Whitepaper
Hercules II
71-76GHz and 81-86Gz
High power E-Band transceiver
Hercules II combines Filtronic’s Morpheus II transceiver with the Cerus power amplifier to deliver high-power, high-performance E-band backhaul. Offering seamless integration, extended range, and support for spectrally efficient modulation, it’s the ideal solution for low latency, high-capacity private networks – from high frequency trading to HAPS and UAV links.
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Designed for:
Space
Telecoms Infrastructure
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Datasheet
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Overview
Hercules II is a cutting-edge E-band transceiver module that delivers industry-leading power, efficiency, and versatility for next-generation wireless connectivity. Engineered for seamless integration into outdoor units (ODUs), it combines Filtronic’s Morpheus II transceiver with Cerus 4 or 8 SSPAs to deliver outstanding performance in high-capacity backhaul networks.
With support for output power exceeding +35 dBm and operation across the 71–76 GHz (Tx) and 81–86 GHz (Rx) bands, Hercules II enables long-range, high-throughput links even in the most demanding environments. It supports advanced modulation up to 512QAM for superior spectral efficiency, while its low phase noise of –112 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz offset ensures excellent signal stability. Designed to accommodate >2 GHz channel bandwidth, it’s built to handle ultra-high data rates with ease.
Compact, rugged, and future-proof, Hercules II is the ideal solution for private networks, high-frequency trading, HAPS, UAVs, and next-generation communication platforms demanding high power, low latency, and maximum reliability.
Why choose the Hercules II?
- High transmit power and extended range – With up to +36 dBm transmit power, Hercules II significantly enhances the reach and reliability of E-Band communication links, making it ideal for long-distance, high-capacity networks.
- Advanced modulation and spectral efficiency – Supports up to 512QAM modulation, optimising bandwidth utilisation and enabling higher data throughput for mission-critical applications.
- Versatile and robust design – Engineered for seamless integration into outdoor units (ODUs), it is well-suited for terrestrial and non-terrestrial applications, including HAPS, UAVs, and high-frequency trading networks.
HERCULES II highlights
Good to know
High transmit power
Delivers up to +36 dBm, ensuring extended reach and reliable high-speed connectivity.
Delivers up to +36 dBm, ensuring extended reach and reliable high-speed connectivity.
E-band frequency operation
Supports 71-76 GHz (Tx) and 81-86 GHz (Rx) for high-capacity wireless communication.
Supports 71-76 GHz (Tx) and 81-86 GHz (Rx) for high-capacity wireless communication.
Advanced modulation support
Enables up to 512QAM for optimal spectral efficiency and increased data throughput.
Enables up to 512QAM for optimal spectral efficiency and increased data throughput.
Integrated solid state power amplifier (SSPA)
Combines with Cerus 4 or Cerus 8 for enhanced signal strength and performance.
Combines with Cerus 4 or Cerus 8 for enhanced signal strength and performance.
Robust and compact design
Engineered for seamless ODU integration, suitable for terrestrial and non-terrestrial applications.
Engineered for seamless ODU integration, suitable for terrestrial and non-terrestrial applications.
Performance
High transmit power
Supports output power exceeding
35 dBm
Low phase noise
Ensuring signal stability with
-112 dBc/Hz
at 1 MHz offset
Broad frequency range:
Operates in 71-76 GHz (Tx) and 81-86 GHz (Rx).
Advanced modulation support:
Up to 512QAM for high spectral efficiency.
Wide bandwidth support:
Accommodates >2 GHz channel bandwidth for high data rates.
Compact and durable design:
Ideal for long-range and high-power private networks.
Performance key data
| Parameter | Value |
| Transmit frequency | 71-76 GHz |
| Receive frequency | 81-86 GHz |
| Max transmit power | >35 dBm |
| Modulation support | Up to 512QAM |
| Noise figure (Rx) | 4.5 dB |
| Tx sideband suppression | -40 to -20 dBc |
| Phase noise (@ 1MHz) | -112 dBc/Hz |
| Channel bandwidth | >2 GHz |
| Operating temperature | -33°C to +70°C |
| MTBF (Mean time before failure) | >1,000,000 hours |
HERCULEs FAQ’s
General questions
Q: What is Hercules II?
A: Hercules II is a high-power E-Band transceiver module designed for long-range, high-capacity wireless communication in the 71-76 GHz (Tx) and 81-86 GHz (Rx) frequency bands.
Q: What applications is Hercules II best suited for?
A: It is ideal for high-speed backhaul networks, private wireless networks, high-frequency trading, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), High Altitude Pseudo Satellites (HAPS), and other long-range, high-capacity communication links.
