Filtronic announced that they have manufactured and shipped more than 60,000 transmit and receive modules (TRM) to a European defense OEM in just three years, under a specialist engineering and manufacturing services arrangement.
Filtronic produced six different variants of the TRM design, for use in an active electronically scanned phased array (AESA) radar system. This client recently awarded a special commendation to Filtronic in recognition of its outstanding contribution to strengthening the supply chain.
“The client made the strategic decision to dual source these TRM modules with Filtronic so that they could avoid the risks of single sourcing and could build a more resilient supply chain,” said Jerry Sanham, Director of Business Development at Filtronic. “Their decision to appoint Filtronic was based on our demonstrated capability to provide a robust, high-quality and cost-effective solution. Since the first order, Filtronic has won multiple contracts with the same client and is now considered an integral supply chain partner.”
There are many challenges in manufacturing high-power TRMs for phased arrays, including mechanical and thermal considerations as well as the normal constraints associated with assembling a microwave subsystem to military standards. Filtronic has decades of experience designing and manufacturing its own products to the same rigorous quality standards. Recent investments in hybrid assembly, advanced microwave test systems, and full product traceability have contributed to it being able to offer a high-quality, high security environment for volume manufacturing of hybrid microelectronics assemblies. Even with high-volume throughput, the production facility typically achieves first pass yields of more than 98% through continuous improvement and lean manufacturing.
The comprehensive test facility can provide all the assurances that high quality, robust and reliable products are delivered to perform in critical military applications. Every product supplied is tagged with a unique ID which is logged throughout the proprietary end-to-end process control.
Transmit and receive modules (TRM’s) are traditionally used in electronically scanned radar systems. These modules provide amplification and electronic beam steering and can be applied in radar or communication systems requiring a steerable antenna. Filtronics' engineers have the experience and capability to design and manufacture custom T/R modules at their facility in Sedgefield, UK. Click here to learn more about TRM modules from Filtronic.
