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The article delves into the intricacies of satellite communications (satcom) and space applications, focusing on RF (Radio Frequency) transmitters and receivers, their block diagrams, and the essential components in RF systems. It elucidates the role of RF signals in transmitting information from the point of origin to the intended target, emphasizing the analog RF portion of communication networks.

The article discusses the increasing interest and investment in commercial space satellite systems, particularly focusing on the challenges and trends associated with low earth orbit (LEO) satellite communications system design. Topics include the economic benefits of LEO satellites, trends driving satcom systems adoption (ubiquitous connectivity, disaster recovery communications), and challenges such as signal latency, power amplification, interference management, and Doppler effe.

The article discusses recent mergers, collaborations, and achievements in the telecommunications and defense industries, highlighting strategic alliances and technological advancements by STI-CO Industries LLC, GaAs Labs LLC, and VIAVI Solutions. It mentions that these developments highlights the evolving competitive landscape and the growing importance of innovation in satellite communication, defense systems, and semiconductor technologies.

The article discusses the importance of radio frequency over fiber (RFoF) in military communications and autonomous military systems in the U.S. Topics discussed include RF bands that are being used in military communications, the use of RFoF technology to transfer electromagnetic signals over fiber optic links through amplitude modulation, and military applications for antenna remoting with RFoF including satellite communication, radar systems and covert surveillance.

The article focuses on China's imposition of new licensing requirements for gallium and germanium exports, posing a potential threat to the Radio Frequency (RF) and microwave industry's supply chains. It highlights China's significant control over gallium production, its impact on global supply, and outlines strategies such as investment in domestic extraction, collaboration with allies, recycling, and maintaining stockpiles to mitigate supply chain vulnerabilities.

The article provides reviews of various RF and microwave products, including the C-Band receive filters from A1 Microwave, the RF fixed attenuators from Fairview Microwave, and the two-way power divider from KRYTAR Inc.

The article focuses on phase noise in orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) radar and satellite communication systems, demonstrating its impact on system performance metrics like error vector magnitude (EVM) and providing insights into the influence of phase noise on subcarrier constellations. It discusses the integrity of OFDM signals in aerospace, defense, and communication applications, providing calculations and empirical data to evaluate clock sources' performance.

The article focuses on the U.S. Department of Defense's Space Development Agency (SDA) and its efforts to develop a more robust and defendable military space-based communications and sensing system. Topics include the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA), partnerships with non-traditional entities, functional layers of the PWSA, and the importance of RF and microwave technologies in enabling the mission.

The article evaluates the NPA2050-QF, a 7 W Ka-Band MMIC power amplifier manufactured by Nxbeam Inc.

The article discusses the burgeoning demand for satellite communications (SATCOM) and the pivotal role of flat panel active phased array antennas in facilitating global connectivity. Topics include the market growth of SATCOM user terminals, Anokiwave's (now Qorvo) silicon-based SATCOM integrated circuits (ICs) enabling cost-effective and high-performance systems, and the intersection of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks for mmWave phased array active antennas.

The article presents several business news. It mentions that MACOM has signed a definitive agreement to acquire assets and operations of OMMIC SAS. It discusses that mmTron Inc. has announced the appointment of David Horton as vice president of sales and business development. It also discusses that Viasat Inc., awarded a contract to provide end-to-end satcom support through a fully managed service to the U.S. Marine Corps.

The article discusses that the growth of private sector industries adopting the commercial space market is driving the growth of satellite services. The satellite industry is addressing the need for reduced launch costs, smaller satellites, and mega-constellations. Business leaders will need to develop business models and strategies to take advantage of the rapid growth while allowing for scalability and sustainability.

The article discusses the accomplishments of the broadband satellite communications industry and the expectations of these networks to make technological history in the future. Advances in the user terminal, power amplifier, and launch availability will be imperative as these networks continue to roll out to ensure financial viability and affordable service offerings. The national and international regulators need to continuously review existing regulations and update outdated policies.

The article offers information on Radiall's SMP-MAX Evolution, a new expansion of the SMP-MAX series, representing a significant advancement in subminiature RF connectivity.

