High-efficiency, high linearity amplifiers for phased array-based satellite communication in space
(EINDHOVEN, THE NETHERLANDS) October 29, 2024 – Altum RF, a leading provider of high-performance RF to millimeter-wave semiconductor solutions, is pleased to announce a two-year contract with the European Space Agency (ESA) under the ARTES Core Competitiveness Programme, for the design and development of high-efficiency monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) power amplifiers. These amplifiers will be tailored for phased array Ka-band satellite communication systems in space applications.
Commencing in October 2024, this project aims to advance the development of high-efficiency MMIC power amplifiers to enhance the performance of Ka-band phased array satellite communication systems. With the rapid deployment of Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), and Geostationary Orbit (GEO) satellite constellations, Ka-band phased array systems will play a critical role in future satellite communications. To meet the increasing demand for improved performance in these systems, this project will implement an innovative approach to power amplifier design, delivering significant improvements in both power efficiency and RF performance.
Altum RF’s European headquarters in Eindhoven, The Netherlands, makes it a natural partner for this initiative. The Netherlands Space Office (NSO) has also been instrumental in facilitating this contract.
Greg Baker, CEO of Altum RF, commented, “We are excited to announce this important development project with ESA, which aligns with our strategic vision and product roadmap. Over the next two years, this contract will help direct our product development and accelerate our growth in the SATCOM market. The collaboration with ESA during our initial contract was very successful and we look forward to building on that relationship with a continued focus on innovative satellite-based solutions.”
Niels Kramer, Managing Director Europe and VP Marketing at Altum RF, added, “ESA has been an exceptional partner in helping Altum RF establish itself within the European and global market. This new contract enables us to further expand our design and development capabilities at our Eindhoven office, positioning us to capitalize on this growing business opportunity.”
Domenico Mignolo, ESA Acting Head of Technology and Products Division said, “We are glad to support Altum RF through ESA’s Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems – Core Competitiveness (CC) programme line. By supporting the development of high-efficiency amplifiers, ARTES CC aims at bringing innovation in satellite communications and strengthening industrial competitiveness.”
Altum RF is a growing international company, with strategic partnerships and office locations that span the globe to support its growing product portfolio and permits a variety of design projects based on customer requirements.
ABOUT ALTUM RF
Altum RF designs high-performance RF to millimeter-wave semiconductor solutions for next-generation markets and applications. Collaborating closely with customers and partners, we provide comprehensive technical support and customer service. Our global partnerships enable us to manage the entire product development cycle, from design to packaging, testing, and qualification, significantly reducing time to market.
Altum RF offers a broad range of products for commercial and industrial applications, supported by strategic roadmaps to continuously expand our product portfolio. Our engineers leverage decades of modeling expertise and application knowledge to deliver products tailored to the most challenging requirements. Utilizing proven technologies such as GaAs and GaN, we ensure optimal RF performance, integration, and cost-efficiency across various industries, including telecom, 5G/6G, SATCOM, radar sensors, aerospace, defense, and more. Discover Altum RF as your trusted partner in RF semiconductor solutions.
About ESA’s ARTES Core Competitiveness programme
The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space, coordinating the financial and intellectual resources of its Member States to conduct space programmes and activities. The Core Competitiveness programme line of ESA’s Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) provides funding and multi-disciplinary expertise to enhance competitiveness in satellite communications. It supports specific activities carried out by SMEs, large industrial consortia and research organisations aimed at developing innovative products and services that strengthen Europe and Canada’s position as global leaders in the satcom market. Through its two components, ARTES Advanced Technology and ARTES Competitiveness and Growth, this programme enables organisations to transform promising concepts into market-ready solutions, covering the entire development cycle.
Learn more at https://connectivity.esa.int/core-competitiveness
