Abstract:
A microwave antenna for two-way communication via a satellite is presented. The antenna may feature lightweight plastic construction that may allow the antenna to be highly dynamic, to feature high tracking capabilities and to require a much simpler drive construction. The presented antenna may provide high reliability at a reasonable cost. Such antenna may be highly suitable for on-the-move communication applications. The antenna may be used for supporting airborne communication systems operative via satellites.

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/120,366, filed Feb. 24, 2015, and entitled “Lightweight Plastic Antenna,” the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety and made part hereof. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    Aspects of the disclosure pertain to microwave antennas in general and to two-way communications antennas for communication via satellite in particular. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    High-speed broadband communications, including Internet connectivity, on board commercial flights is an important service, especially in long distance flights. Satellite communication is perhaps the best solution for providing broadband communications to an airplane during flight. To support such satellite communication, a mobile satellite terminal suitable for supporting airborne applications has to be installed on board the airplane. 
         [0004]    Many satellite communication systems make use of reflector-based antennas or panel (array) antennas. The terminals included in such systems, such as very small aperture terminals (VSATs), are often equipped with such antennas for providing either one-way (receive-only) or two-way (transmit-receive) communication. Communication can be provided in such systems by either fixed terminals, transportable terminals, or on-the-move terminals. 
         [0005]    Panel (array) technology has an advantage over reflector-based antennas when it comes to providing communication using on-the-move terminals. Panel technology allows manufacturing of low profile antenna terminals that are more suitable for mounting on a vehicle and for use while the vehicle is on the move. An example of a low-profile mobile in motion antenna is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,379,707 to DiFonzo et al. 
         [0006]    However, low profile antennas based on panel technology have several disadvantages. Low profile antennas based on panel technology have a higher complexity relative to reflector-based antennas. Additionally, existing technologies of low profile panel (array) antennas produce relatively heavy antennas. A relatively high antenna weight makes it difficult to introduce such antennas for mobility applications, especially in the case of airborne applications where weight is an important factor. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosure. This summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosure. It is intended neither to identify key or critical elements of the disclosure nor to delineate the scope of the disclosure. The following summary merely presents some aspects of the disclosure in a simplified form as a prelude to the description below. 
         [0008]    In accordance with aspects of the disclosure, an antenna panel module is presented. The antenna panel module may include a grating lobes suppression layer, a radiating layer, and a feed layer. The grating lobes suppression layer, the radiating layer and the feed layer may be made of any of metallized plastic, conductive plastic, or a combination of any of metallized plastic, conductive plastic, metal, and metal parts. 
         [0009]    In accordance with other aspects of the disclosure, an antenna panel may include one or more antenna panel modules, wherein each of the one or more antenna panel modules comprises a first port corresponding to a first polarization and a second port corresponding to a second polarization that is different from the first polarization, wherein each of the one or more antenna panel modules comprises a grating lobes suppression layer, a radiating layer and a feed layer, wherein the grating lobes suppression layer, the radiating layer and the feed layer of each antenna panel module of the one or more antenna panel modules are made of any of metallized plastic, conductive plastic, or a combination of any of metallized plastic, conductive plastic, metal and metal parts, and wherein the number of antenna panel modules in the antenna panel is determined at least in accordance with a gain property of the antenna panel. 
         [0010]    In accordance with aspects of the disclosure, an antenna system is presented. The antenna system may include an antenna panel comprising one or more antenna panel modules, wherein each of the one or more antenna panel modules comprises at least one radiating layer and at least one feed layer, and wherein the at least one radiating layer and the at least one feed layer of each antenna panel module of the one or more antenna panel modules are made of any of metallized plastic, conductive plastic, or a combination of any of metallized plastic, conductive plastic, metal and metal parts. The antenna system may additionally include a supporting structure, wherein the antenna panel is coupled to the supporting structure, and wherein the antenna system is configured to support mounting of the antenna system on a surface of an airplane fuselage. 
