MACOM Technology Solutions Inc. (MACOM), a supplier of semiconductor products, is showcasing RF and optoelectronics solutions for satellite communications (SATCOM) at Booth 1637 during SATShow this week, in Washington, D.C. The solutions support higher frequency bands, improved power efficiency and scalable architectures for satellite networks.

MACOM demonstrations are highlighting semiconductor and optical technologies designed to support SATCOM applications, including direct-to-device connectivity and high-frequency RF and optical communication solutions. The company has supplied technologies to the space industry for several decades and continues to expand its product portfolio and manufacturing capabilities to address demand for satellite broadband, communications services and space missions.

Featured Demonstrations and Technology Highlights

High-Power L and S-Band Direct-to-Device (D2D) Transmit/Receive: This demonstration features a receive-side lineup (MAAL-011078 and MAAL-011314) together with a transmit-side lineup consisting of a driver amplifier (MAAM-011395) and power amplifier (MAPC-A1109) designed for satellite communication applications. The transmit lineup delivers 1 W of output power, greater than 40 dB gain and greater than 40% efficiency with wide bandwidth using MACOM PURE CARBIDE® GaN technology. The receive lineup provides 0.5 dB noise figure, greater than 40 dB gain and low power consumption.

Ka-Band Power Amplifiers: The demonstration includes a 25 W GaN-on-SiC power amplifier, CMPA2H3B025D, supporting Ka-band SATCOM applications from 27–31 GHz. The device is offered in bare die form and in a pure-copper-based flange package and is designed for satellite block upconverters (BUCs) and solid-state power amplifiers (SSPAs).

Linearized Q-Band Power Amplifier: MACOM is demonstrating a linearized Q-band GaN MMIC power amplifier that improves linear output power and efficiency using analog linearization techniques. The capability supports higher data-rate RF transmission with reduced power dissipation for satellite data links.

Free Space Optical (FSO) and RF-over-Fiber (RFoF): MACOM is presenting components that support free space optical and fiber-based optical links. Demonstrations include transport architectures for optical SATCOM applications such as ground-to-ground, ground-to-satellite and satellite-to-satellite communication, using hardware, components and system diagrams.

SATCOM RF and Microwave Components: The booth also features RF devices supporting Ku and Ka-band SATCOM applications. These include GaAs and GaN power amplifiers, gain blocks, low noise amplifiers and linearizers, along with switches, mixers, attenuators and phase shifters based on GaAs, silicon-on-insulator (SOI) and diode technologies. These components support scalable architectures for satellite payloads and ground infrastructure.

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