By Antonino Spatola, Chief Commercial Officer, Filtronic

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.

By Michael Guess, RF Systems Design Engineering Manager, 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.

By Michael Guess, RF Systems Design Engineering Manager, 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.

By Paul Clowes, Director of Business Development, Filtronic

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.

By Jerry Sanham, Director of Business Development, Filtronic

Successfully designing and manufacturing radio frequency (RF) components is a complex process that not only requires in depth knowledge of RF fundamentals but also a thorough understanding of material selection and the impact this can have on performance. Yet, despite significant investment and planning, RF projects frequently fail — often due to preventable issues. Here Jerry Sanham, Business Development Director at Filtronic, a designer and manufacturer of RF-to-mmWave components and subsystems, explores the common causes of project failure.

One of the most common pitfalls is incorrect material choices. The materials used in RF components have a direct impact on both their RF performance and reliability. Choosing the wrong materials can result in excessive signal loss, reduced power efficiency or failure to meet environmental requirements. For example, using materials with poor dielectric properties can lead to increased signal attenuation and performance variation over operating temperatures, while the use of inappropriate coatings can also add to signal losses and even compromise reliability in harsh environments.

Poor thermal management is another issue that regularly impacts RF projects. RF components generate heat, and inadequate thermal management can reduce performance and cause component failure. High-power RF modules, particularly those used in telecoms and defence applications, require advanced thermal solutions such as heat spreaders, efficient PCB layout designs and active cooling mechanisms. Failure to consider these factors early in the design process can lead to overheating and premature system failure.

Many RF projects struggle due to fragmented supply chains. A design house may develop the component, a contract manufacturer may handle production and another provider may be responsible for testing. However, this multi-vendor approach can introduce miscommunications, inconsistencies and delays. Without good collaboration between design, manufacture and test teams, the final product may not perform as expected, requiring costly rework or, in the worst-case scenario, project cancellation.

When design and manufacturing are handled under one roof, potential production challenges can be identified and mitigated early. This collaborative approach ensures that components are not only high-performing but also manufacturable at scale, reducing time to market and minimising costs.

A single-source approach also removes the complications of managing multiple suppliers. A collaborative partner ensures that component sourcing, assembly and testing are all aligned, reducing the likelihood of supply chain disruptions, component mismatches or last-minute design modifications that could impact performance.

RF testing is a crucial yet often underestimated phase of product development. A collaborative partner will have in-house testing capabilities, ensuring performance is rigorously validated before deployment. This eliminates the risk of finding performance issues after production, which can be costly and time-consuming to fix.

At Filtronic, we have seen firsthand how companies benefit from a fully integrated RF design, manufacturing and testing process. By working with a single partner, customers can reduce the risk of project failure and accelerate time to market. This approach not only ensures high-performance RF components but also enables companies to adapt to evolving technology demands with agility and confidence.

As RF applications continue to expand across industries, from telecommunications to defence and space, ensuring the success of RF projects has never been more important.

By addressing common failure points and partnering with an experienced, collaborative provider, companies can significantly improve project outcomes and achieve long-term success in the competitive RF landscape. For more information about Filtronic’s experience in the design, manufacture and test of RF components, visit filtronic.com.