In a world of volatile geopolitics, ever-shifting conflicts and new adversaries, nations need to gain control of the highly contested electromagnetic spectrum to secure their critical defence systems. The solution to fast, reliable, controllable battlespace communications lies in shifting upwards into uncongested mmWave frequencies – but can RF technology keep pace with this urgent demand? 

The electromagnetic spectrum has become a critical, invisible domain in modern warfare, used for communication, navigation and surveillance activities as well as for offensive and defensive electronic warfare (EW). Reliable communications have become a precondition of effective warfare, with electromagnetic spectrum dominance now as important as air or land superiority. Battlefield communications need to be protected from interception, disruption or exploitation if forces are to maintain operational security, command continuity and operational effectiveness.

Critical role of data in modern battlefield operations

Battlefield participants rely on the electromagnetic spectrum across widely distributed operations and sensor networks to inform and support real-time decision-making. There has been a huge expansion of data requirements on the battlefield, from electronic attack (EA) jamming and spoofing systems to disrupt radar, communications and drone operations, through to electronic protection (EP) systems to secure friendly assets against such attacks. Electronic warfare support (ES) systems harness the electromagnetic spectrum to detect, locate and identify enemy radio emissions and radar systems, using complex Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) systems to inform tactical decisions.

The electromagnetic spectrum is also used in radar and sensing systems, for target acquisition, battlefield management and fire control. All of these applications require high-capacity tactical and backhaul connections to ensure data is delivered rapidly and reliably in hostile situations.

Problems of a congested spectrum

This proliferation of defence sector applications is occurring alongside exponential growth in the use of same electromagnetic spectrum for increasingly complex commercial and civilian applications – from terrestrial broadband to satellite communications. All of which means the finite electromagnetic spectrum is becoming highly congested, particularly at frequencies below 40GHz.

The growth in demand for bandwidth is leading to greater problems with interference, both intentional and unintentional. Signals in congested frequency bands can accidentally interfere with each other, and signals at lower frequencies are more easily detectable and susceptible to electronic attack, jamming and spoofing, reducing their safety and reliability in battlefield scenarios.

Rising above the noise

As growing demand for bandwidth coincides with shrinking availability within the usable electromagnetic spectrum, defence applications need to shift into higher frequencies in the lesser-used mmWave bands (Q, V, E and W), where wide areas of uncongested bandwidth are available. Developing RF amplifiers, transmit and receive devices and other critical RF front end components is considerably more challenging in the mmWave spectrum, but Filtronic is leading the way into these higher frequencies with defence-proven technologies designed to perform in the harshest environments.

What are the advantages of mmWave?

The move upwards into mmWave offers multiple benefits for defence applications. mmWave frequencies are well suited to high-capacity  applications, secure point-to-point links and sensing applications in contested battlespaces. Crucially, signals at mmWave are highly directional, leading to a lower probability of interception (LPI) and lower probability of detection (LPD). Signals are filtered spatially too, providing natural mitigation against interference.

The “pencil beam” signals at mmWave are contained within a specific, narrow path between transmitter and receiver, making them difficult to intercept or trace. Beam agility and adaptive links at mmWave provide steerable, highly focused and responsive wireless signals, and enable high-speed real-time tracking of moving devices, such as drones.

Ultimately, shifting battlefield communications and electronic warfare applications into mmWave frequencies facilitates far more secure, resilient and reliable communications in adverse and denied environments.

Technology challenges of mmWave

While mmWave offers the scope to support next-generation defence applications, moving up the frequency spectrum presents significant challenges for technology developers. Designing and manufacturing transmit and receive devices, filters and amplifiers becomes more complex at higher frequencies because tolerances are much higher. The smaller size of components involved also means that machining and part placement become more intricate.

Transmit and receive functions at this level must incorporate tightly packed semiconductor components, presenting challenges for thermal management and packaging. At higher frequencies, it also becomes more difficult to manufacture devices consistently at scale.

Intelligent UK design, manufacture and innovation, enabling technology independence

At Filtronic, we have been pushing the boundaries of RF technology for almost 50 years and now lead the market in high-frequency, high-capacity, high-power mmWave solutions. We collaborate and innovate with the defence sector, designing and manufacturing advanced mmWave components, from complex filters, transceivers and SSPAs to integrated transmit-and-receive modules (TRMs), for today’s sophisticated electronic warfare systems.

Our vertically integrated structure means that every stage of the process, from initial chip design and MMIC development through to manufacturing, assembly and testing, is conducted within our own security-cleared facilities – all located in the UK. Our manufacturing capabilities allow us to rapidly develop products from early Technology Readiness Level (TRL) prototypes through to high-volume production in the same state-of-the-art facility.

That means we can help our defence clients deploy game-changing new mmWave technologies at speed and scale. By enabling defence forces to gain superiority in the contested electromagnetic spectrum, we are enhancing the performance, reliability and security of modern battlefield systems, and mitigating risks to operations and personnel.

Filtronic Chief Technology Officer Tudor Williams will be giving a talk on Contested Spectrum, Covert Advantage at the AOC Europe Symposium and Convention in Helsinki, Finland from 19-21 May 2026. You can also meet our experts on the Filtronic stand at Booth 4G32.

For more information about our range of mmWave technologies, please visit our website or speak to a member of our team on +44 (0)1740 618 800.

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The post Spectrum superiority: why defence systems must shift into mmWave to secure critical communications appeared first on Filtronic.

Digital Intermediate Frequency Interoperability (DIFI) is key to the future of a lean, efficient and agile satellite communications ground segment. Filtronic is developing high-throughput, high-bandwidth devices to digitise and de-digitise signals – supporting the industry-wide shift to virtualised satcom infrastructure.

Digital Intermediate Frequency (DIF) or ‘RF over IP’ technology offers the opportunity for satellite data communications to scale up rapidly and cost-effectively, while preserving signal quality and improving resilience in the face of growing demand for data.