The article discusses mmTron's development of Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit (MMIC) power amplifiers (PAs) and low noise amplifiers (LNAs) for Low Earth Orbit satellite systems, focusing on their performance and availability. Topics include the challenges faced in designing PAs for wideband applications, the specific design considerations for the TMC261 PA MMIC, and its features such as high linearity, power-added efficiency, and reliability for space applications.

The article discusses using a hybrid electromagnetic (EM) device model, which includes EM wave interaction and coupling effects. Topics discussed including surge of use of mmWave frequencies due to the increased demand for wireless data, terrestrial and satellite communication systems will play a key role in wireless communication infrastructure.

The aricle evaluates the GaN MMIC Power Amplifier (PA) WPGM0618020M and its companion part WPGM0618020C manufactured by Wavepia, a company based in Hwaseong, South Korea.

The article discusses the role of satellite communication in meeting demand for connectivity, and mentions deployment of infrastructure in space and ground seen by industries. Topics discussed include development of a technology by telecommunication firm QuadSAT to ensure use of radio spectrum, use of drones for antenna measurement and testing, and radiation diagram capturing of the antenna with painting information on beam and sidelobes.

The article informs that military and government organizations are increasingly eying Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites for military applications. It is noted the viability of LEOs for aerospace and defense will depend on performance assurance throughout development, launch and the mission. In addition to ensuring security, LEOs need to maintain exacting performance despite challenges from weather, the environment.

The article discusses the development of Radio Frequency (RF)-over-Fiber technology, its applications in various sectors like telecommunications, broadcasting, aerospace, and defense, and PPM Systems' leadership in developing innovative solutions. It highlights the technology's benefits like low signal loss, interference immunity, and long-distance transmission, and it emphasizes its applicability across various industries.

The article discusses the evolving landscape of 5th Generation (5G) devices, their impact across industries, and their potential for reduced capability and battery-less ambient Internet of Things (IoT) devices. It reports that Ericsson's Microwave Outlook 2023 report explores electromagnetic E-Band spectrum's potential for future 5G backhaul needs, evolving connectivity preferences, and artificial intelligence (AI)-based automation for reduced operational costs.

The article presents the discussion on U.S. and European operators planning mobile satellite communications (MSC) systems providing voice and data connectivity around the globe. Topics include service requiring a new satellite constellation in either medium earth orbit (MEO) or low earth orbit (LEO); and Iridium NEXT satellites expanding MSC services for maritime, aviation, land and government applications.

The article focuses on Nuvotronics' growth trajectory, stemming from its founding in 2008 and its development of PolyStrata technology, which enables precision microfabrication for various applications. Topics include the expansion of manufacturing capabilities, acquisition by Cubic Corporation, and development of innovative solutions targeting wireless communication, space, and defense sectors.

The article presents the discussion on analysts at Yole Développement (Yole) predicting the RF GaN device market used in military radar and electronic warfare.

