Global satellite communication innovator Antenna Technology Communications Inc. (ATCi) has established itself as a world leader in multibeam antenna systems, delivering powerful and flexible connectivity solutions for broadcast, telecommunications, defense and enterprise networks. The company’s SIMULSAT series antennas represent a landmark in antenna engineering capable of simultaneously receiving signals from multiple satellites without mechanical movement, enabling continuous, high-reliability coverage across diverse communication networks.
Designed for both commercial and government applications, ATCi’s multibeam antenna technology combines wide-arc coverage, superior gain performance and compact design efficiency to meet the evolving demands of the global Satcom ecosystem. These systems are optimized for Ku and C-band frequency operations and have been deployed at teleports, media hubs and defense facilities worldwide, setting new standards for reliability, performance and cost-effectiveness.
SIMULSAT Multibeam Technology
ATCi’s SIMULSAT technology is based on a proprietary parabolic torus reflector design, which enables a single antenna to simultaneously receive signals from up to 35 satellites spread across a 70-degree orbital arc. Unlike traditional parabolic dishes that track only one satellite at a time, the SIMULSAT system eliminates the need for multiple antennas and mechanical repositioning, resulting in a simplified infrastructure with significantly lower maintenance costs.
Each SIMULSAT antenna is equipped with an array of low-noise block downconverters (LNBs) precisely aligned along the reflector’s focal line. This configuration allows concurrent reception of multiple transponders, frequencies and polarizations, ensuring consistent signal quality even during satellite switching or frequency reallocation. The multibeam design also ensures uniform gain performance across the arc, allowing operators to maintain balanced signal strength from satellites positioned at different orbital slots. This capability makes SIMULSAT an ideal solution for multichannel video distribution, broadband backhaul, data relays and government communication networks. ATCi has effectively eliminated the limitations of single-satellite antennas, providing a scalable and future-ready platform for global communication infrastructure.
SIMULSAT 7A – The Flagship Multibeam Antenna
The SIMULSAT 7A is ATCi’s flagship multibeam reception system, engineered to deliver the highest performance and flexibility in large-scale satellite operations. With a reflector spanning 4.6 meters (15 feet), the SIMULSAT 7A can receive signals from up to 35 satellites simultaneously within a 70° arc (35° east and west of the center satellite). Operating in both C and Ku-bands, the SIMULSAT 7A achieves comparable gain and signal quality to a traditional 4.5-meter single-satellite parabolic antenna. This allows broadcasters, teleports and network operators to consolidate infrastructure while maintaining premium-grade performance. The system is fully compatible with standard feed and LNB configurations, enabling flexible deployment for a range of applications including video uplinks, IP data distribution, content aggregation, and enterprise-grade broadband networks. The SIMULSAT 7A’s high wind-load tolerance, corrosion-resistant construction, and precise reflector geometry ensure consistent performance and structural integrity even under harsh environmental conditions. The space-efficient footprint and field-proven reliability make it the industry’s go-to choice for multi-satellite reception in large-scale commercial and government networks.
SIMULSAT 5B – Multibeam Antenna
Designed for operations requiring a smaller footprint without compromising performance, the SIMULSAT 5B offers the same advanced multibeam functionality as its larger counterpart. Measuring 3.7 meters (12 feet) in width, the 5B supports simultaneous reception from up to 35 satellites across a 70° arc, covering both C-band and Ku-band frequencies. The SIMULSAT 5B is ideal for broadcast affiliates, regional teleports, universities and government facilities that require access to multiple satellite signals within limited space constraints. Despite its compact size, it delivers signal gain equivalent to a conventional 3.8-meter single-beam parabolic dish, making it one of the most efficient multibeam systems in its class. Engineered with precision reflector surfaces and modular feed assemblies, the SIMULSAT 5B offers easy installation, alignment, and scalability for expanding network requirements. The lightweight and robust composite structure ensures durability and minimal maintenance over long operational lifecycles. This antenna model exemplifies ATCi’s design delivering maximum versatility, reliability, and performance in a compact, cost-efficient form.
Both SIMULSAT 7A and 5B antennas are designed for seamless integration into existing satellite communication infrastructures. Their modular feed systems can accommodate various LNB configurations, frequency bands, and polarization modes, enabling operators to customize reception based on mission or network requirements. ATCi’s multibeam systems are compatible with standard satellite receivers, demodulators, and headend architectures, allowing for straightforward deployment in teleports, media networks, and broadband distribution hubs. The antennas are also engineered for low sidelobe and cross-polarization performance, minimizing interference and ensuring high-quality signal isolation across transponders. The Simulsat Product Selector part of ATCi’s technology suite helps customers evaluate and configure antenna models according to desired orbital coverage, frequency bands, and site conditions, ensuring that each system is optimized for maximum link efficiency and long-term reliability.
ATCi’s multibeam antenna technology demonstrates remarkable versatility, supporting a diverse range of industries and mission profiles that rely on seamless and high-capacity satellite connectivity. In the broadcast and media distribution sector, these antennas enable the simultaneous reception of multiple satellite channels, making them ideal for cable TV networks, global broadcasters, and content aggregation hubs that require continuous access to numerous feeds without the need for multiple antenna systems. In government and defense communications, ATCi’s solutions deliver secure, high-availability multi-satellite links that are essential for command, control, and real-time data exchange across mission-critical networks.
The company’s technology also plays a vital role in enterprise and telecommunication infrastructures which supports IP data relay, broadband backhaul and network redundancy, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity for organizations that depend on resilient communication channels. Beyond commercial and defense applications, ATCi’s multibeam systems are also used extensively in education and scientific research, providing multi-satellite access for universities and research institutions engaged in atmospheric monitoring, remote sensing and advanced data analysis. By addressing such a broad spectrum of operational requirements, ATCi reinforces the position as a key enabler of global satellite connectivity. The multibeam antenna systems combine high performance, operational simplicity and long-term reliability, offering customers a powerful, scalable and cost-effective platform that meets the evolving demands of modern communications networks worldwide.
About ATCi
Founded in 1979 and headquartered in Chandler, Arizona (USA), Antenna Technology Communications Inc. (ATCi) is a leading developer and manufacturer of satellite ground antenna systems and communication solutions. The company specializes in multibeam reception, teleport infrastructure and mobile Satcom integration, supporting a wide array of commercial and government customers worldwide. ATCi’s product portfolio includes the SIMULSAT series, teleport and uplink systems and mobile satellite communication platforms, designed to deliver efficient, scalable and high-quality connectivity solutions. With decades of engineering expertise, ATCi continues to pioneer innovations in multibeam reception and hybrid network infrastructure, supporting the growth of global satellite communications.