By encoding analogue radio frequency (RF) signals into standard Internet Protocol (IP) packets, data can be transported more reliably and securely, at scale and with minimal signal degradation even over long distances. In a digitised system, analogue RF signals are encapsulated as IP packets at source and transmitted over an Ethernet connection to the antenna station. There, signals are reconstructed back into RF upconverted to the required frequency, and amplified for transmission via the antenna to satellites.

Advantages of digital over analogue RF systems

Crucially, digitising signals at source and converting them back close to the antenna eliminates a whole swathe of analogue hardware, terminal building infrastructure and cabling currently used to process signals at the antenna station. This reduces capex and makes installation far simpler. There is no need for physical baseband modems, IF matrices or IF/RF cross-site cabling, and some elements of up and down conversion can also be eliminated. In practice, much of this terminal building infrastructure can be replaced by a single digitiser/de-digitiser located close to the antenna, alongside existing upconverters and downconverters. 

By digitising signals at source and de-digitising them close to the antenna, signal quality can be maintained and losses in transmission significantly reduced. Analogue signals carried by coaxial cable are also more susceptible to interception, so moving to RF over IP using Ethernet cables also improves data security.

In a digitised system, more aspects of signal transmission can be managed by software, rather than hardware, making them easier to implement and upgrade. This enables traditional RF systems to be integrated into modern digital infrastructures, marking a major step forward in satcom technology.

Why is digitisation needed in satcom?

The continued exponential growth in data traffic means satellite communications must transition to DIFI to increase capacity, resilience and security. Fast-growing demand for data has seen the rapid expansion of LEO satellite constellations and high-throughput satellites (HTS) to deliver the necessary high-speed, high-capacity connectivity for advanced non-terrestrial networks of the future.

However, current analogue ground systems are struggling to keep pace and cannot be scaled quickly enough to meet future demand. These legacy hardware-heavy ground architectures are reaching their limits in terms of bandwidth, cost, capacity, scalability and flexibility. Transforming to digital infrastructure and transitioning towards higher frequencies solves these issues and enables satcom operators to rapidly and cost-effectively scale up their operations.

DIFI delivers capex and opex savings

The wholesale removal of hardware at satellite antenna sites translates to significantly lower capital expenditure when developing new ground-segment infrastructure, as well as reducing deployment times for these new assets.

Digitised infrastructure requires fewer hardware components, fewer cables and no terminal building, which equates to much lower operating and maintenance costs. Installation is much simpler and less costly too.

Existing antenna sites can be upgraded for DIFI operation, saving operating expenditure on maintaining legacy hardware and cabling, and eliminating building maintenance or rental costs. In fact, the operational savings made can easily fund the conversion of existing sites to DIFI.

High-throughput, high-bandwidth solution from Filtronic

As a leading innovator in satcom RF technology, Filtronic is developing an advanced digitiser/de-digitiser to open the door to DIFI for satellite ground operations. By combining digitising and de-digitising functions in one unit, our device provides a compact solution that can be deployed both at antenna sites to toggle signals between analogue and IP formats, and at data sources on the ground to encapsulate RF signals as IP packets prior to transmission.

What sets our new device apart is the combination of wide bandwidth and high channel count. Each of its six Tx/Rx channels supports bandwidths of up to 2.5 GHz on carriers of up to 7GHz. The hardware has also been designed with a modular architecture, allowing it to be tailored to specific frequency bands, and where required, to incorporate up/down conversion within the unit itself.

The combination of multi-channel flexibility, high throughput and modular versatility makes this device more capable than any other on the market – ready to support complex, high-bandwidth satcom architectures.

As a member of the DIFI consortium, Filtronic has been closely involved with the evolution of the standard,  which is poised to be adopted by all vendors, operators and users, and will be the key to achieving industry-wide interoperability across all hardware in the satcom ground segment market.

Future-proofing products for satcom digitization

The shift to Digital IF is fast approaching. Satcom suppliers need to prepare now to future-proof their products for an increasingly digitised satcom environment. Every component, from solid-state power amplifiers and block upconverters to channelisers and digitisers will need to have built-in capability to interface with the DIFI ecosystem, enabling seamless interoperability across the wider satcom network.

Filtronic is well advanced on this journey. Our new digitiser/de-digitiser is on target for launch in 2026, providing unmatched levels of flexibility, throughput and bandwidth to meet the demands of an increasingly virtualised satellite communications environment.

To find out more about our DIFI technology, please contact Filtronic – sales@filtronic.com

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As many communications applications move into mmWave frequencies to access greater bandwidth and data capacity – the challenge of designing and manufacturing modules to transmit, receive and condition signals increases significantly. The ability to design modules for manufacturability is critical, and process optimisation is key to achieving repeatability and scalability in production.

When you’re manufacturing modules for mmWave frequencies, the slightest mechanical, electrical or production variations can have significant impacts on performance. Any tolerance deviations are amplified at these frequencies, due to the intricate interplay of multiple components within the module.

The mechanical and electrical design challenges at mmWave are well recognised, from tolerance alignment, material selection (CTE matching), connector interfaces and enclosure sealing to transmission line geometries and electromagnetic simulation. What is perhaps less well understood is the challenge of bringing these designs to fruition in the manufacturing plant, taking complex, intricate module designs from the drawing board into consistent and efficient production at scale.

Bridging the gap from design to production

This ‘process optimisation’ is often the unseen element in the design-to-manufacturing process, but is critical in bringing advanced new systems to the market. In practical terms, it involves detailed process engineering to optimise every element of module production, from epoxy dispensing and placement automation to fixture alignment, inspection and measurement.

With our vertical integration of design, manufacturing and testing, Filtronic has established a leading position as a design-for-manufacturability specialist. Crucially, our ability to use process engineering to bridge the gap between design and scalable manufacturing, spanning Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 6 to 9, has enabled us to deliver innovative new products at mmWave using the latest semiconductor technologies.

