ESA and French firm Asygn presented new beamforming integrated circuits for phased array antennas at the RF Active Technology Laboratory at ESTEC in the Netherlands.

Phased array antennas use electronic beamforming to direct radio signals without moving parts, unlike traditional mechanically steered dishes.

The new silicon chips, described as highly integrated analogue and digital beamforming solutions, are smaller than earlier generations and aim to make phased arrays more compact, reliable and cost‑effective for satellite communications, navigation, Earth observation and space missions.

Václav Valenta, an ESA engineer specialising in phased arrays, said the focus has shifted toward tightly integrated chips designed and manufactured in Europe to improve performance and provide a secure European supply chain.

Clement Jany, co‑director of the Radio Frequency business unit at Asygn, noted that single‑chip designs for specific frequency bands such as X and Ka enable high precision phase and amplitude control with low noise, simplifying integration for antenna manufacturers.

The demonstration highlights progress in electronic beam steering, but widespread adoption will depend on further system integration and validation.