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Mobile Satellite Antenna System
Ku-Band Receive Antenna Subsystem


The Rantec Microwave Systems Ku-band
Mobile Satellite Antenna Subsystem (MSAS-R),
working in conjunction with a compatible
satellite receiver, provides Internet access
and television via DBS and FSS satellites
to a variety of platforms.

The MSAS-R is capable of providing receive Ku-band data from stationary or mobile airborne, shipboard or ground vehicle platforms and can be easily scaled for Ka-band requirements.
Basic Specifications
Receive
FREQUENCY 11.7 to 12.75 GHz
POLARIZATION Rotating Linear or
Left-hand Circular or
Right-hand Circular
G/T 8 dB/K minimum (11.5-in. reflector)
11.5 dB/K min (18-in. reflector)
14 dB/K min (24-in. reflector)
IF FREQUENCY 950 to 1450 MHz
Tracking Coverage
ELEVATION COVERAGE 10° to 85° above the horizon
AZIMUTH COVERAGE Continuous (Rotary Joint)
Mechanical/Environmental
DIMENSIONS ReflectorHeight
11.5-inch diameter13.1 inches
18-inch diameter20 inches
24-inch diameter26 inches
WEIGHT 15 pounds, 22.5 pounds,
30 pounds, respectively
ENVIRONMENT RTCA/DO-160D
Antenna Control Unit (ACU)
INPUTS ARINC 429 bus from IRS
Satellite Ephemeris Data
28 VDC, 80 Watts
WEIGHT 6 pounds
ENVIRONMENT RTCA/DO-160D
Technical Description
Rantec's MSAS-R is designed to receive linearly polarized microwave signals from an FSS
satellite operating in the 11.7 to 12.2 GHz frequency band or circularly polarized signals from a
DBS satellite in the 12.2 to 12.75 GHz frequency band. The antenna assembly consists of a front-fed
11.5-inch diameter parabolic reflector mounted on an elevation-over-azimuth gimbal providing elevation
tracking in the sector between 10° and 85° above the horizon and continuous azimuth motion. Polarization
alignment with the satellite (to ensure minimum interference from orthogonal satellite signals) is achieved
via parabolic reflector rotation.

Maximum G/T is achieved with an LNA mounted directly on the antenna feed followed by a multi-regional
phase-locked-loop LNB mounted beneath the axis of rotation. The LNB converts the 11.7 to 12.75 GHz
received microwave signals to the 950 to 1,450 MHz IF band to be further processed by a compatible
satellite receiver.

High reliability of the antenna assembly is achieved with the use of environmentally-protected stepper
motors driving the three axes of rotation. With this type of motor, axis location is always known by counting
motor steps, obviating the need for synchros, encoders, or resolvers of any kind. A simple Hall-effect
magnetic sensor provides a single reference location for each axis of motion. The antenna is designed to
operate in temperatures from -55oC to 70oC.

Included with each antenna assembly is an Antenna Control Unit (ACU), which enables the antenna to lock
on and track the satellite, even during platform maneuvers. The ACU supplies primary power, electronic
drivers for the motors, a "computer-on-a-chip" CPU for antenna pointing and polarization alignment, an
ARINC 429 bus for receiving aircraft position and attitude information, and an Ethernet communication port
for downloading satellite ephemeris data, and serves as the communication link to a compatible satellite
receiver. Automatic acquisition and reacquisition of a satellite occurs at power-up or during momentary
signal outages.
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Phone: 818.223.5000 • Fax: 818.223.5199