Revolutionising GaN-based power amplifiers

These capabilities have proved key to revolutionising the development of power amplifiers for higher mmWave frequencies, using gallium nitride (GaN) MMICs to achieve considerable power and efficiency gains.

GaN has become increasingly important as a semiconductor compound in recent years, delivering significantly improved power density and efficiency at mmWave, and unlocking the size, weight and power (SWAP) gains that are critically important for many space, defence, and aerospace applications. But GaN brings with it new complexities for design, manufacturing and operation. One acute problem associated with developing smaller modules with greater power density is managing and dissipating heat within the module. This calls for advanced packaging solutions.

Packaging challenges for high-power modules

The successful use of GaN in power amplifiers for mmWave applications relies on optimising the module packaging. The key challenges associated with packaging for GaN power amplifiers are:

• Thermal dissipation – managing high heat within the device at high power levels. GaN chip junction temperatures can reach 300°C.

• Reliability – ensuring reliable high-frequency operation in extreme environments. This requires radiation-hardened and defence-compliant devices.

• Scalability – moving from prototype laboratory models to mass production. This demands repeatable assembly and alignment techniques.

• Sovereign control – achieving security and supply chain assurances against a backdrop of limited UK supply chains for high-reliability packaging.

• High-frequency performance (30GHz+) – achieving the required performance given the technical limitations on die-attach options and interconnections at mmWave.

Plotting a path to optimal packaging

Filtronic is addressing these challenges by exploring a variety of advanced packaging methodologies for GaN-based mmWave power amplifiers. Our rigorous approach to process optimisation means we have devised and tested multiple solutions, enabling us to deploy the right techniques to solve the challenges of specific applications in different sectors. The options we have explored to overcome specific packaging challenges include:

• Advanced materials and die-attach options

We have created innovative thermal interfaces using die-attach materials such as sintered silver (Ag) to provide high thermal conductivity (~250 W/m·K), reliable void-free bonding and low-temperature sintering (<300°C). Eutectic gold-tin (AuSn) is another die-attach option, providing high reliability and proven performance in defence and space applications.

• Next-generation substrates and interconnects

Copper-tungsten (CuW) or copper-moly (CuMo) substrates are a close match to the CTE of GaN, reducing thermal stresses and enhancing mechanical robustness. Aluminium nitride (AlN) substrates also offer high thermal conductivity combined with electrical insulation for heat dissipation and heat soaking. To optimise precision-engineered interconnects we use wire bonding to minimise losses.

• Hermetic packaging

To achieve airtight and moisture-tight packaging, we have used low-loss, high-Q ceramic or metal-based packaging, as well as advanced new 3D plastic packaging for GaN devices.

Introducing the Prometheus V-band power amplifier

We have applied all of our process engineering and design-for-manufacturability expertise to develop an advanced new solid-state power amplifier (SSPA) for V-band (49-52GHz), using GaN MMICs. The new Prometheus SSPA is a complete, integrated platform, combining GaN semiconductor technology with our proven Cerus 32 SSPAs, packaged and ready for deployment in high-frequency applications. These amplifiers are to be plugged into ground communication systems for outdoor and indoor configurations and intended for harsh environment such as space or defence installations.

Prometheus incorporates the optimum combination of materials and advanced packaging techniques to maximise the power and efficiency benefits of GaN. Engineered for performance, resilience and long-term reliability in challenging environments, Prometheus answers the need for improved signal amplification and enhanced linear power at mmWave.

The development of Prometheus is a result of the focused work of our recently opened system development hub in Cambridge, combined with our growing GaN expertise and the alignment of our design teams with our precision manufacturing operations. It is a testament to our proficiency in the art of optimising processes to deliver complex mmWave systems consistently at scale.

If you’re looking to increase manufacturing yields for mmWave devices or improve system reliability in the field, we’d be delighted to talk to you about process optimisation. Please contact a member of our team on +44 (0)1740 618 800 or visit our website to find out more.

You can find out more about Prometheus here and explore our Cerus range of SSPAs here.

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The post How process optimisation takes mmWave innovations from the drawing board to production at scale appeared first on Filtronic.

Transmitting strong and undistorted signals from the ground to orbiting satellites requires amplifiers with high output power, but also excellent linearity. Power saturation (Psat) is often seen as a key performance specification, but amplifiers will never actually operate at this maximum power level in satellite communications systems. What really matters is power linearity (Plin) – the usable, distortion-free output power of the amplifier.

Specifying the correct amplifiers for multi-channel satellite uplink applications requires an understanding of both power saturation (Psat) and power linearity (Plin) – and how they affect digitally modulated signals. Plin is the critical factor because it denotes the power level at which an amplifier can boost signals without distortion. Psat is simply the maximum output power the amplifier can produce. At the saturation point, linearity is severely compromised and output signals are highly distorted.

Why linearity matters in satcom power amplifiers  

With digital signal modulation, it’s vital to keep signals as linear as possible throughout the transmission chain. That means ensuring amplifiers or any other devices in the chain are not operated under compression. To avoid compressing signals, amplifiers must be operated at a level below their power saturation point (backed off) so that linearity is maintained and signals are not distorted.

The extent to which power needs to be backed off from the saturation point to achieve linearity differs between the two main amplifier technologies – travelling wave tube amplifiers (TWTAs) and solid-state power amplifiers (SSPAs).

TWTAs were the original amplifier technology used in RF communications. They are structurally complex, vacuum-based devices that are time-consuming and expensive to manufacture. The challenger technology is the SSPA. These semiconductor-based devices can be produced quickly and in high volumes, at dramatically lower cost than TWTAs.

How does linearity vary between amplifier technologies?

Broadly speaking, SSPAs offer better power linearity than TWTAs. Tube-based amplifiers were originally recognised as having excellent amplification qualities with very low distortion. But as the number or power of signals passing through the amplifier increases, TWTAs perform less reliably and need to be backed off considerably from their power saturation point. SSPAs, by contrast, can be operated much closer to their Psat point while maintaining linearity.

