AFeNSat (Antenna Feeding Network for New Generation Satellite Communications) is based on the combination of a Diplexer and a new Biphase-Polarizer. This new configuration provides enhanced electrical characteristics: bandwidth, matching, Axial Ratio (AR) and isolation that solve the restrictions of the actual feeds based on the combination of OrthoMode Transducer (OMT) and corrugated Monophase Polarizer. Also, this solution simplifies the mechanical fabrication with the subsequent cost saving compared with the six-port junction-based alternative.

The new feed, unlike current, no need of alignment of its components, thereby providing great versatility to the antenna structure, which can be used to reduce their size and complexity.

“AFeNSat solves the alignment issues of its constitutive components and has significant advantages in terms of electrical performance, as well as low-cost and simple mechanical assembly”

• Space
• The multi-spot satellite antennas need of a large number of feeds, designated as USER-FEED, usually working in the Ku/Ka-band (20-30 GHz) with circular polarization.
• At present, the driving solutions are: 1) Dual-Band Corrugated Polarizer + OMT and 2) six-port junctions combined with single band polarizers. The first alternative presents important electrical constraints and the second one is rather complicate and expensive due to its cumbersome mechanical structure.
• The new proposed feed achieves the required stringent electrical specifications with a simple low-cost light structure and easily integrable in a multi-spot antenna.
• Ground stations (VSAT)
• For ground stations (SATCOMs) operating in circular polarization, the isolation between bands is a critical parameter. The new feed easily achieves isolation levels above 100 dB, without deteriorate the return loss or the AR.
• In these applications, compact feeds add a significant advantage to the antenna.

• Space
• During the next 10 years about 115 satellites will be launched by year. [Euroconsult-ec]
• The satellite industry has increased it growth by a factor of 3 between 2001 and 2012. [SIA]
• We have identified 3,164 space payloads proposed to be constructed between 2013 and 2032, with a value of $ 235 billion business. [Satellite Markets & Research].
• ICT applied to embedded systems and components.
• In 2013, more than 2.7 billion people use the internet, which corresponds to 39% of the world population [International Telecommunication Union, ITU]
• In 2015 is expected to have 202 million Internet-connected devices in U.S. homes [Satellite Markets & Research].

• The proposed new feed provides an excellent solution for new multi-spot Ku/Ka antennas onboard satellites and at ground stations (SATCOMs).
• It provides excellent electrical specifications: return loss better than 27 dB and AR better than 0.25 dB with a simple and compact structure. This allows a great reduction in mass and volume, which is critical for onboard antennas.

Feeder 1                                                                                                 Feeder 2

Two examples of electrical specifications of the Feeder

• The advantages over current solutions are the electrical performance, the mechanical simplicity and the versatility for interconnection.
• It significantly reduces the cost of the current solutions.