Filtronic Awarded UK Space Agency Funding to Advance Digital Satellite Ground Networks
The programme is supported through the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) initiative and will contribute to the ongoing transformation of satellite ground infrastructure towards fully digital, software-defined architectures.
As satellite communications networks become increasingly software-defined, cloud-native, and automated, traditional analogue Intermediate Frequency (IF) architectures are facing growing challenges. Conventional gateway infrastructure can require multiple frequency converters, modems, and extensive analogue cabling to connect antennas with processing equipment.
While these architectures have supported satellite communications for decades, their complexity can make them costly to deploy, operate, and scale. They can also limit the flexibility required by modern satellite networks, where operators increasingly need to support multiple frequencies, services, satellite orbits, and dynamically changing network configurations.
Filtronic’s RF over IP technology is designed to address these challenges by bringing the IP interface directly to the antenna. Instead of relying on extensive analogue connections between the antenna and processing systems, RF signals can be transported using standard Ethernet networks.
This approach enables RF processing to be centralised within data centres or cloud environments, allowing existing RF equipment to become part of modern, virtualised ground segment architectures. By separating RF hardware from centralised processing, operators can build ground networks that are simpler, more flexible, scalable, and better suited to software-driven operations.
Developing the Next Generation of RF over IP Technology
The ARTES-funded programme will support the development of an advanced demonstrator capable of transmitting and receiving up to 100Gb/s of optical data, while supporting multiple simultaneous transmit and receive channels.
The technology is being developed with emerging wideband satellite applications in mind, including X-band, Ka-band, and V-band communications. These frequency bands are becoming increasingly important as satellite operators seek greater capacity and higher data rates to support next-generation connectivity services.
The demonstrator is also designed to integrate with Filtronic’s future portfolio of millimetre-wave solid-state power amplifiers (SSPAs), block upconverters (BUCs), and low-noise block downconverters (LNBs).
By combining these RF technologies with digital connectivity, Filtronic aims to create a new generation of digitally enabled RF products capable of supporting the evolving requirements of modern satellite communications networks.
The project represents another step in Filtronic’s broader technology strategy, which focuses on developing intelligent RF front-end solutions that connect the physical RF layer with the increasingly digital infrastructure supporting modern communications.
Supporting Software-Defined Satellite Networks
The satellite industry is undergoing a significant transformation as operators move towards more automated, software-defined, and multi-orbit networks. New satellite constellations and increasingly sophisticated ground infrastructures require technologies that can adapt quickly to changing network requirements.
In these environments, traditional point-to-point RF architectures can introduce limitations in terms of scalability, configuration, and infrastructure management.
RF over IP provides an alternative approach by allowing RF signals to be transported through standard digital networking infrastructure. Processing resources can potentially be centralised and managed through software, creating greater flexibility across the ground segment.
For satellite operators, this could help simplify infrastructure while enabling more efficient use of processing resources. It can also support architectures in which equipment and processing capabilities are distributed across data centres, edge locations, and cloud environments.
As the satellite communications sector continues to adopt virtualisation and software-defined networking principles, RF over IP is expected to become an increasingly important technology for connecting antennas to digital processing infrastructure.
Strengthening Filtronic’s Space Technology Roadmap
The latest programme builds on Filtronic’s established relationship with both the UK Space Agency and ESA and supports the company’s ongoing investment in high-frequency technologies for space and satellite communications.
Tudor Williams, Chief Technology Officer at Filtronic, said:
“RF over IP is a key enabling technology for future satellite ground networks. This programme strengthens our technology roadmap while further building our long-standing relationship with the UK Space Agency and ESA, reflecting their continued confidence in Filtronic’s ability to develop innovative communications technologies.
As operators move towards increasingly software-defined and virtualised architectures, RF over IP will play a crucial role in simplifying and scaling next-generation ground infrastructure.”
The programme also highlights the role of UK-developed technology in supporting the evolution of the global satellite communications industry.
Henny Sands, Head of Satellite Communications at the UK Space Agency, said:
“The UK is at the cutting edge of satellite communications, and projects such as Filtronic’s will help keep British industry ahead of the curve in next-generation space technology. By supporting the development of advanced digital ground segment capabilities through ESA’s ARTES programme, we are helping UK companies create new commercial opportunities, strengthen national capability, and drive economic growth.”
Through programmes such as ARTES, the UK Space Agency and ESA support the development of technologies designed to strengthen satellite communications capabilities and create opportunities for companies operating across the space and telecommunications sectors.
For Filtronic, the latest funding supports the development of technology that could help address some of the infrastructure challenges associated with increasingly high-capacity and software-driven satellite networks.
Continuing Innovation in Space and RF Communications
Filtronic has a long history of developing high-performance RF and millimetre-wave technologies for demanding communications applications. Its solutions are used across sectors including aerospace, defence, space, telecommunications infrastructure, and critical communications.
The company’s continued investment in RF front-end technologies reflects the increasing convergence between traditional RF infrastructure and digital communications systems.
The development of RF over IP represents an important part of this evolution, providing a potential pathway towards more connected, flexible, and scalable satellite ground architectures.
As satellite networks continue to expand and evolve, technologies capable of supporting higher bandwidths, multiple channels, and software-defined infrastructure will become increasingly important. Filtronic’s latest programme is focused on developing the RF technology needed to support that transition.
With the ARTES-funded project, Filtronic will continue developing its portfolio of space-qualified RF and mmWave solutions while contributing to the broader evolution of digital satellite ground infrastructure.
About Filtronic
Filtronic has been at the forefront of RF technology for more than 45 years, developing high-performance solutions for mission-critical communications.
The company has built a reputation for innovation, quality, reliability, and advanced engineering, with expertise spanning RF, microwave, and millimetre-wave technologies.
Filtronic specialises in communications technologies for aerospace, defence, space, telecommunications infrastructure, and critical communications. The company is listed on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange and has operations in both the UK and the US.
Source Link: https://filtronic.com/