         [0011]    In accordance with aspects of the disclosure, a lightweight low-profile antenna construction is presented. In some embodiments, the lightweight low-profile antenna construction may comprise at least an antenna panel that may be produced of (e.g. molded) metallized plastic parts. In some embodiments, the presented lightweight low-profile antenna may be used for two-way (transmit/receive) applications. In some embodiments, the lightweight low-profile antenna may be configured to operate, for example, in any of the Ku-band frequency range, the K-band frequency range, and the Ka-band frequency range. In some embodiments, the lightweight low-profile antenna may be configured to operate in two orthogonal linear polarizations (e.g. vertical polarization and horizontal polarization). In some embodiments, the lightweight low-profile antenna may be configured to operate in two orthogonal circular polarizations (e.g. Left Hand circular polarization and Right Hand circular polarization). In some embodiments, the lightweight low-profile antenna may be configured to operate using geostationary satellites or using satellites that may be operative in other types of orbits (including, but not limited to, low earth orbit, medium earth orbit, high elliptical orbit or any other type of orbit). 
         [0012]    In accordance with aspects of the disclosure, the antenna panel of the lightweight low-profile antenna may be configured to have a layered structure, wherein the layered structure may simplify at least a production process and/or an assembling process of the antenna panel. Metal-coated (metallized) plastic technology may be used for producing one or more of the antenna panel layers for at least the purpose of reducing the weight of the assembled antenna, both directly and indirectly (e.g. the weight of the antenna mechanics (e.g. frames, platforms, motors, etc.) that may be needed for supporting the antenna panel may also be reduced as a result of reducing the weight of the antenna panel). It may be noted that reducing the weight of the antenna panel and/or the weight of the assembled antenna may also result in improving the antenna&#39;s satellite tracking capability (for example, since lightweight devices may be easier to steer accurately). In some embodiments, the metallized plastic layers of the antenna panel may be produced using one or more methods, including but not limited to, molding, milling, 3-dimensional (3D) printing, or sintering. 
         [0013]    In accordance with aspects of the disclosure, the antenna panel may be constructed in a modular manner using one or more antenna panel modules, wherein each module may be configured to have a layered structure as previously described. A modular construction may allow construction of antenna panels with a variable number of modules. In some embodiments, the number of modules in any specific antenna construction may be determined at least in accordance with a gain that the antenna may be required to provide. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]    Having thus described the disclosure in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein: 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  shows an illustration of a layered antenna panel module in accordance with aspects of the disclosure; 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  shows an illustration of a construction of a layered antenna panel module in accordance with aspects of the disclosure; 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  shows an illustration of a radiating layer of an antenna panel module in accordance with aspects of the disclosure; 
           [0018]      FIG. 4 a    shows a top view of a first feed layer in accordance with aspects of the disclosure; 
           [0019]      FIG. 4 b    shows a bottom view of a first feed layer in accordance with aspects of the disclosure; 
           [0020]      FIG. 5 a    shows a top view of a second feed layer in accordance with aspects of the disclosure; 
           [0021]      FIG. 5 b    shows a bottom view of a second feed layer in accordance with aspects of the disclosure; 
           [0022]      FIG. 6 a    shows a top view of a third feed layer in accordance with aspects of the disclosure; 
           [0023]      FIG. 6 b    shows a bottom view of a third feed layer in accordance with aspects of the disclosure; 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  shows an example of an antenna panel in accordance with aspects of the disclosure; 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  shows an example mounting of an antenna panel on a platform in accordance with aspects of the disclosure; 
           [0026]      FIG. 9  shows a side view of an example mounting of an antenna panel on a platform in accordance with aspects of the disclosure; 
           [0027]      FIG. 10  shows a top view of an example mounting of an antenna panel on a platform in accordance with aspects of the disclosure; and 
           [0028]      FIG. 11  shows an example mounting of an antenna platform in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0029]      FIG. 1  shows an example antenna panel module  1  that may comprise multiple layers, including at least a grating lobes suppression layer  10 , a radiating layer  12  and a feed layer  11 . In some embodiments, the feed layer  11  of antenna panel module  1  may comprise three or more sub-layers. The three or more sub-layers of feed layer  11  may support reception and/or transmission of at least two signals in two independent polarizations. The three or more sub-layers of the feed layer  11  may comprise at least a polarization selective layer  13 , a first polarization summation layer  14  and a second polarization summation layer  15 . 
