Guerrilla RF, a leading provider of state-of-the-art radio frequency (RF) and microwave semiconductors, has released the GRF2118, an ultra-low-noise X-Band amplifier delivering best-in-class noise figure performance across the 6.0-8.5 GHz band. Targeting the most demanding receive applications in satellite communications, defense electronics, and space-borne platforms, the GRF2118 establishes a new performance benchmark for COTS X-Band LNA solutions.
The GRF2118's 6-8.5 GHz operating range is specifically aligned with the SATCOM X-Band spectrum - encompassing military satellite downlinks, commercial X-Band VSAT, Earth observation downlinks, and TT&C bands for deep space missions - as distinct from the higher-frequency radar X-Band spectrum where transmit power and waveform performance are the dominant design drivers.
The GRF2118 supports two operating modes, giving system designers a single hardware solution that can be optimized for the demands of their specific application. In low bias / low current mode (3V/42mA), the GRF2118 achieves a remarkable 0.57 dB noise figure with 25.5 dB of gain at 7 GHz — a combination that maximizes receive sensitivity in power-constrained applications including spaceborne platforms, portable satellite terminals, and CubeSat receivers. In high bias / high current mode (5V/79mA), the device delivers a 0.67 dB noise figure with 26.1 dB of gain, an output P1dB of 19.2 dBm, and an OIP3 of 26.6 dBm — providing superior linearity for ground terminals and defense receivers operating in dense, high-power signal environments.
Fabricated on a proven GaAs pHEMT process and packaged in a compact 2.0 x 2.0 mm QFN-12, the GRF2118 requires no external input or output matching components, allowing engineers to achieve best-in-class SATCOM X-Band LNA performance with minimal board area and design complexity. Beyond satellite and defense applications, the GRF2118's operating range also fully covers the licensed point-to-point microwave backhaul bands at 5.925-6.4 GHz and 6.4–7.125 GHz - making it a strong candidate for high-capacity backhaul radio receiver front ends.
Additionally, the upper 6 GHz spectrum covered by the GRF2118 is under active consideration by the ITU and regional regulatory bodies as a candidate band for future 6G cellular deployments, further expanding the device's long-term market relevance as the wireless industry moves toward next-generation infrastructure development.
As a COTS device, the GRF2118 gives programs of all sizes — from flagship military satellite ground terminals to commercial smallsat platforms and CubeSat designs — access to space- and defense-grade low-noise performance with the availability, cost structure, and design support of a high-volume commercial RFIC.
"X-Band is one of the most performance-critical frequency bands in satellite and defense communications, and noise figure at the front end of the receive chain is the single most important parameter for system sensitivity," said Jim Ahne, Senior VP of Marketing at Guerrilla RF.
"In its low current mode, the GRF2118 delivers better than 0.6 dB noise figure across the full SatCom X-Band spectrum - with no external matching required - giving our customers a significant sensitivity advantage and a faster path to a working design. The New Space economy is driving an unprecedented demand for high-performance, cost-effective COTS RF components that can meet the rigorous requirements of both commercial satellite platforms and traditional defense programs, and the GRF2118 was designed with exactly that market in mind. This is the kind of differentiated, high-performance COTS solution that Guerrilla RF was built to deliver."
The GRF2118 is on display this week at the SATSHOWWEEK exhibit at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. Guerrilla RF Sales and Marketing personnel are at Richardson RFPD's Booth 3131 and are available to answer questions and provide design guidance on the GRF2118 and Guerrilla RF's full portfolio of SATCOM RFIC solutions.
Click here to learn more about GRF2118 by Guerrilla RF.
