Andrew Corp. recently introduced its 3.5-m Ka-band Earth Station Antenna, a third-generation receive/transmit antenna for high-speed satellite communication systems. Ka-band satellites provide end users with a variety of always-on services such as high-speed Internet access, tele-education and entertainment video.
The Ka-band antenna features a spun aluminum reflector and galvanized steel mount and subreflector struts for durability with minimal maintenance, even in adverse weather. Options include a rain vaporizer to combat signal loss due to water accumulation on the feed window, anti-icing, mount motorization and pressurization systems.
The antenna also uses dual-reflector technology together with a one-piece reflector assembly. This combination provides accurate surface contour, easy installation and consistent gain and sidelobe pattern characteristics. The antenna has a subreflector tracking system that eliminates the need for expensive high-strength jack drives and large motors. This is an alternative to the traditional mount tracking.