         [0030]      FIG. 2  shows an example construction of a multi-layer antenna panel module, such as antenna panel module  1 . It may be noted that  FIG. 1  illustrates a division of antenna panel module  1  into multiple logical layers. Each logical layer shown in  FIG. 1  may be associated with one or more functions.  FIG. 2  illustrates a division of antenna panel module  1  into physical layers and/or components, e.g. in accordance with some embodiments of constructing antenna panel module  1 . Consequently, a logical layer shown in  FIG. 1  may be embodied using components that may be associated with two different layers as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0031]    In reference to  FIG. 2 , antenna panel module  1  may comprise a metallized plastic grid  21  and a plastic cover  22 . The metallized plastic grid  21  and the plastic cover  22  may be configured to form a grating lobes suppression layer, such as grating lobes suppression layer  10  of  FIG. 1 . In some embodiments, the metallized plastic grid  21  may be further configured as an impedance matching device. In some embodiments, the plastic cover  22  may be configured to seal an aperture of the antenna panel module  1 . Sealing the aperture may provide additional protection to the aperture from possible harsh environmental conditions, such as conditions that may be associated with airborne application. In another embodiment, the plastic cover  22  may comprise one or more holes for at least the purpose of allowing moisture control and/or ventilation of the internal volume of the antenna panel module  1 . 
         [0032]    Antenna panel module  1  may further comprise a molded plastic horn antenna array  26 . Molded plastic horn antenna array  26  may correspond to radiating layer  12  of  FIG. 1 . In some embodiments, the radiating layer of antenna panel module  1  may comprise an antenna array of open-ended waveguides (not shown in  FIG. 2 ) in place of molded plastic horn antenna array  26 . In some embodiments, antenna panel module  1  may further comprise three (3) additional layers including a first feed layer  23 , a second feed layer  24  and a third feed layer  25 . One or more of metallized plastic grid  21 , plastic cover  22 , first feed layer  23 , second feed layer  24 , third feed layer  25 , and molded plastic horn antenna array  26  may be assembled using any of guiding pins, guiding screws, gluing, or welding techniques, for at least the purpose of forming antenna panel module  1 . In some embodiments, all of metallized plastic grid  21 , plastic cover  22 , first feed layer  23 , second feed layer  24 , third feed layer  25 , and molded plastic horn antenna array  26  may be fabricated entirely of metallized plastic or conductive plastic. In some embodiments, metallized plastic grid  21 , plastic cover  22 , first feed layer  23 , second feed layer  24 , third feed layer  25 , and molded plastic horn antenna array  26  may be fabricated partly using metallized plastic (or conductive plastic) and partly using metal and/or metal parts. 
         [0033]      FIG. 3  may show a top view of an example embodiment of molded plastic horn antenna array  26 . Molded plastic horn antenna array  26  may comprise at least an array of broad band horn antennas  32 , step-shaped square waveguides  34  and a metallized plastic grid  33 . The step-shaped square waveguides  34  may be configured as feeds for the broad band horn antennas  32  for at least any of the purposes of achieving broad band operation for antenna panel module  1  and reducing a height property of horn antenna array  26 . The metallized plastic grid  33  may be mounted on top of the array of broad band horn antennas  32  for at least the purpose of improving the antenna panel performance. For example, mounting the metallized plastic grid  33  may reduce phase errors in the antenna panel aperture. 
         [0034]      FIG. 4 a    illustrates a top view of first feed layer  23  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). First feed layer  23  may comprise orthomode polarizer  54 . Orthomode polarizer  54  may be formed using molded plastic. In some embodiments, antenna panel module  1  may be configured to transmit and/or receive signals using orthogonal circular polarizations. In these embodiments, a septum polarizer (not shown in  FIG. 4 a   ) may be used in place of orthomode polarizer  54 . Orthomode polarizer  54  may include one or more orthomode cavities  51 . In some embodiments, orthomode cavities  51  of orthomode polarizer  54  may be formed within the metallized (molded) plastic that may make up the first feed layer  23 . Orthomode polarizer  54  may include mounting holes  52  and  53 . In some embodiments, antenna panel module  1  may be constructed using guiding pins and screws though mounting holes  52  and  53 . In these embodiments, orthomode polarizer  54  may be attached to the bottom side of horn antenna array  26 . Orthomode polarizer  54  may be configured to separate signals corresponding to a first polarization from signals corresponding to at least a second polarization. The signals corresponding to the first polarization and the signals corresponding to at least the second polarization may be received and/or transmitted by the antenna panel module  1 . Once separated by orthomode polarizer  54 , the signals corresponding to the first polarization may be summed by a first polarization waveguide summation circuit. Additionally, or alternatively, the signals corresponding to at least the second polarization may be summed by a second polarization summation circuit. 