The first mmWave SSPAs, using gallium arsenide (GaAs) semiconductors, delivered much better like-for-like linear performance than TWTAs. However, linearisers were then developed for TWTAs, which improved their linear power. Although they still couldn’t quite match the linear performance of SSPAs, TWTAs remained the amplifier technology of choice for high-power, high-frequency applications due to their superior energy efficiency. GaAs amplifiers consume around three times more power than TWTAs when used for high-power satellite communications.

Gallium nitride SSPAs level the playing field

The advent of gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductors for SSPAs changed the equation.  GaN-based systems offer more energy-efficient and reliable operation at higher frequencies, since they use higher-voltage, lower-current power supplies compared with GaAs systems.

However, unlike GaAs amplifiers, the first GaN amplifiers were not as linear. That was until a new type of corrective lineariser was developed which enabled GaN amplifiers to produce very good linear performance. As a result, GaN high-power amplifiers are becoming the first choice for high-frequency, high-date rate satellite communication uplinks, since they combine efficiencies approaching those of TWTAs with significantly better linear performance. These amplifiers are now making inroads into the higher frequency mmWave bands such as Ka, Q, V and E-band where TWTAs had previously dominated.

Make like-for-like comparisons between amplifiers

While it’s widely recognised that linearity is vital for high-quality satellite communications, it’s less well understood that amplifiers must be operated below their Psat point to achieve optimum linearity. This is particularly true for TWTAs, which cannot be operated anywhere near their maximum power levels when used for communications applications. 

Satcom specifiers should be aware of which power level is being advertised on any amplifier, and should understand the relationship between Psat and useable ‘linear’ power (Plin) for any amplifier – so that like-for-like comparisons can be made.

Many amplifier specifications refer to Psat only. Furthermore, TWTA specifications traditionally describe the Psat level of the tube within the device, not the final packaged device itself. The actual saturated output power of the fully packaged TWTA will be below the Psat level of the tube within it. By contrast, the saturated output power stated for SSPAs is the Psat of the device as a whole, not any of its constituent parts. And, of course, SSPAs require considerably less ‘backing off’ from Psat to achieve linearity.

Extending the capabilities of satcom power amplifiers

At Filtronic, to avoid misunderstandings, we are moving towards using power linearity (Plin) in the specification of our SSPAs. We believe that transmitters, amplifiers and other RF devices used in satcoms should be marketed according to their useable linear power, which is the critical characteristic for undistorted signal transmission.

Filtronic is leading the push to develop GaN SSPAs for the satellite market. We are using our proprietary chip designs and proven design and manufacturing expertise to develop SSPAs that are now displacing TWTAs at higher power levels in the higher frequency bands such as Ka, V and E -band. Our GaN-based SSPAs achieve much closer alignment between Psat and Plin, maintaining linearity almost up to the saturation point.

The emergence of SSPAs that can now outperform TWTAs for both efficiency and power linearity is enabling satellite operators to expand their networks rapidly – helping them keep pace with accelerating demand for more and faster data.

In our latest white paper, we take a deep dive into power linearity for high-power satcom applications, exploring how it is measured and how performance differs between amplifier technologies.

To find out more about improving amplifier power linearity or specifying GaN SSPAs for high-frequency satellite communications, please contact us at sales@filtronic.com

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The post Clear signals: why power linearity matters for satellite uplink amplifiers appeared first on 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.

To keep up to date with our latest news and developments, sign up for our newsletter.

The post Power up: how 100W V-band SSPAs are taking satellite communications to the next level appeared first on Filtronic.

By Ashley Dove, Senior Advisor, Filtronic

As demand for high-speed data continues to grow, communications are moving into higher radio frequency (RF) bands to improve performance and escape congestion at lower frequencies. mmWave frequencies such as V-band and W-band offer the bandwidth and data capacity needed for modern communications applications – but require advanced enabling technologies to realise their potential.

In the mmWave frequency range, V-band (40-75GHz) and W-band (75-110GHz) are emerging as hotspots for expanding the possibilities of data communications. One of the critical enabling technologies required to support such high-frequency communications is solid state power amplifiers (SSPAs) – used to boost the power magnitude of signals for transmission over long distances.

SSPAs are compact, efficient, semiconductor-based devices that provide reliable RF power in smaller, lighter packages than traditional amplifiers. Advances in semiconductor technology are enabling SSPAs to move up into V-band and W-band frequencies – supporting the expansion of high data-rate, low-latency communications.  

V-band and W-band: opportunities and limitations

The V-band and W-band segments of the electromagnetic spectrum offer significant potential for high-capacity wireless communications. V-band (40-75GHz) offers wide bandwidth availability, with broad contiguous allocations available from 500MHz to more than 5GHz.

W-band (75-110GHz) offers high data-rate throughput, especially at high altitudes or in space – supporting advanced applications like satellite feeder links and high-resolution radar. W-band offers even wider bandwidth availability than V-band. While signals at this frequency are still affected by atmospheric absorption, the effect does not increase as sharply as frequency increases. This allows longer-range links to be achieved with appropriate antenna gain and system design.

The wide spectrum availability in both V-band and W-band is attracting great interest from many sectors, for applications from 5G/6G non-terrestrial networks (NTN), satellite communications (SATCOM), lunar and deep-space Comms to radar and sensing systems.

Why SSPAs matter at higher frequencies

At mmWave, there are significant technical challenges associated with achieving the power, efficiency and linearity needed for effective communications. High power is hard to achieve because transistors don’t perform so well at these frequencies – meaning complex amplifier designs are required to produce strong signals. At these frequencies, amplifiers produce more heat and lose more energy, so keeping components cool and energy-efficient is another key challenge.

