Cerus

70-90GHz & 92 - 114GHz

Solid state power amplifier

Filtronic’s industry-leading mmWave SSPAs for high-data-rate communications. The Cerus series delivers unmatched power performance in E-Band (71–76GHz, 81–86GHz) and W-Band (92–96GHz, 102–114GHz), meeting the rising demand for high-frequency links across land, air and space.

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Designed for:

  • Aerospace

  • Defence

  • Space

  • Telecoms Infrastructure


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Cerus
E band solid state power amplifier close up | Filtronic
Taurus e band power amplifier | product photo close up | Filtronic
Cerus E band power amplifier | Filtronic PLC

Overview

SSPAs boost low-power radio frequency signals to significantly higher power levels — a critical function for reliable transmission in modern mmWave applications such as 5G and advanced wireless systems. By increasing signal amplitude and output power, SSPAs improve link performance, supporting greater range and data throughput.

Key features of the Cerus SSPA include:

  • Output power exceeding 43 dBm (Cerus 32 (E)) for robust transmission performance
  • Small signal gain over 20 dB (Cerus 32 (E)), delivering strong and consistent amplification
  • Compact, lightweight design optimised for harsh or space-constrained environments

These capabilities make the Cerus series an ideal solution for high-capacity, high-frequency communication across a wide range of demanding use cases.

Why choose the Cerus?

  • Scalable performance – Options range from lightweight units for airborne systems to high-output modules for large-scale infrastructures.
  • Proven reliability – Over 100,000 Filtronic millimeter-wave devices deployed globally.
  • Versatile applications – Surface, Air and Space including Defence, commercial, HAPS, low Earth orbit satellite, and 5G backhaul.

Whether you need a compact, energy-efficient amplifier or a high-power solution for extended range and reliability, the Cerus series has you covered.

Cerus highlights

Good to know

High-frequency performance
Operates in E-Band (71-76GHz and 81-86GHz) and W-Band (92-96GHz and 102-114GHz) for advanced wireless communications.
Versatile configurations
Available in 1, 4, 8, 16 and 32-way amplifier configurations for customisable solutions.
High output power
Delivers up to 43 dBm output power for extended transmission range and strength.
Excellent small signal gain
Offers over 20 dB small signal gain for robust signal amplification.
Compact and lightweight
Optimised for Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) efficiency, ideal for space-constrained applications.

Cerus 1

Cerus 4

Cerus 8

Cerus 32 V

Cerus 32 (E)

Cerus 32 (W)

Space

Telecommunications infrastructure

Filtronic success story

Agility and problem identification reduces OPEX

Filtronic success story

Pushing performance boundaries – D-band

Filtronic success story

Wide-range transceiver capabilities

Filtronic success story

Cerus 32 – Highest power (>20W), commercially available E-band SSPA

Benefits of a solid-state power amplifier

Performance

Maximum power output

Bandwidth

Wide bandwidth
5 GHz

Performance key data

Cerus FAQ’s

General questions

Q: What is the Cerus?
A:The Cerus is a range of high-performance E-Band amplifiers designed for applications requiring high power, linearity, and reliability. They are scalable solutions, ranging from compact modules to high-power systems.

Q: What applications are the Cerus amplifiers suited for?
A:The Cerus amplifiers are ideal for:

  • 5G backhaul and fronthaul networks
  • Satellite communications
  • Military and defence systems
  • High-altitude pseudo-satellites (HAPS)
  • Wide-area communication networks

Q: What frequencies do the amplifiers operate at?
A: All models in the Cerus support E-Band frequencies: 71-76 GHz and 81-86 GHz.

Q: Are the amplifiers field-proven?
A: Yes, over 100,000 Filtronic millimeter-wave products at E-band, including the Cerus series, are deployed globally.

Product-specific questions

Q: How does the Cerus 1 compare to the other models?
A:The Cerus 1 is the most compact and lightweight model in the series, making it ideal for airborne and low-SWAP applications. It offers saturated power up to +28 dBm and weighs just 33g.

Q: What makes the Cerus 4 unique?
A:The Cerus 4 features a 4-MMIC design for enhanced power output (+33 dBm max) while maintaining a compact footprint. It includes integrated temperature sensors and optional control circuitry for advanced functionality.

Q: What is the standout feature of the Cerus 8?
A: The Cerus 8 delivers a higher saturated power output (+36 dBm) and exceptional linearity (OIP3 of +39.5 dBm). It is ideal for long-range and high-capacity E-Band communications.

Q: Why choose the Cerus 32?
A:The Cerus 32 is the most powerful amplifier in the series, providing up to 22W of saturated power. It is designed for the most demanding applications, such as satellite communication ground stations and large-scale commercial networks.

Technical questions

Q: What is the input/output interface for the Cerus series?
A: All models use WR12 waveguide interfaces for input and output.