         [0035]      FIG. 4 b    illustrates a bottom view of first feed layer  23  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). First feed layer  23  may include waveguide summation circuit  40 . Waveguide summation circuit  40  may be formed using molded plastic. Waveguide summation circuit  40  may be an upper part of the first polarization waveguide summation circuit that may be configured to sum signals corresponding to a first polarization. Waveguide summation circuit  40  may include cavities  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  47 , and  48  that may be formed within the metallized (molded) plastic that may make up the first feed layer  23 . Waveguide summation circuit  40  may further include mounting holes  41 . 
         [0036]      FIG. 5 a    illustrates a top view of second feed layer  24  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). Second feed layer  24  may include waveguide summation circuit  60 . Waveguide summation circuit  60  may be a bottom part of the first polarization waveguide summation circuit configured to sum signals corresponding to a first polarization. Waveguide summation circuit  60  may include one or more cavities  61 ,  63 ,  65 ,  67 , and  68 . In some embodiments, one or more of cavities  61 ,  63 ,  65 ,  67 , and  68  may be formed within the metallized (molded) plastic that may make up the second feed layer  24 . Upon constructing antennal panel module  1 , waveguide summation circuit  60  may be attached to waveguide summation circuit  40  (shown in  FIG. 4 b   ) for at least the purpose of forming the first polarization waveguide summation circuit. 
         [0037]      FIG. 5 b    illustrates a bottom view of second feed layer  24  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). Second feed layer  24  may include waveguide summation circuit  70 . Waveguide summation circuit  70  may be an upper part of a second polarization waveguide summation circuit. The second polarization waveguide summation circuit may be configured to sum signals corresponding to a second polarization that is different from the first polarization. Waveguide summation circuit  70  may include cavities  72 ,  74 ,  75 ,  76 ,  77 , and  78 . One or more of cavities  72 ,  74 ,  75 ,  76 ,  77 , and  78  may be formed within the metallized (molded) plastic that may make up the second feed layer  24 . 
         [0038]      FIG. 6 a    illustrates a top view of third feed layer  25  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). Third feed layer  25  may include waveguide summation circuit  80 . Waveguide summation circuit  80  may be a bottom part of the second polarization waveguide summation circuit. Waveguide summation circuit  80  may include cavities  81 ,  82 ,  84 ,  85 ,  86 ,  87 ,  88 , and  89 . In some embodiments, one or more of cavities  81 ,  82 ,  84 ,  85 ,  86 ,  87 ,  88 , and  89  may be formed within the metallized (molded) plastic that may make up the third feed layer  25 . Upon constructing antenna panel module  1 , waveguide summation circuit  80  may be attached to waveguide summation circuit  70  (shown in  FIG. 5 b   ) for at least the purpose of forming the second polarization waveguide summation circuit. 
         [0039]      FIG. 6 b    may illustrate a bottom view of third feed layer  25  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). Third feed layer  25  may include second polarization summation circuit. The bottom side  91  of second polarization summation circuit may comprise a first waveguide antenna output port  92  that may correspond to the first polarization and a second antenna output port  93  that may correspond to the second polarization. The bottom side  91  of the second polarization summation circuit may include one or more holes  94 . Holes  94  may be configured for insertion of guiding pins during assembly of antenna panel module  1 . 