SSPAs have long been used to replace traditional travelling wave tube amplifiers (TWTAs) at lower frequencies, but recent developments in SSPA power capabilities mean they can now perform reliably at higher frequencies. TWTAs are well established, reliable and still widely used, but they are complex and time-consuming to manufacture. By contrast, SSPAs can be manufactured quickly and in high volumes, at dramatically lower cost than tube amplifiers. At Filtronic, we have now developed SSPAs capable of operating efficiently at mmWave while delivering the high powers only previously possible with TWTAs. This, along with the reduced size weight, improved longevity, reduced maintenance costs of SSPAs, makes them an attractive, low-cost alternative to TWTAs.

Filtronic has managed to achieve this outstanding performance because we design the device MMICs in-house and are thus not reliant on 3^rd party supply of the devices needed for these designs.

Demand driven by satellite communications and 5G 

Demand for high-capacity data connectivity is being driven by the satellite communications sector and the 5G backhaul market. The telecommunications backhaul market initially spearheaded the shift from microwave to mmWave frequencies, and Filtronic developed many of the mmWave solutions to support the transition to 5G. Satellite communications technology offers the capability to deliver seamless global connectivity. But as more satellite constellations are launched into orbit, satellite companies must seek out less crowded mmWave frequencies to achieve the necessary high-throughput, low-latency connections.

Semiconductor technology rises to the challenge 

Advances in semiconductor technology are supporting the development of SSPAs for high-frequency applications. The semiconductor compound gallium arsenide (GaAs) has long been used in integrated circuits for its performance at higher frequencies. Now, in the push to meet even more demanding performance standards at mmWave, gallium nitride (GaN) has emerged as an alternative – offering even greater power and efficiency within a specific frequency range.

At frequencies between 6GHz and 40GHz, GaN already offers significantly greater power density than GaAs in the same sized device. At lower frequencies, GaN is around twice as efficient as GaAs. Now, these benefits are being extended into higher frequencies, with GaN starting to be deployed at E-band (60-90GHz). Filtronic has developed an SSPA operating at E-band based on GaAs semiconductors, and we are just about to launch V-band GaN amplifiers and a W-band GaAs amplifier.

International focus on mmWave opportunities

The ESA (European Space Agency), FCC (Federal Communications Commission) and ITU (International Telecommunication Union) are actively supporting the development of V-band and W-band technologies for the benefit of satellite communications, 5G networks and defence applications. The aim is to secure a future where high-speed connectivity is ubiquitous, enabling a host of increasingly advanced use cases.

Filtronic is working with ESA under its Advanced Research and Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) programme to develop mmWave products for satellite applications. This includes developing high-frequency sub-systems to support the move into mmWave for both feeder links and inter-satellite communications.

Creating SSPA technologies for next-generation communications

As V-band and W-band become more strategically important for the next generation of RF communications, Filtonic is leading the way in developing the key enabling technologies. We have already developed the Cerus range of SSPAs to provide unmatched power performance at V band (47.2-52.4GHz), at E-band (71-76GHz, 81-86GHz) and at W-band (92-96GHz, 102-114GHz) frequencies. As demand grows for ever-more bandwidth and data capacity, our SSPAs are set to play a central role in unlocking the full potential of V-band and W-band for multiple high-performance applications.

For more information about our range of mmWave components and 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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Non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) and direct-to device (D2D) technologies offer the potential to overcome the digital divide by taking high-speed, low-latency data connectivity directly to remote and isolated parts of the world.

On a crowded planet a-buzz with constant data traffic, there remain large areas of the planet  cut off from terrestrial communication networks. Successive generations of mobile communication technology have taken high-speed connectivity to the world’s most populated regions, and every-day life has come to depend on this ubiquitous connectivity. Yet the 5G goal of connecting every location on the planet remains elusive. In a world reliant on terrestrial mobile networks, a digital divide separates those with a broadband connection, whether fixed or mobile, from those without.

Out of reach: terrestrial network limitations

Earth-based communication networks can only reach so far. In remote or isolated regions, or in difficult terrain, the cost and physical challenges of installing telecommunications infrastructure are prohibitive. That leaves many people – especially in developing countries or rural communities – cut off from communication services, or with only low-speed connections.

Connectivity is important not just for improving communications and service access, but also for the multitude of applications that rely on internet-connected sensors and devices – from environmental and agricultural monitoring & control to automated industrial operations and smart home technologies. Connectivity is also critical in disaster-relief operations or conflict zones, where terrestrial networks may be destroyed.

What are NTNs and D2D technologies?

Non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) combined with direct-to-device (D2D) communications provide the most viable way to connect the unconnected. NTNs are wireless communication systems that operate above the Earth’s surface. They include satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO), medium Earth orbit (MEO) and geostationary orbit (GEO), as well as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), such as high-altitude pseudo-satellites (HAPS) and drones.

In combination with NTNs, direct-to-device (D2D) technology can enable appliances – from smartphones to IoT devices – to communicate directly with satellites or UAVs, without additional hardware or reliance on terrestrial infrastructure.

NTNs already support backhaul connectivity for 5G and other wireless networks in areas where terrestrial infrastructure is inadequate. Filtronic technologies have been pivotal in enabling these high-volume data pipes to be developed in mmWave frequency bands for satellite networks, building on our expertise in terrestrial mobile communications. 

Rising to the challenge

There are considerable challenges associated with developing NTN-enabled D2D-networks. With a finite RF spectrum, sufficient bandwidth must be allocated for data transmission in non-terrestrial channels. For the Feeder link satellite communications are moving into a higher mmWave bands such as Q, V &E as the more commonly used C, Ku and Ka bands become congested.  Moving into these higher frequency bands brings significant technical challenges, but is an area Filtronic has a strong track record. These higher frequency bands are vital to delivering broadband connectivity for the underserved areas and achieving Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communications (URLLC) required for real-time critical applications such as driverless vehicles.

Allocating radio frequencies and managing satellite orbit and access technologies is the responsibility of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). It has been actively developing standards for NTNs through its 3GPP initiative, focusing on adapting 5G and other technologies for satellite connectivity. This will be essential to ensure that the benefits of using mmWave frequencies seen in terrestrial applications can be replicated for non-terrestrial networks.  