Q: What is the operational temperature range of the amplifiers?
A: The amplifiers operate reliably within a temperature range of -40°C to +70°C.

Q: Are the amplifiers customisable?
A: Yes, the Cerus series is highly configurable. Customisations include integration with transceivers, diplexers, and other components to suit specific applications.

Q: Do the amplifiers support 256QAM modulation?
A: Yes, all models in the Cerus series support high linearity for 256QAM modulation.

Q: What power supplies are required for these amplifiers?
A: The required supply voltage and current vary by model:
Cerus 1: 3.8V, 1.1A
Cerus 4: 5.0V, 6A
Cerus 8: 5.0V, 12A
Cerus 32: 48V, 7.9A

Support and warranty

Q: Does the Cerus series come with a warranty?
A: Yes, Filtronic provides a standard warranty. Please contact Filtronic for specific terms.

Q: What kind of technical support is available?
A: Filtronic offers comprehensive support, including setup, configuration, and troubleshooting assistance. Contact the support team for detailed guidance.

Specifications for each model are available in the respective datasheets. Visit our resources and downloads section on this page for access to our data sheets and brochures.

Q: Can Filtronic help with system integration?
A: Yes, Filtronic offers integration services to ensure seamless deployment of Cerus amplifiers into your system.

Cerus POWER AMPLIFIER application

Cerus in action

Cerus for space applications

Cerus is designed to support advanced communication needs in ground terminals for low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites and high-altitude pseudo-satellites (HAPS). Built with durability and performance in mind, Cerus amplifiers offer efficient, high-output power that enables reliable, long-range data transmission, making them ideal for demanding environments.

In gateway/feeder links, Cerus amplifiers support high-throughput data uplinks, ensuring resilient communication between the ground and orbiting assets.

For HAPS platforms, which operate in the stratosphere, the Cerus amplifier’s lightweight and compact design allows it to enhance connectivity in remote or underserved areas by linking with other HAPs satellites and ground stations.

In LEO satellites, which require compact, efficient power sources due to space and weight constraints, the Cerus amplifier can play a critical role in enabling low-latency, high-bandwidth communications, ensuring consistent data flow across satellite constellations.

Cerus in defence

Cerus is a critical enabler in modern electronic warfare (EW) and defence communications, delivering high-power, high-linearity signal amplification for secure, resilient data links in contested and congested RF environments. Engineered for extreme conditions, Cerus ensures reliable operation in mission-critical scenarios where signal dominance, situational awareness, and assured connectivity are essential.

In ground-based EW and tactical networks, Cerus amplifiers strengthen communications for military installations, mobile command posts, and radar systems. By providing clean, distortion-free amplification, they help maintain signal clarity and integrity in the presence of jamming, interference, and other hostile RF activity — supporting both offensive and defensive EW strategies.

For airborne and unmanned platforms, including ISR drones, EW aircraft, and electronic attack systems, Cerus offers compact, efficient amplification that enables beyond-line-of-sight data exchange and secure coordination with other air and ground assets. Its high efficiency and power density are ideal for SWaP-constrained platforms operating in dynamic theatres.

In space-based defence communications, such as satellite-fed EW and missile defence architectures, Cerus supports high-bandwidth, low-latency links with the reliability needed for global coverage. Its robust performance and thermal resilience make it a dependable solution for space and near-space defence operations requiring continuous, encrypted communication in high-threat environments.

Cerus in telecoms

Cerus is a high-performance RF power amplifier optimised for the demands of modern telecommunications infrastructure. Designed to deliver high output power with exceptional linearity and efficiency, Cerus is a key enabler of long-range, low-latency wireless backhaul and private network connectivity — both terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks.

In terrestrial networks, Cerus amplifiers enhance microwave backhaul and fixed wireless systems by delivering robust signal strength over long distances. This supports the deployment of high-capacity links between remote base stations, enterprise sites, and data centres — ensuring consistent throughput and low latency for bandwidth-intensive applications such as private 5G, industrial IoT, and critical infrastructure.

In high-altitude and airborne platforms, such as HAPS and airborne relays, Cerus supports wide-area coverage by delivering efficient, long-range RF transmission. These platforms act as dynamic network nodes, bridging gaps in terrestrial infrastructure and enabling flexible, rapidly deployable private networks.

WHat our clients say

Cerus in the field

“Filtronic has been an outstanding supplier for Starlink. They have matched our rate ramp and increasing demand for high-quality parts. Their strong engineering teams have taken ownership of their production process to meet our needs, taking their designs from wafer to functional unit, and are delivering quality parts in E-band which will enable the Starlink network to continue to grow and connect millions of more people around the world with high-speed, low-latency broadband internet.”

Mike Nicholls, SpaceX’s Vice President of Starlink Engineering

Cerus news