General Introduction to Communications / Satellite on the Move
Fixed satellite architecture still remains today’s primary broadcast medium distribution for mass markets and geographic coverage. This satellite broadcast technology also provides fast deployment in emergency situations and in wide ranging remote areas, including those of natural disasters. Diverse satellite communications, (On-the-Move and On-the-Pause), COTM/COTP – is the only technology allowing satellite space segment use without being bound to a fixed stationary position on the surface of Earth. The most conventional approach to accomplish this task is to use mechanically driven dish antenna in various adjusted forms and special shapes to confine it to a limited space associated with mobile terminals.
It must be light, compact, easily transportable whilst at the same time provide high performance characteristics. In such applications as airplanes or high-speed trains the form factor becomes critically important. In this case commonly available dome shaped COTM antennas face a real challenge.
Naturally the ideal antenna design for truly mobile world would be flat panel. COTM flat panel antennas which are currently presented by STEP Electronics use similar design but inherently different technological approach. These are mechanically driven and those utilising pure electronic steering. The former is presented by ThinKom brand and the latter is Kymeta solution. Both types have got their unique advantages over each other.