NTN and D2D systems will need to be fully interoperable with terrestrial network equipment and infrastructure and will require careful frequency coordination with the mobile operators to prevent interference with existing terrestrial services. As the role of NTNs to deliver greater connectivity grows, so the ecosystem of devices and ground-based infrastructure will need to keep pace. That will involve developing compatible devices, encouraging operator adoption, establishing supply chains and evolving national regulations in line with new capabilities, to ensure the full potential of NTNs is realised.  

Unlocking future possibilities

The most worthwhile immediate impact of developing NTN and D2D capabilities will be to bring vital connectivity to isolated communities and regions in crisis. Beyond this essential humanitarian goal, the connectivity delivered will bring significant speed and capacity improvements to enable exciting future possibilities.

NTNs, working in tandem with terrestrial networks, could enable major advances in operational efficiency, service quality and resilience for multiple industrial, commercial and public-safety applications and enterprises.

Delivering the promise of 6G will depend on ultra-reliable, high-frequency communications to achieve next-generation standards of speed, performance and capacity. All current visions for 6G involve using NTNs as a key enabler, opening the door to new applications such as remote surgery and augmented reality services.

NTNs could also turn up the dial on the Internet of Things, taking us into the realm of the Internet of Everything – where every object, system or entity on Earth can be monitored, tracked and optimised. All of these future possibilities rely on uninterrupted access to high-speed, high-volume data, every second of every day.

Building 5G connections via satellite

Filtronic is now supporting the European Space Agency and Viasat in a project to deploy non-terrestrial network LEO D2D systems across Europe and beyond, drawing on our expertise in high-power RF and mmWave technology.

The project partners are working to design and procure an open-architecture LEO network capable of delivering 5G non-terrestrial services directly to handheld devices. We are helping to define the optimal feeder link requirements for high-throughput uplink and downlink transmissions, and to develop the high-power RF solutions necessary for this new D2D network.

Look to the skies for next-generation connectivity 

As demand for seamless, global broadband access grows, NTNs and D2D technologies – supported by advanced mmWave systems – will play a vital role in taking high-capacity, low-latency communications to every corner of the globe. If we are to breach the digital divide and bring data connectivity to those outside the reach of terrestrial networks, we must continue to look beyond the Earth and embrace the opportunities of networks in the sky.

Unlock the potential of the RF high-performance experts, talk to Filtronic today to see how we can advance your NTN and D2D projects.

For more information about Filtronic’s range of components and solutions, visit the website here. Alternatively, you can speak to a member of the team on +44 (0)1740 618 800. 

Explore our full range of mmWave solutions – contact Filtronic now to learn more.

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Keeping pace in a disruptive world means adapting to fast-changing technologies and different modes of operation from customers. Success relies on innovation to solve problems, agility to adapt on the fly, and resilience to ride out the challenges.

In today’s fast-changing world, disruption is not an exception – it’s the norm. From technological advances to global supply chain shifts, from geopolitical upheavals to business visionaries turning the world on its head – the accepted order is constantly being challenged.  

The companies that thrive in this disruptive environment are not necessarily the biggest or the most established, but those that can innovate on demand, adapt swiftly, and build resilience into their operations.

In sectors such as telecommunications, defence, aerospace and satellite communications, disruption brings both challenges and opportunities. The emergence of mmWave technologies, the demand for greater performance and power in smaller packages, and next-generation space connectivity are reshaping the communications landscape. To stay ahead, businesses must embrace innovation, agility and resilience as their core principles.

Innovation – empowering progress 

Disruption often stems from new technologies that emerge to challenge existing ways of doing things. In RF communications and satellite technology, for example, the shift into higher mmWave frequency bands (Ka, Q, V and E-band) is unlocking new possibilities for data throughput and low-latency connectivity and high capacity datalinks for both user and feeder side. This introduces new design challenges and manufacturing complexities that require real innovation to overcome. Some of the key ingredients for innovation in the RF communications sector include:

• Research and development – investing in research to develop the next generation of RF solutions. By having the right people, and scaling up our R&D resources when required, Filtronic has delivered significant improvements in time, cost, production volumes and manufacturing yields for complex transceiver and amplifier technologies – delivering the performance required for new terrestrial and satellite applications.

• Strategic planning – innovators need to have a clear strategic roadmap that takes into account the bigger picture, including likely future developments. That means having a well-defined, forward-looking technology plan, so that today’s innovation can focus on solving the challenges of tomorrow.

• Materials selection – some innovations require iterative improvements to existing systems or components. Others require a complete rethink or step-change in materials to achieve the desired results. As an example, Filtronic is at the cutting edge of using gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductors as a replacement for gallium arsenide (GaAs) to achieve higher power and efficiency in amplifiers used for defence, telecommunications and satellite applications.

• Collaboration – forging partnerships with industry groups, research institutions, universities and trade bodies allows diverse specialists to unite to address challenges and accelerate innovation. At Filtronic, we have strong connections with universities including Bristol, Birmingham and Durham, and work closely with organisations such as the UK Space Agency, European Space Agency (ESA) and Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) to foster innovation.

Agility – adapting at pace

When you’re working for disruptive customers who think differently and want to advance at speed, you need to respond quickly to keep pace with their ambitions. Achieving such agility in practice requires a combination of factors, including a culture that empowers people to think creatively, work flexibly and make decisions, and having the right tools and processes to enable adaptability. It’s about having the confidence in your ability to make the right decisions, at pace.

At heart, we are problem solvers at Filtronic. We have the skills, experience and resources, combined with the operational structure, to adapt quickly to meet customer challenges. Our agility is supported by our vertical integration, which enables design, process, manufacturing, operations and testing teams to collaborate freely to solve problems. We also have scalable manufacturing capabilities, enabling us to develop products from prototypes through to high-volume production to facilitate rapid technology deployment.

