Reducing SWaP in Payload Phased Array Antenna Systems

Technical Article Overview 

The growth of low Earth orbit satellite constellations has created demand for high performance electronically steered array antennas in both ground terminals and space payloads. These systems require continuous beam scanning, fast handoffs, and scalable multibeam operation while operating within strict size, weight, and power constraints.

This technical article from Analog Devices examines highly integrated multibeam beamformer ICs designed to make electronically steered arrays more practical and scalable. It covers beamformer integration, beam count scalability, digital control, beam memory, Wilkinson splitter and combiner design, and time delay considerations for phased array systems.

Engineers developing satcom payloads, user terminals, airborne arrays, or defense radar systems will find useful guidance on beamformer IC selection and integration. Read the article to see how integration helps reduce SWaP while enabling next-generation electronically steered arrays.