The National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, Sharp Corporation, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, and TECHLAB Co., Ltd. have successfully reduced the weight of a planar antenna for Non-Terrestrial Network applications by 47%, from 5.5 kg to 2.9 kg. This achievement was made possible through the development of a new heat dissipation device design.
The collaboration integrated a carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) heat dissipation device, utilizing a composite material that combines carbon fiber prepreg and graphite sheet, into the NTN planar antenna. The required electrical performance of the antenna was confirmed, and it was tested as a satellite communication user terminal. This advancement is expected to expand the range of mobility platforms for deployment, including drones and vehicles, enhancing communication links in challenging environments.
In NTN, satellite communications offer high-speed connectivity in areas where terrestrial mobile networks are inadequate, such as mountainous regions and disaster-affected areas. However, NTN planar antennas require satellite tracking functionality, which generates significant heat. Thus, effective heat dissipation and miniaturization are crucial for mounting these terminals on various mobility platforms.
The four companies have been conducting research and development on materials with high thermal conductivity and low weight, along with the design and evaluation of heat dissipation devices. NICT identified design guidelines and conducted research on the composite material and device structure. Mitsubishi Chemical developed the materials used, while TECHLAB established the design and molding technology for the heat dissipation device. Sharp integrated the CFRP device into the antenna, achieving the significant weight reduction.
Evaluation of the antenna confirmed that the radiation pattern differences were within acceptable ranges, and there was no difference in receive gain characteristics. The lighter satellite communication user terminal can now be mounted on a variety of mobility platforms, including industrial drones, broadening its application scope.
Looking forward, the partners plan to conduct further evaluations of heat dissipation performance and mountability, while exploring optimal designs for various terminal configurations. They aim to contribute to the practical implementation of ultra-compact and lightweight satellite communication user terminals for mobility applications.
Comments are closed.