
Filtronics signs E-band contract with LEO leader
RF- and mm-Wave specialist, Filtronic, has signed a contract worth £7.8m with a leading low Earth orbit (LEO) organisation. This E-band order represents the largest win to date with this new space pioneer and it demonstrates increased customer confidence in Filtronic technology.
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 second contract with the same customer is a development agreement to accelerate the design and prototype delivery of an E-band module that would form part of the satellite payload and provide downlink connectivity to the E-band ground station. Subject to successful qualification testing and field trials this module will represent the first Filtronic product designed for space flight and is a key part of our strategy to address the satellite element of the LEO space market.
Richard Gibbs, Chief Executive Officer, commented: “We are pleased to continue our partnership with the leading global provider of LEO satellite broadband services, and have scaled our operations to supply production volumes of the Cerus32 SSPA module for their ground station network. The fact that the customer has also decided to fund Filtronic for their second-generation payload solution, due to be launched later this year, is a further testament to our credibility and expertise in RF design, and our ability to bring complex RF products to market for an aggressive launch schedule”.
Available in the 71-76 GHz and 81-86 GHz frequency ranges, the Cerus boost power amplifiers deliver market-leading transmit power, enabling extended link distances for high-capacity E-band point-to-point, HAPS and satellite applications.
Cerus power amplifiers are ideal for military or commercial applications with excellent SWAP (low size, weight and high power) perfect for airborne and non-terrestrial applications. Cerus amplifiers are available in 1, 4 and 8 and 32-way configurations and deliver unparalleled performance for long range E-Band communications. These amplifiers provide an output power of up to 35 dBm with a small signal gain of over 20 dB.
