Electronic components face a host of challenges while in space, from extreme temperature variation to space radiations. These harsh conditions mean that any Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) component cannot be used for space missions. The electronic components used in making satellites must be able to withstand a wide range of environmental challenges – from the complexities of being launched from Earth to the extremely harsh environment of outer space. everything RF has compiled a list of 10 trending space-qualified RF components. Visit the new SPACE HUB on everything RF to keep up to date with the latest on space-qualified components.
Space-Qualified RF Isolator from 1.57 to 1.62 GHz
The L-Band High Power Isolator from Smiths Interconnect is a Space-Qualified Isolator that operates from 1.57 to 1.62 GHz. It provides 21 dB of isolation and is multipaction free up to a peak power of 1000 W, with full reflection, at any phase. The space-qualified isolator can handle an average input power of 162 W (CW) and has an insertion loss of less than 0.15 dB. It is available in a module with 50 ohm terminations and TNC connectors. The isolator is designed for Solid-State Power Amplifiers (SSPAs) used in spacecraft communication, navigation, RadarSats, and GEO/MEO/LEO satellite payloads. Click here for more details.
28 W Power Amplifier from 30 to 31 GHz for Military and Space Applications
- The ERZ-HPA-3000-3100-46 from ERZIA is a High-Power Amplifier that operates from 30 to 31 GHz. It delivers a saturated output power of 44.5 dBm with a gain of more than 44 dB and has a VSWR of less than 1.8:1. The amplifier has a TTL control with a switch ON/OFF time of 200/1000 ns. It requires a DC supply voltage of 24 V and consumes under 5 W of power. The ERZ-HPA-3000-3100-46 is available in a module that measures 195 x 120 x 25 mm with a 2.92 mm (F) input port and WR28 output waveguide interface. It is ideal for a wide range of applications including Industrial/laboratory, SATCOM, telecom, space, aerospace, and military. Click here for more details.
Software-Defined Radio from 300 MHz to 6 GHz for LEO Satellites
The SDR-1001 from CesiumAstro is a High-Performance Software-Defined Radio that operates from 300 MHz to 6 GHz. It has been designed to operate in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) environments and is suitable for demanding digital signal processing and communications applications. The SDR includes 4 x 100 MHz receive channels, 4x 100 MHz four transmit channels, and a state-of-the-art FPGA in a credit-card-sized footprint. It supports DVB-S2X, LTE-grade waveforms, and other high-order modulations. This SDR requires a DC supply of 9 to 13 V. It is available in a compact module that measures 84 x 50 x 13 mm with SpaceWire and UART (10GBASE-KR & 1000BASE-X - option) data interfaces. This SDR is suitable for both military and commercial applications on LEO satellites and airborne platforms. Click here for more details.
2-Channel Switch Filter Bank with 1227.60 and 1575.42 MHz Center Frequency
The PEC-1227/1575-IAFS-SFF from Planar Monolithics Industries is a 2-Channel Switch Filter Bank that operates at 1227.60 MHz ±20 MHz (L1) and 1575.42 MHz ±20 MHz (L2). It can handle up to 0 dBm of CW Input power and has a VSWR of 2:1. This switch filter provides a port to switch isolation of more than -65 dB and has a switching speed of up to 200 ns. It requires a DC supply of 5 V and consumes a current of up to 180 mA. This switch filter supports a TTL interface and is available in a hermetically sealed package that measures 4 x 2.5 x 1 inches. Click here for more details.
Space Qualified Directional Coupler from 1 to 40 GHz
The 101040010K-SQ from Krytar is a Space-Qualified Directional Coupler that operates from 1 to 40 GHz. It has a coupling factor of 10 dB and a directivity of more than 10 dB. The coupler has an insertion loss of less than 2 dB and a frequency sensitivity of ±1.20 dB. It can handle an average input power of 20 W and a peak input power of 3 kW. This directional coupler is available in a compact module that measures 2.00 x 0.40 x 0.65 inches and has 2.92 mm (K) female connectors. It is ideal for external levelling, precise monitoring, signal mixing or swept transmission, reflection measurement, electronic warfare (EW), commercial wireless, SATCOM, radar, signal monitoring and measurement, antenna beamforming, EMC testing environments, military and space applications. Click here for more details.
K-Band TVAC Compatible Isolator from 17.30 – 21.20 GHz
The DV1721 from DiTom Microwave is a K-Band TVAC Compatible Isolator that operates from 17.30 to 21.20 GHz. It provides an isolation of more than 22 dB and has an insertion loss of less than 0.45 dB. The isolator can handle up to 15 W of average power and 30 W of peak power. This 50-ohm isolator is available in a module that measures 0.5 x 0.7 x 0.5 inches with SMA-Female connectors. Click here for more details.
Space Qualified Sine-Wave VCO from 950 to 1450 MHz
The RVC1616S from Rakon is a space-qualified hybrid Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO) that operates from 950 to 1450 MHz. It offers satellite and spacecraft designers exceptional performance for geosynchronous orbit (GEO) and other deep space applications where the radiation specifications are critical. The VCO delivers a sine wave output with a typical output power of 5 dBm. It has a control voltage from 1 to 11 V with a frequency pulling of up 15 MHz and a frequency pushing of up to 5 MHz/V. The oscillator uses thick-film technology and has harmonics of -15 dBc with a phase noise of -99 dBc/Hz @ 10 kHz offset. Click here for more details.
35 dB Variable Attenuator in Hermetic Package from 0.5 to 16 GHz
The CHT4660-FAB from UMS is a Wideband Variable Attenuator that operates from 0.5 to 16 GHz. It has an attenuation range of 35 dB and can handle up to 27 dBm of power. The attenuator is fabricated on a UMS proprietary very linear MESFET process with 0.7µm gate length. This attenuator is available in a surface-mount, a metal-ceramic hermetic package that measures 6 x 6 mm and is suitable for use in space, defense, and commercial communication system applications. It exhibits very small temperature performance variation from -40 to +85°C for all operational frequencies and attenuation levels. Click here for more details.
Hermetically Sealed InGaP HBT MMIC Amplifier from 50 to 6000 MHz
The CL1012 from Criteria Labs is an InGaP HBT MMIC Amplifier that operates from 50 to 6000 MHz. It provides a small signal gain of more than 18 dB, has a P1dB of 18.2 dBm and a noise figure of less than 4.4 dB. The amplifier utilizes a Darlington configuration with an active bias network which provides stable current over temperature and process variations. It requires a DC supply of 5 V and draws under 92 mA of current. The CL1012 is available in a 2-pin hermetic package that measures 5.8 x 2.8 mm. It has been developed for high linearity industrial, military and space communication applications. Click here for more details.
Space-Qualified 8x Frequency Multiplier with 11 to 11.5 GHz Output
The CGY2770UH/C2 from OMMIC is a space-qualified 8x Frequency Multiplier with an output frequency from 11 to 11.5 GHz. It provides 5 dBm of output power with 20 dB of isolation. The multiplier is manufactured using GaAs technology and is available as a die. It is space-qualified and certified for use by the European Space Agency (ESA) and is ideal for radar and communication applications. Click here for more details.
Click here to view the latest product and news for space-qualified components on everything RF.
