Control systems for mobile Satcom antennas

Mobile VSAT satcom antenna systems are available on the market today but are just in their infancy. All observers of the satellite industry see great growth potential for this market. Press releases announcing a new product offering are now common, and an Internet search for "satcom on-the-move" produces tens of thousands of hits. Already one can find examples of delayed or failed products that suffered from poor control system performance. As discussed herein, a basic understanding of apertures and their performance is needed by the control system designer, to the same extent an appreciation of servo issues is needed by the antenna company product manager in possession of a suitable aperture. Clearly, a system engineering approach with careful tradeoffs of size, weight, power, radio-frequency, and control system issues should be undertaken before press releases are issued.