Resilience – overcoming external challenges

In a rapidly changing world, events beyond your control can have significant consequences – from natural disasters and pandemics to trade restrictions and political events. Riding out these bumps in the road and continuing to support customers requires resilience.

Building resilience requires foresight and forward planning. In the microelectronics sector, for example, global semiconductor shortages are posing a major challenge. But Filtronic is well prepared, thanks to our “just-in-case” supply chain policy, which we adopted during the pandemic as an alternative to the classic just-in-time model. It means we plan ahead, stockpile key components and build an inventory buffer of critical components to ensure continuity of supply for our manufacturing plant.

We also build resilience by sourcing a whole range components from multiple suppliers, to avoid over-reliance on a single source. Alongside this, we design our RF modules with swappable components, so that flexibility is built in to our products – reducing reliance on parts that may become difficult to source.

Winning in a world of disruptors

In a world where the geopolitical environment is changing fast, and technology is advancing at breakneck speed, organisations at the forefront of new developments need the support and expertise of market-leading suppliers.

Filtronic has always led the way in research and development in RF communications technologies, anticipating future trends and developing the components required to deliver next-generation performance. Our experience has taught us that the key characteristics for any business hoping to thrive in a disruptive, ever-changing world are innovation, agility and resilience.

Unlock the potential of high-capacity data links. Get in touch with our experts to discover how Filtronic’s innovative solutions can meet your specific needs.

For more information about Filtronic’s range of components and solutions, visit the website here. Alternatively, you can speak to a member of the team on +44 (0)1740 618 800. 

Explore our full range of mmWave solutions – contact Filtronic now to learn more.

The post Innovation, agility and resilience: how to stay ahead in a disruptive world appeared first on Filtronic.

The green light for E-band use in emerging satellite networks highlights the industry’s move towards higher frequencies, enabling greater capacity and performance. Companies like SpaceX have received the approval to use E-band (71-86GHz) frequencies for its Starlink-network, and it’s a sign of where the satellite industry is heading.

Once limited by high costs and low production volumes, space technology is progressing alongside the growth of low Earth orbit (LEO) constellations and demand for fast, reliable data transmission. E-band delivers high-capacity, low-latency connectivity ideal for next-generation satellite networks. With access to wide bandwidths in the 71-76 GHz and 81-86 GHz range, it marks a leap in data throughput over traditional frequency bands.

Depending on implementation, E-band can quadruple data capacity to that of other frequency bands, making it suitable for Earth observation and SatCom.

Elsewhere, E-band helps ease spectrum congestion by offering a high-capacity alternative to heavily used and tightly regulated bands like Ka-band, which made it tough for new operators to secure bandwidth. With less competition for bandwidth, E-band provides new operators with easier access while enhancing overall network efficiency, especially for backhaul and gateway access.

E-band’s high-frequency also enables narrow, high-gain beams, which boosts spectral efficiency and minimise interference. This means that multiple satellites can reuse the same frequencies without excessive signal congestion, which is a significant advantage for LEO constellations that rely on hundreds or even thousands of satellites working together.

E-Band viability

New technology comes with challenges, and E-band is no exception. Signals at these frequencies experience greater atmospheric attenuation, weakening as they pass through the atmosphere due to absorption by oxygen and water vapour.

Generating sufficient power is another obstacle. E-band requires more power than lower-frequency bands, requiring the development of high-efficiency semiconductor technology that keeps signals strong over long distances.

Even though LEO satellites operate closer to Earth, they still require advanced RF systems to ensure reliable performance in space. That said, these challenges are manageable.

The shorter transmission distance in LEO helps minimise signal loss, while E-band’s high-gain, narrow-beam properties allow for precise signal focus, reducing interference and improving efficiency.

Meanwhile, advancements in semiconductor technology, combined with innovative engineering design are enhancing power efficiency and enabling high-linearity RF components, supporting advanced modulation techniques for maximum data throughput.

Spectrum into scale

Beyond this, manufacturing for E-band also presents its own set of challenges. Integrating components into a high-yield, reliable transceiver module is far more complex at these frequencies than at lower bands.

Therefore, achieving scalable, high-performance, repeatable production is a barrier for new entrants, requiring specialised expertise in semiconductor fabrication, RF design and system integration.

This is where expertise in high-frequency RF technology is required. Filtronic, with more than a decade of experience in E-band development and tens of thousands of deployed modules in terrestrial networks, has been working on solutions to overcome these challenges.

By applying what works in high-frequency terrestrial communications to space applications, the company is focused on improving power efficiency and signal integrity at these demanding frequencies.

One of the biggest areas of innovation in E-band technology has been in semiconductor materials like gallium arsenide (GaAs) and gallium nitride (GaN). These materials are key to developing high-performance power amplifiers that keep signals strong and efficient, even in the harsh environment of space.

Rather than relying on standard off-the-shelf components, Filtronic design custom chipsets across the RF spectrum. They work closely with semiconductor foundries to refine processes and improve design tools, helping to push performance at these high frequencies.

In addition to semiconductor development, a vertically integrated approach that spans the entire RF chain, from chipset design to fully integrated transceiver modules, is implemented.

This level of control allows for fine-tuning at every stage, ensuring that E-band technology not only meets the technical demands of space applications but can also achieve high-yield, scalable production.

Regulatory landscape

As the industry moves toward high-volume manufacturing to support growing LEO constellations, having solutions that are both high-performance and scalable will be key to making E-band a mainstream part of satellite communications.

That’s why we’re seeing major satellite operators and industry disruptors recognising its potential for high-data-rate applications, leading to growing interest and investment in this spectrum.

Regulatory bodies have responded by establishing frameworks that support E-band adoption, easing market entry in some markets through relatively light-touch licensing compared to the more congested lower-frequency bands, which face greater competition for spectrum.

Although these factors pose E-band as an attractive option for high-capacity, next-generation satellite networks, the complexity of working at these frequencies is no small feat.

Getting it right from the start can be the difference between leading the pack or playing catch-up, so for companies looking to break into E-band, the smartest approach isn’t going solo.

