Mr. Leslie Klein reports

C-COM FILES PATENT APPLICATION FOR IN-MOTION KA-BAND ANTENNA TECHNOLOGY

C-Com Satellite Systems Inc. has developed a patent-pending technology to be used with its next-generation in-motion phased array antennas.

This technology has been developed in partnership with the University of Waterloo as part of an engineering graduate research project under the guidance of Dr. Safieddin Safavi-Naeini, director of the Centre for Intelligent Antenna and Radio Systems. The low-cost phase shifter is fully compatible with commercial planar technologies currently under consideration for low-profile two-way phased-array systems for land-mobile satellite communication.

"The phased-array under development uses a unique phase shifter technology based on an electrically controlled material that changes the propagation characteristics and phase in a fast and smooth manner," said Dr. Safieddin Safavi-Naeini, a professor at the department of electrical and computer engineering at the University of Waterloo. "No appreciable loss is observable in a very small footprint over the entire Ka-band range. The new concept is fully compatible with low-cost integrated passive technologies for large arrays. Another unique characteristic of this technology is its almost phase-shift independent insertion loss, which will pave the way for a fully passive phased-array technology -- the Holy Grail of the intelligent antenna community," continued Dr. Safavi-Naeini.

"A phased-array antenna system where the radiation beam is controlled and rotated electronically is the most promising solution for broadband, in-motion antennas," said Bilal Awada, chief technology officer of C-Com. "This innovative phase shifter technology is an essential move towards achieving this goal," Mr. Awada continued.

"As a research-intensive institution, we encourage industry collaboration as a means to advance technology through a mutually beneficial partnership," said Dave Dietz, director of research for the faculty of engineering. "Through the support of C-Com, Prof. Safavi-Naeini's research team continues to advance science and innovation in the field of satellite communications."

"The Ontario Centers of Excellence has provided financial and logistical support to this joint project," said Dr. Boris Elenkrig, business development manager, Ontario Centers for Excellence. "We support groundbreaking research activities such as this project, which is expected to deliver new technologies to the telecom industry."

"We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the university, as well as with the Ontario Centers of Excellence, on this unique Ka-band in-motion antenna system," said Leslie Klein, president and chief executive officer of C-Com Satellite Systems.