The Hercules II combines the advanced Filtronic Morpheus II module with the powerful Cerus amplifier, delivering seamless integration and exceptional performance. The Morpheus II module includes all necessary transmit and receive functions for the RF section of an E-band link, enabling easy connection to a high data rate full duplex modem. Paired with the Cerus power amplifier, the Hercules II greatly increases transmit power, ensuring extended reach and improved coverage.

The solution

• The Hercules II brings together the best of two industry-leading technologies, the Morpheus II transceiver and the award winning Cerus Solid State Power Amplifier.
• The Hercules II support advanced modulation techniques and with an ultra-low noise LNA to unlock its true potential.

The result

• Fully integrated 71-76 to 81-86 GHz TRx modules, supporting Tx output power > 35dBm
• Low phase noise at -112dBc/Hz at 1MHz.
• The module also supports up to 512QAM modulation and greater than 2GHz channel bandwidth

The challenge

• Approached by high performance private network specialists.
• Challenged to create an E-band link with longer operational range and superior signal strength.
• Required ultra low latency, where speed is an absolute requirement. 

Our next-generation Hades X2 E-Band active diplexers are designed to reduce the cost of E-band radios while enhancing performance. They offer improved strength, weight, and power (SWaP), with Tx saturated powers of over +30dBm.

Filtronic’s Hades Active Diplexers incorporate a configurable range of GaAs PAs and LNAs within an E-Band diplexer and can be used with a variety of COTS SMT-compatible packaged GaAs or SiGe up and down converter solutions, boosting performance beyond that of surface mount products. This enables our customers to deploy configurable “standard power” and “high-power” E-Band links without changing the radio mechanics.

The solution

• These active diplexers integrate a configurable range of GaAs power amplifiers (PAs) and low noise amplifiers (LNAs).
• The module incorporates a Tx RF power detector, enabling seamless Tx power calibration and Automatic Level Control (ALC).

The result

• Performance improvements delivering a typical PSAT of 30dBm, setting a new benchmark in performance.
• Delivering maximum performance in a compact and lightweight form factor.
• With integrated temperature sensor, for accurate amplifier temperature data ensuring optimal performance and reliability.

The challenge

• Designed to empower customers with cost-effective E-Band radio solutions without compromising on performance.
• One of the key features of the HADES X2 is its flexibility and compatibility with both “standard power” and “high-power” E-Band links.

When starting to work with this FAAMG technology giant, the HAPS market was still embryonic. We were approached, not to quicken the market but to change the market, to redesign what’s possible. These unique challenges were all about performance, the client wanted a paradigm shift in performance level. Customised to meet their mechanical interface, the heatsink was defined by the client, but we integrated the multiplexer into their mechanical architecture, reducing weight, footprint & component count.

The solution

• Collaborated very closely with our client’s engineering team
• Integration into clients airborne & ground mechanical requirements.
• Development included 4 channels, each channel capable of 10Gbps, resulting in a 40Gbps point-to-point link.

The result

• World record at the time of 40Gbps development, ground to air communication link.
• Highly integrated solution with all 4 channels integrated to optimise size, weight and power.
• Solution delivered was at 71-76 & 81-86 GHz frequency bands.

The challenge

• How do you push the boundaries not iteratively but create a step change.
• Performance change by an order of magnitude of 40x
• Minimise power consumption through careful circuit design and performance choices.
• Development of communications backhaul links that deliver sufficient bandwidth and range to provide ultra-high-capacity wireless connectivity.
• Included compact, high-power amplifier modules to meet long-range requirements.

Filtronic, has signed multiple contracts and become a strategic partner of Space X.

As part of the contract, Filtronic will supply generation two of the Cerus 32 high performance E-band solid state power amplifier (SSPA) for use in the deployment of the customers E-band enabled ground station network.

The solution

• Collaborated very closely with our client’s engineering team
• Each Cerus 32 consists of 32 E-band GaAs MMICs.
• Each is performance-matched and power-combined in waveguide, allowing for maximum linear power delivery.
• Delivers unparalleled performance for long range E-Band communications.
• Saturated powers up to >+43dBm

The result

• Cerus 32 amplifiers efficiently combine the power of four Cerus 8 amplifiers, almost doubling the available output power.
• Highest power (>20W), commercially available E-band solid-state power amplifier (SSPA) on the market.
• Both high band (81-86GHz) and low band (71-76GHz) variants.

The challenge

• How do you push the boundaries not iteratively but create a step change.
• High power/linearity requirements, for the ground station to satellite links.
• Customer looking for an agile cost competitive solution.
• Delivered from concept to delivery in <6 months.

In terms of performance, our high-power amplifier sets a new standard for E-band power in both commercial and military applications. The E-band frequency range, spanning from 60 GHz to 90 GHz, is critical for high-frequency communication systems. Our advanced Taurus power amplifier not only excels in this frequency range but also achieves unprecedented efficiency and output.

The Taurus power amplifier ingeniously integrates the capabilities of two Cerus amplifiers, effectively doubling the available output power. This innovative design results in superior signal strength and quality, ensuring reliable performance in the most demanding environments. By leveraging the combined power of the Cerus amplifiers, the Taurus amplifier delivers exceptional linearity and efficiency, making it the ideal solution for applications requiring high power and precision.