         [0040]    The first polarization waveguide summation circuit may be comprised of waveguide summation circuit  40  and waveguide summation circuit  60 . The first polarization waveguide summation circuit may further comprise multiple broad band step-tapered waveguide cavities, such as cavities  42 ,  44 ,  45 ,  46 ,  47 , and  48 , (each shown in  FIG. 4 b   ) and cavities  61 ,  63 ,  64 ,  65 ,  67 , and  68  (each shown in  FIG. 5 a   ). One of more these cavities, such as cavities  46  and  61 , may be configured as antenna element transition cavities. Other cavities may be configured to form multiple T-junctions for summing signals corresponding to multiple antenna elements. At least one of the multiple T-junctions may be configured to sum signals corresponding to two or more antenna elements in accordance with coefficients that may be determined at least in accordance with a desired amplitude distribution (tapering) in the aperture of antenna panel module  1 . One or more of the multiple T-junctions, such as a T-junction that may be formed by cavities such as cavity  42  and cavity  67 , may be configured to sum signals corresponding to two antenna elements (e.g. transitioned via antenna element transition cavities, such as cavity  46  and cavity  61 ). One or more of the multiple T-junctions, such as a T-junction that may be formed by cavities such as cavity  44  and cavity  63 , may be configured to sum signals corresponding to two (2) pairs of antenna elements. In a similar manner, one or more of the multiple T-junctions, such as a T-junction that may be formed by cavities such as cavity  48  and cavity  68 , may be configured to sum signals corresponding to four (4) pairs of antenna elements. Similarly, one or more of the multiple T-junctions, such as a T-junction that may be formed by cavities such as cavity  45  and cavity  65 , may be configured to sum signals corresponding to eight (8) pairs of antenna elements. The output signals for the first polarization waveguide summation circuit may be produced using a final summation T-junction that may be formed by cavities such as cavity  47  and cavity  64 . The output signals for the first polarization waveguide summation circuit may be fed to the first polarization antenna output port  92  (shown in  FIG. 6 b   ). 
         [0041]    In some embodiments, any of waveguide summation circuit  40  and waveguide summation circuit  60  may comprise one or additional cavities (not shown in  FIG. 4 b    or  FIG. 5 a   ). The additional cavities may be utilized for reducing the weight of the first polarization waveguide summation circuit and consequently the overall weight of antenna panel module  1 . The additional cavities may be configured (for example, through their geometries and/or their locations within their respective waveguide summation circuits) such that the inclusion of the additional cavities does not interfere with the proper operation of the first polarization waveguide summation circuit. 
         [0042]    The second polarization waveguide summation circuit may be comprised of waveguide summation circuit  70  and waveguide summation circuit  80 . The second polarization waveguide summation circuit may further comprise multiple broad band step-tapered waveguide cavities. For example, second polarization waveguide summation circuit may include cavities  72 ,  74 ,  75 ,  76 , and  78  (shown in  FIG. 5 b   ) and cavities  81 ,  82 ,  85 ,  86 ,  87 ,  88 , and  89  (shown in  FIG. 6 a   ). One or more cavities, such as cavities  72 ,  87  and  88 , may be configured as antenna element transition cavities. One or more cavities, such as cavity  72 , may be configured as inputs for the second polarization summation circuit. One or more cavities, such as cavities  87  and  88 , may be coupled to the antenna output ports  92  and  93  (shown in  FIG. 6 b   ), respectively. One or more cavities may be configured to form multiple T-junctions for summing signals corresponding to multiple antenna elements. At least one of these one or more T-junctions may be configured to sum signals corresponding to two or more antenna elements in accordance with coefficients that may be determined at least in accordance with a desired amplitude distribution (tapering) in the aperture of the antenna panel module  1 . One or more of the multiple T-junctions, such as a T-junction that may be formed by cavities such as cavity  77  and cavity  81 , may be configured to sum signals corresponding to two antenna elements (e.g. transitioned via cavities such as antenna element transition cavity  72 ). One or more of the multiple T-junctions, such as a T-junction that may be formed by cavities such as cavity  78  and cavity  82 , may be configured to sum signals corresponding to two (2) pairs of antenna elements. In a similar manner, one or more of the multiple T-junctions, such as a T-junction that may be formed by cavities such as cavity  74  and cavity  89 , may be configured to sum signals corresponding to four (4) pairs of antenna elements. Similarly, one or more of the multiple T-junctions, such as a T-junction that may be formed by cavities such as cavity  75  and cavity  85 , may be configured to sum signals corresponding to eight (8) pairs of antenna elements. The output signals for the second polarization waveguide summation circuit may be produced using a final summation T-junction that may be formed by cavities such as cavity  76  and cavity  86 . The output signals for the second polarization waveguide summation circuit may be fed to the second polarization antenna output port  93  (shown in  FIG. 6 b   ). 
