TICRA to develop fast full-wave methods for irregular antenna arrays for space applications in industrial PhD study

In collaboration with the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), TICRA’s Magnus Brandt-Møller will start his industrial PhD study in August. The PhD study aims at developing a fast and accurate computational algorithm for analysing large and irregular antenna arrays for space applications.

Future satellite communication systems comprise LEO constellations, demanding flexible in-orbit reconfigurable antenna payloads and electronically steerable terminal antennas. To accommodate this trend irregular antenna arrays pose an applicable solution which allows major power and mass savings, while preserving excellent antenna performance. The aim of the PhD study is to develop an efficient and accurate analysis technique for electrically large and interconnected antenna arrays.

The topic of the PhD study is important for TICRA’s future portfolio. Erik Jørgensen, CTO at TICRA says “The full-wave algorithms we use routinely today are already capable of analysing large arrays. But when it comes to optimising the performance of the next generation of flexible satellite payloads, we need the extra speed and accuracy that only a dedicated algorithm, developed particularly with the space industry in mind, is able to provide.”

Magnus Brandt-Møller, completed his Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from DTU in 2019 where the topic of this thesis was on near-field measurements and probe antenna design. Magnus started working at TICRA immediately after graduation and brings an ambitious, systematic, and quality focused drive into TICRA and the PhD study. TICRA is looking forward to carrying out this PhD study together with DTU.

The PhD study which is partly funded by Innovation Fund Denmark is expected to be completed in July 2023.