amplitude of the signal at each antenna element. By precisely adjusting these parameters, the antenna can focus the signal into a narrow beam, which can be directed in any desired direction, optimizing signal strength and reducing interference.
A fully integrated terminal like our RESA is designed to be a simple plug-and-play solution with our software we have made the complex antenna a simple and user-friendly communication terminal.
In 5G networks, phased array antennas are crucial for enabling high-speed, low-latency communication. They allow for precise beamforming, which improves signal quality and reduces interference, enabling more efficient use of the available spectrum and better coverage in densely populated areas.
Your organization can benefit from phased array antennas by enhancing communication reliability, increasing data transmission speeds, and improving signal coverage. Whether for radar, satellite communication, or modern wireless networks, implementing phased array antennas can lead to significant improvements in performance and efficiency.