Mitigate Satellite Communication Interference With Ka-Band Spot Beam Technology
Key Takeaways
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Ka-band satellite communication possesses anti-interference properties.
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Spot beam technology is utilized in satellite communications where radio signals from the satellite are focused at a specific point on the Earth’s surface.
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Ka-band spot beam technology results in higher Equivalent Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP) and higher signal gain.
Increasing the bandwidth improves the efficiency of Ka-band satellite communication
Increasing bandwidth is important for achieving better efficiency in Ka-band satellite communication systems. Ka-band spot beam technology is one of the methods used for maximizing the available frequency for satellite transmissions. Even though spot beam technology is an expensive method, the benefits of increased bandwidth and efficiency often make it worth the extra expense.
Ka-Band Satellite Communication
Aerial, mobile, and maritime communications with beyond-the-line-of-sight requirements utilize Ka-band satellite communication. Ka-band satellite communication offers 3.5 GHz of bandwidth, which accounts for additional bandwidth compared to other bands such as the Ku-band, K-band, etc. There are a lot of advantages to employing Ka-bands in satellite communication, including:
Increased Bandwidth and Higher Throughput
Compared to the Ku-band, the Ka-band can provide more bandwidth. The 3.5 GHz of bandwidth is available in Ka-band satellite communication for uplink and downlink. This is far more compared to the 2 GHz uplink bandwidth and 1.3 GHz downlink bandwidth available in Ku-band communication. The availability of a wider spectrum results in higher throughput in Ka-band satellite communication. Apart from higher throughput and increased bandwidth, the commercial bands allotted in Ka-bands can complement Ka-military bands, as they are adjacent to each other.
Inherent Anti-Interference Properties
Ka-band satellite communication possesses anti-interference properties. The interference margin is much improved in Ka-band satellite communication compared to the Ku-band.
Smaller Ground Segments and Terminals
In satellite communication, transponders in the satellite boost signals and translate the frequency of the signal for the ground terminals. Satellites are equipped with antennas that are designed to provide the required communication coverage to terminals on the Earth’s surface.
Typically, the ground segment consists of a hub and remote terminals of different transmission powers and sizes. The remote terminals can be placed on either static or mobile platforms. Ka-band frequencies with shorter wavelengths allow the usage of terminals of considerably less weight and size. The cost of manufacturing and transporting the antennas as well as labor charges are reduced with Ka-band satellite communication system design. The reduced size of the antennas and terminals opens up various application opportunities for Ka-band satellite communication.
Ka-band satellite communication showcases several advantages upon the implementation of spot beam technology. The concept of spot beam technology and the advantages of Ka-band satellite communication due to spot beams are discussed in the upcoming section.
Spot Beam Technology
Spot beam technology is utilized in satellite communication where radio signals from the satellite are focused at a specific point on the Earth’s surface. Generally, the radio signals from the satellites are focused such that the signals won't cross the borders of the nation which owns the satellite. The signals are focused intentionally to smoothly conduct satellite broadcasting without interfering with the broadcasts of other countries. Spot beam technology is just the opposite of wide-beam or broad-beam technology.
Operation
Spot beams are generated as electrical signals. The electrical signals are converted into radio frequency signals with the aid of a dipole. A dipole is made of two antennas that vibrate upon the passage of current through it. The vibration produces radio frequency signals that are focused using either a cone or dish.
Advantages
- Spot beam technology allows the orbital satellites to target specific ground-based units.
- Reduces the third-party intervention to intercept data.
- Reduces interferences affecting the satellite communication system.
- Reduces the power required for transmitting data.
Spot Beam vs. Broad Beam
Ka-Band Spot Beam Technology
The demand for higher bandwidth has resulted in the extensive use of the Ku and Ka-band frequency spectrum. In Ka-band frequency satellite communication, spot beam technology is employed for achieving higher throughputs and increased bandwidth.
Spot beam technology aids in reducing the susceptibility of Ka-band frequency to atmospheric attenuation. Rain fading is a serious problem challenging the use of Ka-band satellite communication under adverse environmental conditions. This issue can be alleviated to a great extent by using spot beam technology. Spot beam technology mitigates rain fading by interconnecting multiple ground stations simultaneously to compensate for the signal degradation in the station affected by rain.
Other Advantages of Ka-Band Spot Beam Technology
Ka-band spot beam technology also results in:
- Higher equivalent isotropic radiated power (EIRP)
- Higher signal gain
- Better signal link quality
- Higher data rates
- Greater frequency re-use in geographically isolated areas
- Increased transponder throughput, reducing the overall leasing cost per bandwidth
Cadence’s suite of PCB design and analysis tools can help you develop Ka-band satellite communication systems with spot beam technology for increased utilization of the bandwidth, better efficiency, and reduced signal degradation.
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