Ka band
|
Frequency range
|
26.5 – 40 GHz |
|---|---|
|
Wavelength range
|
1.11 cm – 7.5 mm |
|
Related bands
|
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The Ka band ("kay-ay band") covers the frequencies of 26.5–40 GHz,[1] i.e. wavelengths from slightly over one centimeter down to 7.5 millimeters.[2] The Ka band is part of the K band of the microwave band of the electromagnetic spectrum. This symbol refers to "K-above": in other words, the band directly above the K-band. The 30/20 GHz band is used in communications satellites, uplink in either the 27.5 GHz and 31 GHz bands,[3] and high-resolution, close-range targeting radars aboard military airplanes. Some frequencies in this radio band are used for vehicle speed detection by law enforcement.[4] Kepler Mission uses this frequency range to downlink the scientific data collected by the space telescope.
The designation "Ka-band" is from Kurz-above, which stems from the German word "kurz" meaning short.[5]
In satellite communications, the Ka band allows higher bandwidth communication. It is used in the Inmarsat I-5 system[6] and will be used in the upcoming Newsat Jabiru,[7] and Iridium Next satellite series, for instance. The Ka band is more susceptible to rain attenuation than is the Ku band, which in turn is more susceptible than the C band.[8]
References
- ↑ R. Ludwig, P. Bretchko, RF Circuit Design, Theory and Applications, Prentice Hall NJ, 2000.
- ↑ "Basics of Space Flight: Electromagnetic Phenomena."
- ↑ http://www.tech-faq.com/ka-band.shtml
- ↑ http://hypertextbook.com/facts/2000/MaxLipkin.shtml
- ↑ http://www.itwissen.info/definition/lexikon/K-Band-K-band.html (german)
- ↑ http://www.inmarsat.com/corporate/media-centre/press-releases/inmarsat-announces-1.2bn-investment-in-next-generation-ka-band-satellite-network
- ↑ http://www.newsat.com/Satellites/kaband.html
- ↑ http://www.tele-satellite.com/TELE-satellite-0709/eng/feature.pdf
