SIAE MICROELETTRONICA, a global leader in microwave radio and wireless network solutions, has partnered with Qorvo, a leading global provider of connectivity and power solutions, to develop a next-generation Ka-band phased antenna array for satellite communications. 

This collaboration marks a significant step in advancing satellite communication capabilities within the European large program “Sustainable Technologies Enabling Future Telecom Applications (SHIFT)” program. Funded by the Chips Joint Undertaking and supported by National Authorities, SHIFT aims to accelerate innovation in sustainable, high-performance telecom systems. 

As part of this joint development, Qorvo is supplying its high-performance Beamformer Integrated Circuit (BFIC) technology, a key enabler of compact, efficient, and steerable antenna systems.  The BFIC technology enables SIAE MICROELETTRONICA’s research in Ka-band phased antenna array, aiming at the integration of a fully functional system demonstrator within the SHIFT program timeframe. Qorvo’s extensive expertise in high-performance microwave and millimeter wave devices was pivotal in securing milestones and deliverables in the SHIFT’s EU-funded program. 

“The choice of Qorvo’s chipset together with their long expertise allows an impressive speed up in the design phase, as highlighted by the entire SHIFT’s consortium - commented Claudio Passera, SIAE MICROELETTRONICA Group R&D Director - Leveraging on product-grade BFIC from the beginning of the project left space to innovate in other aspects of the phased antenna array, like the basic radiating element, the millimeter wave corporate feeding network and the thermal management. The platform has been conceived to address multiple use cases and scenarios in the highly demanded Ka-band, like satellite-to-satellite communications and satellite-to-Earth downlink connections in LEO missions". 

“Integrating Qorvo’s beamforming IC (BFIC) into SIAE MICROELETTRONICA’s phased array platform brings proven tech into the EU supply chain - said Dean White, Senior Director, Qorvo Defense & Aerospace.  “It streamlines the path from research to system demo, cutting risk and accelerating development. The system validates performance under mission conditions, supporting Europe’s strategic goals for space and secure communications.” 

By combining SIAE MICROELETTRONICA’s system design excellence with Qorvo’s deep expertise in millimeter wave and microwave IC technologies, this effort will produce a compact, high-performance Ka-band antenna solution optimized for space-constrained platforms and secure, high-throughput satellite links. The resulting technology is aimed at enabling future generations of satellite communication systems, particularly in defense, aerospace, and NewSpace sectors, where reliability, integration, and performance are critical. The relationship has been also fostered by Richardson Electronics, a global provider of engineered solutions for renewable energy and other power management applications. 

This collaboration highlights the strength of the European technology value chain and the importance of partnerships in advancing sovereign innovation in aerospace and satellite connectivity.

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