         [0043]    In some embodiments, any of waveguide summation circuit  70  and waveguide summation circuit  80  may comprise one or more additional cavities (not shown in  FIG. 5 b    and  FIG. 6 a   ). The one or more additional cavities may be utilized to reduce the weight of the second polarization waveguide summation circuit and consequently the overall weight of antenna panel module  1 . The additional cavities may be configured (for example, through their geometries and/or their locations within their respective waveguide summation circuits) such that the inclusion of the additional cavities does not interfere with the proper operation of the second polarization waveguide summation circuit. 
         [0044]    In one or more embodiments, the radiating layer  12  may comprise an antenna array comprising open-ended waveguides. In these embodiments, the first polarization waveguide summation circuit and/or the second polarization waveguide summation circuit may be replaced by a first summation circuit and/or a second summation circuit, respectively. The first summation circuit and/or the second summation circuit may be constructed using, for example, strip lines, substrate embedded or dielectric filed waveguide structures, and/or any combination of the above and of air-filled waveguides. 
         [0045]      FIG. 7  shows an example of an antenna panel  100 . Antenna panel  100  may comprise four antenna panel modules  101 , waveguides combiners  103  and  109 , a diplexer  104 , an electronically controlled polarization adjustment device  106 , a mechanically controlled polarization adjustment device  105 , a port for received signals  107 , and a port for transmitted signals  108 . The port for received signals  107  may be a coaxial port that may be coupled to the electronically controlled polarization adjustment device  106 . The port for transmitted signals  108  may be a waveguide port that may be coupled to the mechanically controlled polarization adjustment device  105 . In some embodiments, each of the antenna panel modules  101  may be constructed in a similar manner as antenna panel module  1 , as described above. The illustration of four antenna panel modules  101  is non-limiting, and the number of antenna panel modules  101  may be adjusted in accordance with a gain property of the antenna panel  100 . 
         [0046]    Waveguide combiners  103  and  109  may be configured to couple with antenna panel modules  101  at the respective output ports of each of the antenna panel modules  101 . For example, waveguide combiner  103  may be configured to couple with antenna module  101  at port  92  (shown in  FIG. 6 b   ), and waveguide combiner  109  may be configured to couple with antenna module  101  at port  93  (shown in  FIG. 6 b   ). Waveguide combiner  103  may be configured to combine signals received from the antenna panel modules  101  in accordance with a first polarization. Additionally, or alternatively, waveguide combiner  103  may be configured to distribute signals to be transmitted via the antenna panel modules  101  in accordance with the first polarization. Waveguide combiner  109  may be configured to combine signals received from the antenna panel modules  101  in accordance with a second polarization. The second polarization may be different from the first polarization. Additionally, or alternatively, waveguide combiner  109  may be configured to distribute signals to be transmitted via the antenna panel modules  101  in accordance with the second polarization. Diplexer  104  may be configured to have four (4) ports and to separate the received signals from the signals to be transmitted. For example, diplexer  104  may be configured to couple with the waveguide combiners  103  and  109  using a first port and a second port respectively. Diplexer  104  may further be configured to output the received signals via a third port. The third port may be coupled to electronically controlled polarization adjustment device  106 . Diplexer  104  may further be configured to receive the signals to be transmitted via a fourth port. The fourth port may be coupled to mechanically controlled polarization adjustment device  105 . 
         [0047]    In satellite communications using linear polarization, the polarization of a signal received from a satellite at a terminal antenna and/or the polarization of a signal transmitted from a terminal antenna to the satellite may be neither strictly vertical nor strictly horizontal with respect to the earth surface (e.g. at the location of the terminal antenna), but rather tilted at an angle. The polarization tilt angle may depend on one or more of a position of the terminal antenna relative to a position of the satellite, and on an angle at which a mounting surface on which the antenna may be mounted may be tilted, e.g. relative to an horizon (e.g. in case the mounting surface is not leveled or completely parallel to the horizon). In case of a mobile terminal, the tilt angle may dynamically change in accordance with movement of the terminal. For example, the tilt angle may be dynamically changed in accordance with a change in a position of the terminal antenna relative to a position of the satellite. Additionally, or alternatively, the tilt angle may be dynamically changed in accordance with a change in a tilt angle of a mounting surface which the antenna may be mounted on (e.g. like in case of an airborne platform when the plane may be turning). Therefore, at least in the case of a mobile terminal, in addition to tracking the satellite (relative) position, and/or adjusting the antenna azimuth and/or elevation for at least the purpose of maintaining the antenna directed at the satellite, it may be necessary also to track and/or adjust one or more of the reception polarization angle and the transmission polarization angle, e.g. for at least the purpose of maintaining communications. 