Whether for high-speed data transmission or secure military communications, the Taurus power amplifier’s robust performance and enhanced power output redefine the possibilities within the E-band spectrum. Its cutting-edge technology and superior design ensure that it meets the rigorous demands of modern communication systems, providing a significant advantage over traditional amplifiers.

The solution

• Available in single to N-way configurations.
• Delivers unparalleled performance for long range E-Band communications.
• Saturated powers up to >+39dBm

The result

• Part of the world’s first commercial E-Band earth station antenna, which is opening up 5G performance and latency to the Satcom market.
• Taurus amplifiers efficiently combine the power of two Cerus amplifiers, almost doubling the available output power.
• Taurus can be applied for long range, high capacity terrestrial and non-terrestrial communications links.
• Low SWaP – suitable for airborne & HAPs applications.

The challenge

• How do you push the boundaries not iteratively but create a step change for SSPAs.
• COTS Solid State Power Amplifier at E-band was not available commercially for LEO applications.
• High power/linearity requirements, for the ground station to satellite links.

As part of its work for a major global OEM, Filtronic has produced six different TRM variants that total over 60,000 modules in the last three years and has also received special recognition from a European defence customer for its outstanding commitment and effort in delivering AESA radar system volume production runs. 

The solution

• Hybrid manufacturing specialists, with full traceability of materials and processes.
• Experienced volume manufacturing engineering team.
• Multiple production lines established producing up to 3.5K TRM modules per line, per month.
• Live WIP tracking allows real time monitoring of  yields at each production stage.

The result

• Won multiple follow on projects from the same client.
• Won special commendation for outstanding supply chain contribution.
• Six variants of the TRM

The challenge

• Defence prime looking for a dual source.
• Taking a low volume prototype into a high volume process, whilst maintaining a high-yield.
• Track record and hybrid manufacturing capabilities were critical.

A leading critical communications OEM challenged Filtronic in 2020 to develop a new Tower Top Amplifier (TTA) for public safety networks. To compete in today’s technology-driven market, our client demanded a better-performing product due to product obsolescence and technological advancements. They were having trouble meeting their challenging specifications with their existing suppliers and wanted to diversify their supply chain. Our client requested several product enhancements, including more consistent performance site-to-site and an easier installation process.. 

The solution

• The new TTA exceeded customer requirements
• Smallest, lightest head units, slim control unit, so better utilisation of space.
• Created a “kit” part number scheme.
• Switched to USA manufacturing (lead-time).

The result

• Performance improvements included smart redundancy, significantly reducing cost to replace.
• The product was smallest size and weight, reducing tower loadings & industry leading noise figure of 2.5dB for increased range.
• Order to shipment went from 4 to 2 weeks.

The challenge

• New TTA hardware specifications.
• Existing supply chain struggling to meet it.
• Product enhancements, modular system, simplified ordering and reduced time to market.

This technology was a critical component in our customer’s fixed program. They sought an experienced partner capable of developing a design for volume manufacturing from an early-stage TRL (Technology Readiness Level) prototype. A collaborative approach was essential, but the global pandemic posed challenges, preventing face-to-face meetings. Additionally, lead times and material shortages added further complications during the design phase

The approach

• Applied aerospace and defence expertise.
• Site had relevant security level clearance for the UK defence work.

The result

• All completed within 9 months from order to launch.
• Developed cost effectively and within budget.

The challenge

• Developed all RF, microwave elements as well as digital control.
• Work with our client to take  a low technology readiness level product and redesigned for volume.

Our customer took a standard Orpheus transceiver and applied it in a new and novel way to deliver performance unheard of in trackside to train. Filtronic is helping to change the market expectations as previous mmWave solutions are limited to <2Gbps. From a capital cost perspective, base station spacing at approx. 2km as opposed to hundreds of metres at low frequencies. This is only at the trial stage, but the results are providing our client with a significant competitive advantage. 

The solution

• Utilise our high-performance, mmWave transceiver module.
• Used as key components in highly successful trials of mobile vehicles at multi-gigabit connectivity.

The result

• Successful trials in UK, Europe and Far East, providing a reliable connection at data rates up to 11.3Gbps.
• Provided our customer with a significant competitive advantage

The challenge

• Rail communication and the provision of high-speed, high-capacity, high-reliability internet connections on rail journeys has become a strategic objective of both governments and rail operators around the world.
• To change market perception of mmWave as a viable solution in trackside to train.

Our industry-leading RF engineering teams enable our global customers to accelerate their development. The business case for a High Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS) is lean, so our FAAMG customer needed to optimise the cost performance trade-off of their E-Band solution. Prior to this, they used lower-performance technology which was suitable for early trials and deployments but was not robust enough for commercialisation. With Filtronics’ solution, we incorporated our in-house chip-set, reducing margin stacking and optimising cost effectiveness.

As a result of this approach, the client’s NRE was also lowered as they didn’t have to invest in true mmWave engineering, reducing their need for a team of specialists. By combining 2 amplifiers, we were able to boost the transmit power, extending the range, and enabling high-capacity HAPS-to-ground and inter-HAPS data transmission.

The solution

• Design optimised for high Tx output power & low Rx noise performance.
• Low weight and size as payload was critical.
• Based on our class-leading Morpheus transceiver technology platforms.

The result

• Low mass, critical for keeping payload to a minimum.
• Compact, minimising footprint required for radio.

The challenge

• Next generation, high-performance transceiver modules
• Enabling high-capacity HAPS-to-ground and inter-HAPS data transmission using E-band frequencies.