Array antennas for SatCom applications on mobile platforms
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | ReQuTech AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 3 914 800 |
| Project duration | August 2019 - September 2021 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | The strategic innovation programme Electronic Components and Systems: |
| Call | Electronic components & systems - research and innovation projects 2019 |
Important results from the project
The project goal was to enable global broadband internet services via GEO, MEO and LEO-satellites in areas without good broadband mobile coverage. The flexibility of the developed antenna technology is an important enabler for bridging the digital divide. With the receiver antenna that ReQuTech has developed in combination with Forsway´s modem technology and LiU´s studied algorithms for beam tracking, it is possible to use LEO constellations in these markets, which considered impossible with traditional antennas.
Expected long term effects
A new SatCom antenna product for mobile platforms, Communication on the Move (COTM) is developed. The product can offer broadband services in areas where there is a lack of mobile network infrastructure. The project has given ReQuTech, LiU and Forsway a unique opportunity to collaborate, which benefits the partners in long term. The algorithms developed by LiU will, after this project, be implemented in ReQuTech´s antenna system. The collaboration will thus continue after the end of the project.
Approach and implementation
The project consisted of antenna design, signal processing and network. The work covered system specification through design and development and testing. System specification with design and development has been carried out according to plan. The corona pandemic has affected cooperation. Project meetings have been digital and physical meetings few. A prototype antenna was tested in a lab. Tests with an antenna and modem were planned but could not be carried out due to lack of instruments.