Filtronic awarded UK Space Agency funding to advance digital satellite ground networks

Filtronic has been awarded funding through the UK Space Agency’s Ground Station Innovation Programme, supported under the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) Programme, with the money being used to develop next-generation RF over IP technology. This supports the industry-wide evolution to fully digital satellite ground infrastructure.

As satellite networks become more software-defined and cloud-native, traditional analogue Intermediate Frequency architectures are becoming increasingly complex, expensive and difficult to scale. Today’s gateway infrastructure often relies on multiple frequency converters, modems and extensive analogue cabling between the antenna and processing equipment, which increases both capital investment and operational complexity, whilst limiting flexibility.

Why using Radio Frequency over Internet Protocol increases flexibility and scale

Filtronic’s RF over IP technology addresses this challenge by moving the IP interface directly to the antenna, meaning RF signals can be transported over standard Ethernet networks. RF processing can then be centralised within data centres or cloud infrastructure, allowing existing RF equipment to operate within modern, virtualised ground segment architectures. This enables a simpler, more scalable and software-driven ground segment.

Tudor Williams, Chief Technology Officer, 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.”

How next-generation RF tech will advance digital satellite communications

The ARTES funded programme will develop a demonstrator capable of transmitting and receiving up to 100Gb/s of optical data while supporting multiple simultaneous transmit and receive channels. Compatible with emerging wideband X, Ka and V-band satellite applications, it is designed to integrate into Filtronic’s future portfolio of mmWave SSPAs, BUCs and LNBs, creating a new generation of digitally enabled RF products for satellite communications networks.

The project further strengthens Filtronic’s strategy of developing intelligent RF front-end technologies that bridge the physical and digital layers of next-generation communications infrastructure. As satellite operators continue to evolve towards automated, software-defined, multi-orbit networks, RF over IP technologies will be a critical component of future ground segment architectures.

UKSA Head of Satellite Communications, Henny Sands 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.”