This article describes the global international Cospas-Sarsat satellite distress and safety system (SDSS) integrated with low earth orbit (LEO), medium earth orbit (MEO) and geostationary (GEO) satellite constellations that provides services at sea, on land and in the air. The Cospas-Sarsat space segment integrated with the near-polar LEO constellation is known as the LEOSAR subsystem, the space segment integrated with the MEO is known as the MEOSAR subsystem and the space segment integrated with the GEO constellation is known as the GEOSAR subsystem. Similarly, the Cospas-Sarsat ground segment consists of local user terminal (LUT) stations, known as the LEOLUT, MEOLUT and GEOLUT subsystems, and the associated regional Mission Control Centers (MCC) connected with the Rescue Coordination Center (RCC) and local Search and Rescue (SAR) infrastructures. This article also reviews satellite repeaters providing SDSS service via satellite beacons known as emergency position indicating radio beacons (EPIRBs) for maritime, personal locator beacons (PLBs) for land, personal and emergency locator transmitters (ELTs) for aeronautical applications. In addition, types of satellite beacons and testers, LUT receivers with antennas, the Cospas-Sarsat Data Distribution Plan and the Alert Data Distribution and Operating System are described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, an increasing number of broadband satellite systems have been launched into low earth orbit (LEO), connecting people across the globe. Flat panel antennas are especially attractive for LEO satellites due to their tracking ability, low profile and easy installation. This article discusses three major antenna technologies: electronically scanned array (ESA), variable inclination continuous transverse stub (VICTS) and lens antenna. ESAs consist of arrays of individually controlled radiating antenna elements with different phase delays that coherently form and scan the antenna beam in the far field. Within the category of ESA antennas are analog, digital and hybrid antennas with passive or active radios. VICTS antennas consist of rotating disks that steer the beam and change polarization based on the relative position of the disks. Lens antennas consist of modular lens sets that steer the beam by individually controlling the source of energy relative to the focus of each lens. Each of these technologies has strengths and weaknesses that are compared in this article using the size, weight, power consumption and cost (SWaP-C) metric. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers Microwave Journal news briefs. Topics include Knowles Precision Devices has acquired California-based Integrated Microwave Corporation (IMC), helping to further expand its portfolio and better meet customer demands in the A&D markets, and Skyworks Solutions Inc. has announced that it has completed its acquisition of the Infrastructure and Automotive business of Silicon Laboratories Inc. in an allcash asset transaction valued at $2.75 billion.

The article evaluates various products related to radio frequency and microwave technology including Crystal Capacitors from Tecdia, TDR/VNA Probes from Signal Microwave, and Microstrip Circulators from Cernexwave.

The article focuses on the satellite services driven by Internet of Things (IoT) and non-terrestrial network (NTN) mobile technologies, projecting NTN mobile connections globally by 2030. It reports that the satellite service market's growth is driven by improved network coverage. It highlights the impact of software-defined satellites, multi-orbit solutions, and initiatives like the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) on the convergence of satellite and terrestrial networks.

The article focuses on Natilus, a the U.S. company producing the industry's first purposefully designed and manufactured autonomous aircraft for air freight transport, has announced advanced purchase commitments of more than $6 billion for the delivery of 440+ aircraft in pre-orders.

The article offers several news briefs. Topics discussed include Nordic Semiconductor announced that it is expanding its in-house wireless technology expertise into Wi-Fi after acquiring the entire Ensigma Wi-Fi development team and associated Ensigma Wi-Fi IP tech assets from industry-leading graphics; and Electro Rent and NI announced a new partnership to rent NI automated test and measurement solutions to customers through Electro Rent's expansive network.

The article discusses that the vast mmWave spectrum was used sparingly, compared to onslaught of new mmWave applications. Topics discussed include the recent WiGig standard in the 60 GHz ISM band, the many new 5G mmWave frequency allocations, Ka-Band and beyond space transponders for higher satellite capacity and many new radar applications; and the horn antenna is a popular choice for high gain and directivity for radar and mmWave applications. I.

The article offers microwave news briefs. Topics include Analog Devices Inc. and Maxim Integrated Products Inc. has announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which ADI will acquire Maxim in all stock transaction, and Soitec, an industry leader in designing and manufacturing innovative semiconductor materials has announced a business agreement with Qualcomm Technologies Inc. on the supply of piezoelectric-on-insulator has engineered substrates for 4G and 5G RF filters.

The article offers U.S. microwave industry-related news briefs as of October 1, 2021. TPC Wire & Cable has completed the acquisition of custom cable supplier The First Electronics Corp. (FEC). thinkRF Corp. and TMY Technology Inc. have partnered to develop and distribute 5G, 6G and advanced mmWave applications. ZTE Corp. and Hangzhou Branch of China Telecom have conducted 300 MHz 5G QCell verification to prepare for the 19th Asian Games in 2022.

The article focuses on the solid-state technologies such as gallium nitride (GaN) are transforming satcom. It mentions that several broad trends are creating new and more challenging requirements for the radio frequency front-end (RFFE) in satcom equipment; and also mentions the satcom industry has progressively moved to higher-frequency bands to support growing demand for bandwidth.

