Antennas for Satellite Communications-on-the-Move

KVH Industries proposes to determine the feasibility of integrating its commercially (COTS) available, low cost, marine mobile, rate stabilized on-the-move antenna system with new `smart antenna' electronic array technology to produce a solid state, highly ruggedized, flat panel land mobile antenna system capable of multi-band satellite cornmunications. Recent developments in adaptive antenna technologies have been developed and successfully applied for antennas in L-band communications. Similar to 'phased array' technology, these adapative electronic arrays provide electronically steerable azimuth and elevation coverage by generating a number of discrete narrow beams using high speed digital switching technology. The design, manufacturing techniques and digital switching offer dramatically lower production cost and improved performance repeatability over existing phased array technology. Combining KVH's proven experience of rate stabilization and closed loop tracking, and adapting the design of military applications, promises to create the first truly affordable mil qualified, flat panel, land mobile multi-band system. KVH will add to the basic flat panel array technology a three axis stowable actuator based tilt drive for low satellite elevation useage. The anticipated price point of the 2 er prototype system will be less than $10,000. BENEFITS: This research and development effort will adapt state-of-the-art miniaturized electronics sensor and adapative antenna technology to provide a lower cost and size full duplex satellite on-the-move communications antenna. As KVH's ASAP (Active Stabilized Antenna Pedestal) has proven (1995/96/97 sales of $12 mil. & 6000 unit qty.) such a device would have broad applications for improved land mobile satellite communications. The proposed system will have multi-use applications in military operations, law enforcement, other government and commercial communication with internet communication type capability at the end of Phase II.