With the massive deployment of 5G base stations and the rise of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite internet, global data traffic is surging. In satellite communications, radar, and microwave links, the precise alignment of the antenna is the lifeline for signal quality. Antenna drive systems must achieve high-precision Azimuth and Elevation control under all weather conditions. The technical challenges are: 1) Extreme Positioning Accuracy: Large ground stations require pointing accuracy down to the arc-second level. 2) Smooth Low-Speed Tracking: Motion must be extremely smooth, without “cogging” or “jitter,” when tracking slow-moving targets like satellites. 3) High Stiffness & Wind Resistance: The drive system needs massive holding torque and rigidity to resist external forces like strong wind, preventing deviation. 4) High Reliability: Stations are often in remote locations (mountains, deserts) and require maintenance-free, long-life, wide-temperature operation.
AKT Product Solution
AKT provides high-precision, high-reliability drive solutions for antenna positioning, where Hybrid Stepper Motors and Brushless DC (BLDC) Servo Motors each offer distinct advantages.
- High-Stiffness & Precision Pointing (Ground Station) Solution:
For large ground station antennas, our high-torque hybrid stepper motors (e.g., NEMA 34 or larger) are a highly reliable and cost-effective choice. Their key advantage is high holding torque at standstill: the motor provides powerful self-locking torque without continuous power, which is critical for resisting constant wind loads and maintaining a stable antenna position. Paired with high-resolution micro-stepping drivers, they achieve smooth low-speed tracking.
To gain high torque and rigidity, we integrate them with low-backlash planetary gearboxes (backlash controlled within 10, or even 5, arc-minutes). This combination drastically increases the stiffness of the drivetrain, eliminating pointing errors caused by gear slop. - High-Dynamic Tracking (SOTM) Solution:
For “Satcom On-The-Move” (SOTM) antennas on vehicles, ships, or aircraft, the platform itself is in constant motion. The antenna must respond in milliseconds to compensate for attitude and maintain satellite lock. This demands extreme dynamic performance. Our low-inertia BLDC servo system is the ideal choice here. A BLDC motor (e.g., 57mm, 86mm series) with a high-resolution absolute encoder and a high-performance FOC driver enables a high-bandwidth position servo, actively canceling out platform jitter and ensuring the communication link never drops. - Miniature & High-Reliability (5G RET) Solution:
The Remote Electrical Tilt (RET) system in 5G base station antennas requires precise remote adjustment of the beam angle in a tiny space. Our small stepper motors (e.g., NEMA 14, 17) paired with compact planetary gearboxes form a highly reliable, precise, and long-life integrated actuator. Its cost-effectiveness makes it perfect for mass deployment.
Engineering & Customization Capabilities:
We offer deep customization for the communications industry: including wide-temperature (-40°C to +85°C) grease and materials, high-protection-rated (IP65) sealing for outdoor rain/snow, integration of absolute encoders (for position memory on power-loss), and electromagnetic brakes (for safety locking of the elevation axis).
Typical Application Equipment Examples
- Satcom On-The-Move (SOTM) Antennas:
This is one of the highest-end applications. The antenna gimbal must be a 3-axis stabilized platform. Our high-performance BLDC servo motors (with integrated encoders) act as torque motors, directly driving the three axes. The driver takes attitude data from a gyro and, via high-speed closed-loop control, provides real-time counter-motion to the vessel’s pitching, rolling, and turning, keeping the antenna “locked” on the satellite. - VSAT/Satellite Ground Stations:
The azimuth and elevation axes of a ground station demand high torque and stiffness. Our high-torque BLDC motor (or stepper) combined with a high-ratio, low-backlash planetary gearbox delivers the immense torque needed to move large parabolic dishes. The low-backlash feature ensures pointing accuracy during micro-adjustments and under wind load. - 5G Base Station RET Systems:
The RET actuator is installed inside the antenna housing, with limited space and zero maintenance for life. Our small stepper motor + planetary gearbox integrated module is extremely compact. It achieves high-precision linear control (via a screw) through its high gear ratio, and the stepper’s inherent holding torque ensures the beam angle does not shift under vibration.
Summary
AKT deeply understands the critical role antenna-pointing accuracy plays in the entire communication link. Leveraging our technical expertise in precision stepper and BLDC servo control, we provide integrated solutions spanning from the motor, low-backlash planetary gearbox, and encoder/brake accessories to the bus-enabled driver. Our engineering team can work collaboratively with antenna manufacturers on load-inertia matching and servo tuning to ensure the drive system achieves robust, precise, and powerful performance in any harsh environment.