The pie-shaped device is a portable satellite dish developed by Rhosoon. [Photo/WeChat account: hefeigaoxinfabu]

A low-cost, high-performance portable satellite dish was recently developed by Rhosoon, a technology company in the Hefei National High-tech Industry Development Zone.

The satellite dish is designed to receive electromagnetic signals from satellites and then transmits data or broadcasts, which can be useful in places without network coverage.

Satellite dishes on the current market are too large and expensive for civil use, which means the new product is expected to fill an important gap.

"The product is currently mainly used by government departments and enterprises engaged in industries such as petroleum, petrochemicals and power grids," said Gui Wanru, general manager of the company, "due to new technological developments, the products will be reduced to notebook size and the price greatly reduced, making it accessible to the public."

Gui said the company has been researching satellite communications for new-generation wireless communication technology since it was founded in 2017.

The latest research results by technicians at the company provide an innovative solution to developing satellite mobile broadband communication antennas, a critical part of satellite dishes, that outperforms other devices of its kind by achieving a balance between cost, bulk, weight, production process, reliability and longevity.

The new type of mobile antenna made of new materials uses the Luneburg lens to magnify and focus electromagnetic waves, which greatly reduces costs.

Due to the implementation of the optical lens in passive systems, the size, weight and power consumption of the antenna are greatly reduced, which is convenient for installation and maintenance.

The use of electronic scanning improves the tracking accuracy and achieves simultaneous tracking of multiple satellites.

By controlling the structure of artificial materials, the antenna's pointing performance is improved, interference with other satellites is reduced, and the stability and accuracy of signal reception and transmission are greatly improved.

Gui said the technicians at the company carried out R&D projects on the product in the first year, built product models in the second year, and will improve product quality and further reduce costs this year.