Series 20 – Episode 7 – How is NTN reshaping connectivity?

This entry is part 4 of 31 in the series Electronic Specifier Insights

In a recent episode of Electronic Specifier Insights, host Paige Hookway speaks with Carmen Redondo, Director of Global Marketing for Antennas at KYOCERA AVX. The conversation centres on the role of antennas in enabling non-terrestrial networks (NTN) and how advanced manufacturing techniques – particularly Laser Direct Structuring (LDS) – are allowing new, compact antenna solutions for satellite-to-device communications, especially in IoT applications.

The discussion frames NTN as a major opportunity: terrestrial networks do not reach roughly 70% of the planet, so satellites can address connectivity gaps across oceans, remote land areas, and other underserved locations. The release of 3GPP Release 17 standardised NTN support and accelerated module and device development that use cellular modules for satellite links, opening many IoT use cases. Redondo emphasises that antennas are the final, critical element closing the link to satellites since satellite signals are weak and travel long distances – making antenna performance even more important than in typical terrestrial cellular applications.

Engineering challenges specific to NTN are explored. Redondo highlights two main technical issues: the weak satellite signal strength and the predominance of circular polarisation in satellite transmissions. While many terrestrial antennas use linear polarisation, NTN requires circular polarisation to avoid loss from polarisation mismatch; furthermore, two-way communication (transmit and receive) increases the importance of polarisation alignment and overall antenna sensitivity.

A significant portion of the episode focuses on Laser Direct Structuring (LDS) as a game-changing manufacturing approach. Redondo explains LDS: specially formulated plastic resins are laser-activated, enabling metal plating of complex three-dimensional antenna geometries directly onto moulded parts. LDS permits use of the entire 3D volume rather than limiting designs to planar or PCB-based structures. This enables novel shapes – such as the company’s ‘Tulip’ antenna with constant phase fronts – and facilitates implementations that achieve circular polarisation, compact form factors, weight savings, surface-mount technology (SMT) compatibility, and robustness in metal-rich environments. LDS-based antennas can be integrated directly onto PCBs like other SMT components and are attractive for weight-sensitive applications like drones.

The interview highlights KYOCERA AVX’s award-winning S-band LDS cap antenna. Redondo details its benefits: lightweight plastic construction, hollow interior allowing components beneath the antenna, SMT mounting, stable gain at low elevation angles (valuable for LEO satellites and for geo-satellite use at low elevation), and, importantly, configurable dual circular polarisation – meaning the same antenna can be configured for right-hand or left-hand circular polarisation depending on the satellite provider. She asserts this configurability differentiates their product in the market and provides cost-efficiency and flexibility for customers.

On application fit, Redondo notes LDS cap antennas excel where the antenna can be oriented upward toward the sky – industrial sensors, stationary IoT devices, and certain automotive external applications – whereas some asset-tracking devices may be less suitable unless they can ensure sky-facing orientation. She also mentions trials with major automotive OEMs and plans for IP-housed external versions.

Looking forward, Redondo teases forthcoming innovations: a dual-band L+S antenna with dual polarisation that will increase flexibility across constellations and regions, supporting devices that must connect to different satellite types (LEO, GEO, or regional providers). She also references engagement with partners on future NTN developments. She closes by stressing that antenna selection and proper implementation are critical for device success.

To hear more from KYOCERA AVX, you can listen to Electronic Specifier’s interview on Spotify or Apple podcasts.