Performance and features
Q: What is the maximum transmit power of Hercules II?
A: The module supports transmit power exceeding 35 dBm, ensuring extended reach and reliability.
Q: What modulation schemes does it support?
A: Hercules II supports up to 512QAM, allowing for highly efficient data transmission and increased bandwidth utilisation.
Q: What is the noise figure of the receiver?
A: The receiver noise figure is 4-4.5 dB, contributing to superior signal clarity and performance.
Q: How much channel bandwidth does the Hercules II support?
A: It supports greater than 2 GHz channel bandwidth, enabling high-speed data rates.
Integration and compatability
Q: Can Hercules II be integrated with existing networks?
A: Yes, it is designed for seamless integration into Outdoor Units (ODUs) and can interface with high-data-rate full-duplex modems.
Q: What kind of antenna does it require?
A: Hercules II features an integrated diplexer and connects directly to an antenna via a standard WR12 interface.
Q: Does it require extensive engineering for implementation?
A: No, it is built for rapid time-to-market with minimal customer engineering resources required.
Reliability and compliance
Q: What is the expected lifespan of the Hercules II?
A: The MTBF (Mean Time Before Failure) exceeds 1,000,000 hours, ensuring long-term reliability.
Q: What are the operating temperature limits?
A: The module operates within a temperature range of -33°C to +70°C.
Q: Is the Hercules II compliant with industry standards?
A: Yes, it meets ROHS & REACH compliance and conforms to ETS 300 019-2-4 Class 4M3 for mechanical shock and vibration resistance.
Support and warranty
Q: Does Hercules II come with a warranty?
A: Yes, Filtronic provides a standard warranty. Please contact Filtronic for specific terms.
Q: Where can I purchase Hercules II?
A: You can contact our team here for purchasing inquiries.
Q: Does Filtronic provide technical support for integration?
A: Yes, technical support and documentation are available to assist with integration and deployment.
HERCULES II application
Hercules II in action
Hercules II for space applications
Hercules II is a high-power E-band transceiver optimised for long-range, high-capacity communications across space-adjacent and high-altitude platforms. Operating in the 71–76 GHz (Tx) and 81–86 GHz (Rx) bands, it delivers low-latency, high-throughput connectivity for mission-critical applications such as HAPS, airborne relays, and satellite ground infrastructure.
Engineered for performance in demanding environments, Hercules II features exceptional low phase noise (–112 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz offset), a compact and rugged form factor, and seamless integration into both airborne and ground-based systems. An integrated diplexer and high-efficiency SSPAs ensure robust, long-range transmission even under challenging conditions.
With support for advanced modulation up to 512QAM and channel bandwidths exceeding 2 GHz, Hercules II maximises spectral efficiency — ideal for high-throughput airborne gateways, real-time telemetry, and Earth observation downlinks.
Built on Filtronic’s field-proven mmWave platform, Hercules II combines reliability and longevity, with a telecom-grade MTBF of over 1 million hours. It’s a future-ready solution for enabling resilient, high-capacity wireless infrastructure in both terrestrial and near-space networks.
Hercules II for telecommunications infrastructure
The Hercules II E-Band transceiver is a powerful solution for next-generation telecommunications infrastructure, delivering high-capacity, long-range connectivity for 5G backhaul, midhaul, and fronthaul (XHaul) networks. Operating in the 71-76 GHz (Tx) and 81-86 GHz (Rx) bands, it enables high-speed, low-latency data transfer, making it an essential component for expanding fibre-equivalent wireless networks.
With >35 dBm transmit power and support for modulation up to 512QAM, the Hercules II optimises spectral efficiency and network throughput. Its low phase noise (-112 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz) ensures stable, interference-free operation, even in densely populated urban environments. This makes it a reliable and scalable solution for carrier-grade mobile networks, enterprise connectivity, and mission-critical communication systems.
The integrated diplexer and WR12 waveguide interface simplify deployment, reducing the need for complex engineering resources while ensuring seamless outdoor unit (ODU) integration. The >2 GHz channel bandwidth enables telecom operators to maximise capacity, supporting the growing demand for ultra-fast data transmission in 5G networks, private wireless systems, and smart city infrastructures.
Designed for high reliability and long-term operation, the Hercules II boasts an MTBF exceeding 1 million hours, ensuring uninterrupted service for critical communication networks. Whether used for urban small-cell densification, high-frequency trading networks, or satellite-ground links, it provides a future-proof, high-performance solution for modern telecommunications infrastructure.