15 December 2015

Gilat announces Ku- and Ka-band phased-array antenna program after signing development agreement with aerospace systems integrator

Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd of Petah Tikva, Israel (which provides products and services for satellite-based broadband communications) has signed a development agreement with a major aerospace systems integrator to further develop both its Ku-band electronically steered-array/phased-array antenna (ESA/PAA) and Ka-band technologies.

Gilat has been developing its own monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) technology for phased-array antennas since 2009. The firm recently deployed fully operational air and ground antenna arrays and demonstrated their capabilities, including the transmission of real-time video.

The latest MMIC release includes silicon-germanium (SiGe) chipsets, for both Ku- and Ka- frequency bands, allowing for ultra-low-profile ESA antennas that are now commercially available. Gilat has received initial orders for its ESA antenna in Ku-band and will continue the development of dedicated products for commercial air and ground applications.  

"The growing demand for broadband in-flight connectivity over satellite has not yet been met with a high quality and affordable phased-array antenna. This is what Gilat will bring to the market," says Moshe (Chico) Tamir, corporate VP & head of Gilat's Strategic Initiatives Division. "Our unique technology, when combined with widely used mass-production techniques, results in affordable ESA antennas with highly reliable tracking capabilities, built-in amplification and no moving parts," he adds. "The scalable design of almost any array size allows for the mounting of our ultra-low-profile antennas, on wide- and narrow-body commercial aircraft, regional and business jets, and high-speed trains. The antenna can even be embedded into a vehicle's roof top. Our ESA/PAA technology can also provide affordable satellite connectivity solutions for new markets, such as the Internet of Things (IOT), machine-to-machine (M2M) and the connected car."

Tags: SiGe MMIC Satcoms

Visit: www.gilat.com