Filtronic PLC has announced a new contract win with a leading global provider of low earth orbit (LEO) satellite communications equipment. The contract, valued initially at £4.8 million ($6.0 million), is for the delivery of production volumes of Filtronic's second-generation Cerus32 solid-state power amplifier (SSPA) module. The SSPA modules will be installed in selected ground station locations as part of the customer's earth station antenna deployment, providing full E-band connectivity to LEO satellites. Revenue from the contract is expected to be recognized within calendar year 2024.
The Cerus32 SSPA module utilizes Filtronic's unique MMIC chip design and proprietary power combining techniques to provide a small form factor amplifier module with scalable output powers ranging from 4W to over 20W at E-band frequencies. The Cerus technology roadmap has been accelerated from the initial Cerus16 units supplied in early 2023 to the current Cerus32 module, which is optimized for power and ease of field deployment. Future demand for Cerus32 SSPA modules under this contract will be considered as standard production volume, but development of the Cerus SSPA platform will continue as the customer explores opportunities for higher power and alternative frequency bands.
Richard Gibbs, CEO of Filtronic, commented, "We are delighted to continue our partnership with the leading global provider of LEO satellites and are pleased to supply production volumes of the Cerus32 SSPA module for deployment in its ground station antenna network. The customer has always valued the flexibility of the Cerus32 design, and with this new contract is keen to take advantage of the scalable form factor and the additional power our second-generation E-band product provides."