The article provides an overview of current satellite topologies, their key enabling technologies and how satellite communication can supplement 5G networks; and mentions that with a multitude of radio access technologies enabling 5G, backhaul has necessarily evolved, decomposing the baseband unit (BBU) and remote radio head found in long-term evolution (LTE) networks into separate functional blocks.

JUPITER High Throughput Satellite System - 500 Gbps from Space. [Extracted from the article]

This section offers news briefs related to mergers and acquisitions as of September 2023. Topics include the acquisition of Wireless Telecom Group Inc. completed by Maury Microwave Inc., a definitive agreement entered into by Avanos Medical to acquire Diros Technology, and the acquisition of Louis Berger Services (LBS) from WSP Global Inc. completed by Versar Inc., a global engineering, environmental and security services platform backed by Kingswood Capital Management.

The article focuses on measuring antennas with a single probe near-field system, the probe is positioned in front of each radiating element while the radio frequency (RF) is modulated according to the antenna's operating parameters. Topics include the accuracy of the probe's position relative to the element is not critical if the probe spacing matches the element spacing and meets the Nyquist sampling criteria, and the probe movement can introduce phase errors has caused by RF cable movement.

The article evaluates the AlumiBend's low-loss cable from Mega Phase; the Maury Immersive Experience from Maury Microwave; and MIcable High-Power Bi-Directional Coupling Detector from Fujian MIcable Electronic Technology Group.

The article presents several products including RF Circulators/Isolators from Fairview Microwave Inc., Solid-State Switch from Eravant and Flexible Coaxial Cable from Mini-Circuits.

The article evaluates the features of phase shifter operator, RF signal from Pasternack.

The article reports that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) are working towards expanding the use midband spectrum for terrestrial and satellite communications systems. It mentions about the promoting technological innovation and economic growth, the FCC aims to preserve and protect current and future satellite services and declines to authorize two-way, high-powered terrestrial mobile service to avoid harmful interference with existing and emergent services.

The article discussesDOCSIS 3.1/4.0 standard lunched by Axing and outlines the features of the product.

This section offers business-related news briefs as of September 2022. Topics include a partnership formed between Granite River Labs (GRL) and Rohde & Schwarz to build up GRL's European test laboratory in Karlsruhe, Germany, the collaboration formed by Indium Corp. with Iowa-based no-heat and low-heat solder and metallic joining products maker SAFI-Tech, and Nokia's announcement that it will lead a German national-funded 6G lighthouse project 6G-ANNA.

The article discusses Raytheon Intelligence and Space, successfully demonstrated the next-generation, transportable beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS), Troposcatter communication system for U.S. Army.

The article discusses that European Engineering and Consultancy Limited (EECL) has been involved in several large and complex projects, including lunar space missions and leading-edge design and build of quantum computing hardware. EECL provides affordable access and a route to world-class electronic design, radio frequency, and mechanical engineering services to companies of all sizes in any sector of the industry.

Metamaterial antennas have progressed considerably in the last few years. Kymeta demonstrated transmission to satellites and back using 20 and 30 GHz antennas about the size of a laptop, which use metamaterial resonators for phase shifting. Echoclyne and Xerox PARC have developed metamaterial arrays for radar. The Army Research Laboratory funded the development of a metamaterial 250 to 505 MHz antenna with a λ/20 thickness. Complementing this, a conventional tightly coupled dipole antenna (TCDA) has been developed which provides a 20:1 bandwidth with a λ/40 thickness. Target cloaking has been demonstrated at microwaves using metamaterials. Stealthing, by absorption using a thin flexible and stretchable metamaterial sheet, has been shown to provide 6 dE absorption over an 8 to 10 GHz band, with greater absorption over a narrower range. Metamaterial has been used in cell phones to provide antennas that are 5× smaller (1/10th λ) having 700 MHz to 2.7 GHz bandwidth. It has also provided isolation equivalent to 1 m separation in antennas with 2.5 cm separation and is used for phased array wide angle impedance matching (WAIM). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]