Technology

[Via Satellite 09-24-13] Macom Technology Solutions has released a new two-stage, fully matched GaN in Plastic power module. Optimized for L-Band commercial air traffic control, military radar, and long-range perimeter monitoring applications at 1.2 to 1.4 GHz, the module scales to peak pulse power levels of 100W in a 14 x 24 mm package size....

[Via Satellite 09-23-13] TeamCast’s VYPER DVB S/DVB DSNG/DVB S2 satellite modulator has received approval from Anatel, the national telecommunications agency in Brazil, for use in all commercial satellite transmission systems in the country. VYPER is a high-performance satellite modulator for professional applications, which takes benefit from TeamCast’s digital radio frequency signal processing expertise issued from...

[Via Satellite 09-23-13] Telenor Satellite Broadcasting (TSBc)’s new CEO Morten Tengs is excited about the opportunity for the company in the maritime market. This was the one vertical that Tengs highlighted where he felt the company could make more of an impact. Tengs replaced Cato Halsaa, who had been the CEO for many years at...

[Via Satellite 09-20-13] Macom Technology Solutions, a supplier of high-performance Radio Frequency (RF), microwave and millimeter wave products, has released a new ceramic Gallium nitride (GaN) on Silicon carbide (SiC) High-Electron Mobility Transistor (HEMT). The MAGX-001090-600L00 is a gold-metalized, matched GaN on SiC, RF power transistor optimized for pulsed avionics applications, such as secondary surveillance...

[Via Satellite 09-19-2013] According to Cambridge Consultants, a product development firm, one rhino is killed every 11 hours in Africa due to the demand for products made from its horns. Currently, there are only 539 wild rhinos in Kenya – compared with the 20,000 that existed in 1969. Due to these alarming numbers, Cambridge Consultants...

High Throughput Satellites (HTS) remain a hot topic of conversation in the industry, but their impact outside of North America is harder to examine. In Latin America, a vibrant region for satellite communications, we assess what impact HTS could have. In May, Hispasat announced the start of service of Amazonas 3, a $300 million, high-powered...

M2M industry booms as companies and consumers demand more real time data. With the industry growing at a rate of billions of dollars, the satellite industry is eager to gain a slice of the pie. Monitoring pipelines that are miles away,  checking construction equipment in remote areas for potential mechanical problems, even tracking the behavior...

It has been said that circuit board design is an art, but RF design is a black art. Indeed, the developers of RF amplifiers are part scientist and part sorcerer, coaxing incremental improvements in power and efficiency from tubes and transistors, while at the same time minimizing distortion created by the amplification process. Radio frequency...

[Via Satellite 09-18-13] The first of three Inmarsat 5 Global Xpress satellites being built by Boeing has successfully completed a key system life test, paving the way for it to launch later this year. The satellite performed as expected during the spacecraft thermal vacuum test, which simulated the cold, airless vacuum of space. When operational,...

[Via Satellite 09-17-13] Eutelsat has granted approval to SVS Satellite Systems’ SVSAT78-Ka Auto-Pointing Antenna System. This product added into Eutelsat’s guide to the selection of the most appropriate auto-pointing terminal to be used with Eutelsat’s Tooway Ka-band services. the company has also granted an approval to SVS SDC-120 and SDC-150 auto pointing antennas since April...