Metamaterial Surface Antenna Technology
MSA-T: Enabling affordable, all-electronic beam steering satcom user terminals
MSA-T Antenna Panels
Intellectual Ventures’ (IV) Metamaterials Surface Antenna Technology (MSA-T) is a new class of antenna technology that can electronically steer an RF beam rapidly and precisely over wide angles, without the need for moving parts or expensive phase-shifting components. A first application of MSA-T will be the development of user terminals for the new generation of Ka-band High Throughput Satellites (HTS), serving communications-on-the-move customers in aeronautical, maritime and land transport markets. It may also be used for fixed applications where ease of installation is important.
How MSA-T Works 
Unlike today’s large, heavy and hand-built mechanical and phased array user terminals, MSA-T’s antenna structure is similar to printed circuit boards and can be fabricated using established lithography and mass-production techniques. MSA-T allows for lower-cost user terminals as thin as 2-3 cm that weigh only a few kilograms. MSA-T transmit and receive modules can be tiled as needed to meet customer bandwidth requirements. Variants of MSA-T offer the potential for curved antenna products that conform to a mounting surface, such as the fuselage of an aircraft.
MSA-T Ka-band user terminals will allow satellite service providers to address existing customers and will open the door to new customers who can benefit from its compact form factor, ease of use and installation and expected affordable price points.
MSA-T satcom terminal applications
User terminals incorporating MSA-T offer an affordable and efficient way to connect a wide variety of mobile customers with broadband satellites. Possible applications include:
Aeronautical
Ideally suited for all airborne broadband communications where low aerodynamic drag, weight, power and cost are critical. Designed to be easily installed on commercial transport, business jets, military aircraft and remotely piloted vehicles.
Maritime & Recreation
Configurable for any communications over the water, including shipping vessels, cruise liners and even leisure recreational craft.
Rail
Delivers broadband Internet services on any rail system, including commuter, high-speed rail and freight trains. Affordable, low profile terminals are easy to install, ensuring rail passengers have access to the same type of high-speed Internet services they would have at home or in the office.
Portable Satellite Hotspot Concept
Laptop-sized, self-pointing satellite hotspot for remote news gathering, mining, exploration, disaster response, defense, security and other applications where high-speed Internet access is essential.
MSA-T Video Overview
Resources
Status and Availability
IV's dedicated project team has designed and fabricated prototype MSA-T antennas to demonstrate wide angle beam steering at Ka-band. MSA-T is now transitioning to commercialization and full-scale product development, with initial availability planned for late 2014.