         [0048]    Electronically controlled polarization adjustment device  106  may be configured to adjust at least a reception polarization tilt angle of antenna panel  100 . Electronically controlled polarization adjustment device  106  may be configured to adjust at least a reception polarization tilt angle of antenna panel  100  in accordance with a polarization offset corresponding to a satellite selected for communication. Electronically controlled polarization adjustment device  106  may additionally or alternatively be configured to combine signals received in accordance with the first polarization associated with antenna panel modules  101  with signals received in accordance with the second polarization associated with antenna panel modules  101 . Electronically controlled polarization adjustment device  106  may additionally or alternatively be configured to adjust one or more of amplitudes of the signals received and phases of the signal received for at least the purpose of achieving a combined signal that may correspond to a desired polarization tilt of antenna panel  100 . 
         [0049]    In some embodiments, e.g. of antenna panel  100 , signal combining from the two linear polarizations, e.g. for at least the purpose of adjusting a polarization tilt angle, may be done separately for transmitted signals and for received signals. For example, two separated polarization adjustment devices may be used. As previously described, the reception polarization tilt angle may be adjusted electronically using electronically controlled polarization adjustment device  106 . Once the reception polarization tilt angle is determined, a transmission polarization tilt angle may be determined. The transmission polarization tilt angle may be determined by adjusting the reception polarization tilt angle by 90 degrees. The polarization of transmitted signals may then be adjusted in accordance with the determined transmission polarization tilt angle using mechanically controlled polarization adjustment device  105 . 
         [0050]      FIG. 8 ,  FIG. 9 , and  FIG. 10 , show an example construction of antenna terminal  110 , wherein  FIG. 8  shows an isometric view of antenna terminal  110 ,  FIG. 9  shows a side view of antenna terminal  110  and  FIG. 10  shows a top view of antenna terminal  110 . In some embodiments, antenna terminal  110  may be configured as a two way (e.g. receive and transmit) antenna terminal. As shown in  FIG. 8 , antenna terminal  110  may include a rotating platform  111 , a static platform  112 , an interface  113 , and an antenna panel  114 . These elements are described below in reference to  FIGS. 9 and 10 . 
         [0051]    As shown in  FIG. 9 , antenna terminal  110  may include, in additional to antenna panel  114 , an elevation motor and mechanics  122 . Antenna panel  114  may be configured to be mounted on elevation motor and mechanics  122 . Elevation motor and mechanics  122  may comprise an elevation motor component and an elevation mechanics component. The elevation mechanics and the elevation motor may be configured to enable pointing of the antenna beam at a desired elevation angle. For example, the elevation mechanics and the elevation motor may be configured to raise and lower the antenna panel  114  around an axis. 
         [0052]    As shown in  FIG. 10 , antenna panel  114  of antenna terminal  110  may be configured to include four antenna panel modules (as shown for antenna panel  100 ). Antenna terminal  110  may further compromise a rotating platform  111 , a static platform  112 , an interface  113 , an azimuth rotary joint  133 , an elevation rotary joint  137 , a waveguide  131  and a plate  136 . The antenna terminal  110  may further comprise a protective cover (not shown in the above referenced figures). 
         [0053]    Elevation motor and mechanics  122 , on which the antenna panel  114  may be mounted, may be mounted on rotating platform  111 . Rotating platform  111  may be configured to enable pointing of the antenna beam at any direction in the azimuth plane. 
