FPA technology selection must consider accessibility, performance and stability

Satellite communications (satcom) system integrators that are surveying the flat-panel antenna (FPA) landscape need to match their needs with a technically appropriate, ready solution. Indeed, there are several distinct technology types that vendors are developing, which vary in their cost, performance and suitability for specific use cases.

• Phased arrays are set to dominate the FPA market during the 2020s, with a progressive transition towards hybrid/digital platforms.

• Metamaterial-based FPAs with digital control architecture have been commercialised and avoid some of the power- and thermal-efficiency trade-offs that are endemic to phased arrays.

• Mechanical and lens-based arrays are currently more niche options, but they have promising development prospects for select use cases.