Work

Beam steering limitations in hardware-combined phased arrays for LEO satellite communications

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations are emerging as a key enabler of global connectivity, addressing the broadband needs of remote and underserved regions with high-speed and low-latency services. These satellite backhaul links are expected to play a crucial role in the integration and expansion of future 6G networks. Phased array antennas, essential for agile beam steering and continuous satellite tracking, are often implemented with many elements but without a dedicated digital receiver per antenna. Instead, signals are combined in hardware to reduce system cost and complexity. This paper presents an analytical evaluation of the beam steering performance of such analog-combined arrays. The analysis reveals performance degradation and limitations in the beampattern compared with fully digital arrays. Simulation results support the analytical model and quantify the impact of reduced digital reception on array performance.

Source: EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

DOI: 10.1186/s13638-025-02543-z

Authors: Aline G. Truppel Duarte, José A. Apolinário, Cláudio A. B. Saunders Filho, Antonio L. L. Ramos

Institutions: Military Institute of Engineering, University of South-Eastern Norway

Language: English

Topic: Satellite Communication Systems

Subfield: Aerospace Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,790