         [0054]    The rotating platform  111  may be configured to be mounted on static platform  112 , wherein the static platform  112  may be configured to enable and secure mounting of antenna terminal  110  to a surface. For example, antenna terminal  110  may be mounted to a stationary surface, a roof of a moving vehicle, etc., via static platform  112 . The static platform  112  may be further configured to include interface  113 . Interface  113  may be configured to enable conveying one or more of RF signals and direct current (DC) power and (digital) control signals, to and from the antenna terminal  110 . In some embodiments, rotating platform  111  may be mounted on the static platform  112  using the azimuth rotary joint device  133 . Azimuth rotary joint device  133  may comprise at least an RF dual band rotary connection and a slip ring. The azimuth rotary joint device  133  may be configured to enable delivering one or more of RF signals and direct current (DC) power and (digital) control signals between the static platform  112  and antenna panel  114 . In some embodiments, waveguide  131  may be coupled on a one end to the azimuth rotary joint device  133  and on the other end to the elevation rotary joint device  137 . Waveguide  131  may be configured to convey at least one transmitted RF signal from the azimuth rotary joint device  133  to a port for transmitted signals of antenna panel  114  (e.g. port  108  as shown for antenna panel  100 ) via the elevation rotary joint device  137 . In some embodiments, one or more devices (not shown in  FIG. 10 ) configured to support elevation and mechanics  122  may be mounted on plate  136 . 
         [0055]    In some embodiments, at least one of the rotating platform  111  and the static platform  112  may be fabricated from reinforced plastic. Fabricating one or more of the rotating platform  111  and the static platform  112  from reinforced plastic may reduce the overall weight of the antenna terminal  110  and may reduce the cost of constructing antenna terminal  110 . The plastic parts (e.g. the rotating platform  111  and/or the static platform  112 ) may be fabricated using any of one or more appropriate methods, including, but not limited to molding, milling, 3-dimensional (3D) printing, sintering plastic layers, or any other means of manufacturing. Construction of the plastic parts may comprise ribs and shells that may be configured to ensure a required stiffness of both the rotating platform  111  and the static platform  112 . 
         [0056]    In some embodiments, the antenna terminal  110  may be mounted on a stationary surface. In some embodiments, the antenna terminal  110  may be mounted, for example, on a roof surface of a vehicle. In some embodiments, the antenna terminal  110  may be mounted, for example, on a top surface of an airplane fuselage, e.g. taking advantage of the light weight of antenna terminal  110 . 
         [0057]      FIG. 11  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an antenna platform  200 , wherein antenna platform  200  may comprise at least an adaptor plate  201 , a supporting structure  202 , a rotating platform  205 , and an antenna panel  204 . The supporting structure  202  may be coupled to the adaptor plate  201 . The rotating platform  205  may be coupled to the supporting structure  202 . The antenna panel  204  may be mounted on the rotating platform  205  and may be similar to antenna panel  100  as previously described. In some embodiments, antenna platform  200  may be configured to be mounted on an airplane fuselage. The mounting of antenna platform  200  on an airplane fuselage may be in accordance with the Aeronautical Radio Incorporated (ARINC) 791 standard for Ku-band and Ka-band satellite data airborne terminal equipment. 
         [0058]    Various aspects of the disclosure may be embodied as one or more methods, systems, apparatuses (e.g., components of a satellite communication network), and/or computer program products. Accordingly, those aspects may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment, an entirely firmware embodiment, or an embodiment combining firmware, software, and/or hardware aspects. Furthermore, such aspects may take the form of a computer program product stored by one or more computer-readable storage media having computer-readable program code, or instructions, embodied in or on the storage media. Any suitable computer readable storage media may be utilized, including hard disks, CD-ROMs, optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, and/or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, one or more computer readable media storing instructions may be used. The instructions, when executed, may cause one or more apparatuses to perform one or more acts described herein. The one or more computer readable media may comprise transitory and/or non-transitory media. In addition, various signals representing data or events as described herein may be transferred between a source and a destination in the form of electromagnetic waves traveling through signal-conducting media such as metal wires, optical fibers, and/or wireless transmission media (e.g., air and/or space). 
         [0059]    Modifications may be made to the various embodiments described herein by those skilled in the art. For example, each of the elements of the aforementioned embodiments may be utilized alone or in combination or sub-combination with elements of the other embodiments. It will also be appreciated and understood that modifications may be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The description is thus to be regarded as illustrative instead of restrictive on the present disclosure.