Power up: how 100W V-band SSPAs are taking satellite communications to the next level

By Antonino Spatola, Chief Commercial Officer, Filtronic

To meet demand for greater mmWave signal power in satellite uplinks, Filtronic has developed next-generation V-band SSPAs offering outputs of 100W, redefining the possibilities for signal range and data throughput in high-frequency communications.

Semiconductor-based solid-state power amplifiers (SSPAs) are critical components in radio frequency (RF) systems, amplifying input signals to the required power for transmission. At higher mmWave frequencies, increasing the power output of SSPAs is key to enabling high-quality signals to be transmitted reliably over long distances.

To achieve improved data rates and high-speed connectivity between ground stations and satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO), satellite operators are looking further up the frequency spectrum. They require power amplifiers that are pushing the performance boundaries. Recognising this, Filtronic is releasing a new SSPA to complement its market-leading Cerus range, the Cerus V. With 100W of output power, this high-power amplifier is vital to meeting the sector’s data rate and speed expectations, as communications move into uncongested V-band and further up the RF spectrum into W-band. 

No easy route to generating high power at mmWave

Generating sufficient power to transmit signals reliably at mmWave is a challenging task. Transistors perform less well at mmWave, meaning complex amplifier designs are required to optimise internal configuration, enhance linearity and produce strong signals. Gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductor compounds are now available to improve SSPA power and efficiency within specific frequency ranges, but GaN-based devices demand precision manufacturing to achieve the necessary tolerances.

Achieving higher power density in a single amplifier is not enough on its own, since individual devices only deliver around 3W each at higher frequencies. Multiple devices must therefore be combined in optimal ways to deliver the output power required, while maximising the performance of each individual amplifier. As the power output increases, so does the amount of heat generated, meaning excess heat must be managed and dissipated within a compact SSPA package. 

From tubes to semiconductors at higher frequencies  

The amplification technology traditionally used in RF communications has been the travelling wave tube amplifier (TWTA). Although well-established and reliable, TWTAs are structurally complex, time-consuming to manufacture and have a limited lifespan. By contrast, lower-cost SSPAs can be manufactured reliably at scale and offer greater longevity and repeatability. Consequently, SSPAs are displacing TWTAs in most applications. However, TWTAs have held sway in higher-frequency satellite communications, where they have always offered greater power and efficiency than SSPAs.

But now, Filtronic is breaking new ground by developing SSPAs with high power output that can operate efficiently at mmWave – extending the benefits of semiconductor amplifier technology to higher-frequency satellite communications for the first time.

Ingenuity and experience deliver higher-power SSPAs

These breakthroughs in SSPA output power at mmWave have been achieved thanks to advances in semiconductor processes and our own innovative combining techniques.

Gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductors now offer much higher power densities and higher frequency capabilities, making them a viable alternative to gallium arsenide (GaAs) at certain frequencies. Drawing on our experience in the ground segment market, we have deployed GaN semiconductors in our own MMIC designs to create SSPAs at V-band.

We have also developed proprietary low-loss combining techniques to integrate multiple amplifiers into a single product, while optimising performance. This has enabled us to develop the Cerus 32 SSPA, combining 32 amplifiers in a single module. These GaN-powered SSPAs now offer output power of 50W or 100W for V-band applications, combined with excellent efficiency and linearity.

To dissipate the heat generated by these powerful, compact amplifiers, we have developed effective thermal management solutions using heatsinks, appropriate die-attach materials, epoxies and silver sintering, alongside advanced packaging.

Why power amplifiers matter for satellite communications

SSPAs with up to 100W of output power can enable satellite operators to boost signal range, improve reliability and increase data throughput. These gains equate to improved link budgets, with higher power output helping to counteract losses between the transmitter and receiver. Such link improvements are particularly important for satellite uplinks and LEO gateways where transmission distances are large and path losses are high.

More powerful amplifiers also mean fewer individual components are needed to achieve the desired signal amplification. This allows for simpler system architecture and reduces the need to combine multiple low-power amplifier modules.

Beyond satellite communications,100W amplifiers have wider applications in defence, aerospace and telecommunications. Power-intensive radar and sensing systems will benefit from longer detection ranges and stronger return signals. In 5G and 6G backhaul applications, high-power amplifiers can strengthen signal transmission in dense, high-capacity environments. High-power SSPAs can also be integrated into phased arrays and active antennas to enhance these systems.

Unlocking new possibilities in RF communications

Increasing the power capabilities of SSPAs at the higher end of the frequency range presents new opportunities to extend the reach of RF communications. By providing more compact, durable and scalable alternatives to traditional TWTAs, GaN-based SSPAs offer a way to meet future connectivity demands and bandwidth requirements.

Introducing 100W SSPAs to the satellite market is a major milestone in the advancement of speed, signal range and capacity. These new SSPAs offer a game-changing solution for high-frequency satellite communications, where low latency, efficiency and reliability are non-negotiables.

For more information about our range of high-power SSPA solutions, please visit our website or speak to a member of our team on +44 (0)1740 618 800.

You can explore our exciting Cerus range of SSPAs here.

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