LTCC technology for planar microwave antenna systems

Electronically steerable antennas, which have long been common in radar applications, are playing an increasingly important role in satellite communications and the new 5G mobile radio standard. The miniaturization of these highly complex systems is an essential prerequisite for practical use. This technologically very demanding task was successfully solved within the framework of the DLR SANTANA project. This paper shows how the capabilities of LTCC (Low Temperature Co-fired Ceramic) multilayer technology have been further developed to realize the highly integrated 30 GHz antenna module for satellite communication. Topics: The concept of the digital beam forming antenna for satellite communication The antenna architecture with its key features and functions The multilayer realization in LTCC Liquid cooling with micro-channels Challenges of high layer count and density of integration De-bindering and sintering process Layer-to-layer registration and the influence on the electrical performance of the antenna Integrated resistors for beam forming networks