Partnering with experts who understand the complexities, from high-frequency design to scalable manufacturing, ensures the successful deployment of next-generation satellite communication solutions.

For more information about Filtronic’s range of components and solutions, visit the website here. Alternatively, you can speak to a member of the team on +44 (0)1740 618 800. 

Explore our full range of mmWave solutions – contact Filtronic now to learn more.

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The radio frequency (RF) bands used to transmit data are becoming increasingly congested. Crowded microwave bands now offer limited scope for expansion, meaning data traffic must move into higher frequency millimetre wave (mmWave) bands to meet rapidly growing demand.

There are significant benefits of shifting into higher mmWave bands, which span wavelengths between 10mm (30GHz) and 1mm (300GHz). These bands offer vastly increased data capacity, ultra-fast data speeds and low-latency transmission.

Higher mmWave frequencies offer wide-open areas of uninterrupted bandwidth. E-band frequencies (71-86GHz) are already being widely used, particularly for 5G Xhaul, and applications are now moving into even higher frequency bands, such as W-band (92-114GHz) and D-band (130-174GHz).

While mmWave offers the scope to support current and next-generation communications across many sectors, moving up the frequency spectrum presents new challenges. Designing and manufacturing products becomes more complex at higher frequencies – the manufacturing tolerances are more stringent and components become smaller, requiring intricate machining and part placement.

Having developed proven systems at E-band, Filtronic is now working with clients to take mmWave technology into exciting new areas.

Defence: next-generation electronic warfare and secure communications

The improvements in power, data capacity and speed offered by mmWave provide considerable benefits for critical military communications. In an area of conflict unreliable or interrupted signals could cost lives. Moving up to higher frequencies not only offers higher data rates but also provides more directional signals that are harder to intercept. High-power mmWave technologies are now being used across radar, electronic warfare and secure communication systems.

Innovations in this sector include replacing gallium arsenide (GaAs) MMICs with gallium nitride (GaN) to boost power and efficiency. For military radar, jammers and electronic countermeasure systems, greater power means greater range, enabling a wider area to be covered by a single asset and allowing operatives to be located further away from danger.

By exchanging GaAs for GaN MMICs within existing devices, power and efficiency can be enhanced, with limited re-engineering of the device housing or structure. That is especially important for RF systems housed in fixed locations, such as the nose cones of aircraft, inside radar stations, or on-board military vehicles and ships.

Satellite communications: powering connectivity beyond Earth

Filtronic has developed E-band transmit and receive technologies for satellite communications, providing vital components for ambitious low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite programmes, as well as supporting communications with and between medium Earth orbit (MEO) and geostationary orbit (GEO) satellites.

As satellite traffic continues to grow, leading satellite operators are eyeing up other under-utilised mmWave bands, such as Q, V and E or W-band depending on which naming standard you are using. These offer significantly greater bandwidth than the C, Ku and Ka bands traditionally used in space, enabling higher date rates and interference-free transmission. By moving into new mmWave bands, satellite communications have the potential to support emerging applications across healthcare, transport, commerce and agriculture – from direct to device, (D2D) to remote surgery to driverless vehicles.

Filtronic is now working with the European Space Agency (ESA) under its Advanced Research and Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) programme to develop mmWave products for satellite applications. Exploring the use of multi-band uplinks and downlinks, harnessing up to four separate frequency bands to increase data capacity and reduce congestion. We are also developing Ka, Q and V-band Solid State Power Amplifiers (SSPAs) to complement our existing range of E-Band SSPA’s to help ESA lead the way in this sector.

Telecommunications: accelerating 5G proliferation

The telecommunications backhaul market has spearheaded the shift from microwave to mmWave frequencies. Filtronic has a rich heritage in this sector, having developed mmWave solutions to support the transition to 5G. 

The propagation characteristics of mmWave makes it ideally suited for deployment in dense urban areas with high volumes of data traffic. One of the biggest challenges in 5G is managing traffic between the core network and the radio access network. Our E-band transceivers and amplifiers have become the technology of choice across XHaul (fronthaul, midhaul and backhaul) markets where high-frequency, low-latency communication is essential to achieve 5G performance.

We have led other innovations in the telecommunications sector, supporting the development of low-latency private wireless networks. Wireless point-to-point mmWave links can transmit signals milliseconds faster than fibre-optic cables, delivering benefits to a range of applications, where low latency is the real differentiator.

Face-paced progress powered by collaboration

In the fast-moving communications market, requirements are constantly changing – and companies need suppliers to keep pace. We have developed processes and systems that enable us to adapt quickly and to drive continuous improvement through all stages of product development.

Collaboration is key. This is a complex marketplace and innovation requires the combined efforts of the best minds in the sector. We are frequently commended for our collaborative approach and willingness to share expertise to develop leading-edge solutions. Our engineering teams become embedded within our clients’ operations and work hand-in-glove with their engineers to solve complex challenges.

Collaboration is supported by our vertical integration, which enables design, process, manufacturing, operations and testing teams to work freely together to solve problems. It means designs are developed with the manufacturing process in mind, and everyone understands the implications of decisions made, ensuring designs are deliverable in practice.

At higher frequencies, it becomes increasingly difficult to manufacture devices consistently at scale. Very few companies can produce large volumes of these complex systems at high yields with minimal wastage. Our manufacturing capabilities allow us to develop such products from early prototypes through to high-volume production in the same facility – supporting our clients to deploy new mmWave technologies at speed.

Trusted partner for multi-industry mmWave innovation

When it comes to enabling advances in communications capabilities, mmWave frequency bands are set to play a central role in providing higher data capacity, lower latency and higher speeds. Filtronic is firmly established as a trusted and innovative partner to deliver advanced solutions for multiple industries and applications – from base stations and battlefields to laboratories and space Filtronic delivers high-performance mmWave solutions.

 Explore our full range of mmWave solutions – contact Filtronic now to learn more.

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