Harnessing the power of mmWave frequencies
At Filtronic, we specialise in designing and manufacturing high-performance RF and mmWave solutions that span across a broad spectrum of frequency bands, from K/Ka, Q,/V, E, and W bands. These frequencies are pivotal in delivering advanced RF capabilities across Space, Aerospace, Defence, and Telecommunications sectors.
Explore the spectrum
Our expertise lies in solutions that leverage the distinct benefits of each frequency band, ensuring optimal performance and reliability for mission-critical applications, across ground, air, and space.
Explore our range of frequencies and learn how Filtronic is leading mmWave innovation.
K / Ka band
K Band 17.8-21.2 Ghz
Ka Band 27-31 GHz
Beginning with the K/Ka-band, which is the first widely adopted mmWave band used extensively across satellite communications systems. mmWave frequencies offer substantially higher throughput than lower-frequency alternatives, enabling higher-data-rate satellite links and supporting advanced communication architectures. As a result, the Ka-band is a foundational enabler of high-capacity data transmission and next-generation network performance.
Given its broad adoption, the Ka-band ecosystem is mature, with a well-established supply chain and semiconductor technologies capable of delivering high power density. At Filtronic, we are advancing the state of the art by integrating these semiconductor devices with our proprietary ultra-low-loss waveguide combining IP. This approach allows us to develop solutions that effectively compete with incumbent travelling wave tube amplifiers while delivering a range of performance and reliability advantages.
Technology domains include
- SSPAs
- Filters
- Transceivers
- Frequency converters.
Q / V band
Q Band 37 – 42 GHz
V Band 47–52 GHz
Moving to Q-band, this frequency range enables a new class of high-resolution radar and advanced imaging systems. Its propagation characteristics allow for exceptional precision, fine spatial resolution, and enhanced target discrimination, making it highly attractive for next-generation sensing and surveillance architectures.
Q- and V-band are also emerging as the next logical evolution for satellite communications. Building on the widespread adoption of Ka-band, these higher-frequency bands offer substantially greater available bandwidth, enabling significantly higher data throughput and supporting ultra-high-capacity wireless links. This makes Q/V-band attractive for forward-leaning Satcom operators seeking to move beyond the constraints of Ka-band to achieve superior spectral efficiency and network performance.
At Filtronic, we are capitalising on this momentum developing a range of SSPAs, LNB, BUC and BUC-Amplifiers with leading edge performance.
Technology domains include
- SSPAs
- Filters
- Frequency converters.
E band
E band 71-76, 81-86 GHz
Advancing further up the frequency spectrum, E-band provides access to significantly wider contiguous bandwidths, making it a critical enabler for ultra-high-capacity communication systems. Historically adopted for point-to-point wireless links, E-band has become a cornerstone of modern backhaul and XHaul networks, particularly within 5G and emerging next-generation telecom architectures. Its ability to support fibre-equivalent data rates over wireless links has driven widespread commercial adoption. As a result, the E-band supply chain is highly mature, with a robust ecosystem spanning semiconductor technologies, RF components, and system integrators. This maturity has accelerated its migration from terrestrial telecoms into advanced Satcom and high-performance defence communication systems.
Filtronic has been at the forefront of E-band innovation for more than a decade. By integrating industry-leading semiconductor devices with our proprietary ultra-low-loss waveguide combining technology, we have achieved market-leading output power levels suited for the next generation of satellite communication networks. This capability was validated in 2024 when we announced a strategic partnership with SpaceX for the supply of E-band amplifiers supporting the Starlink ground segment, reflecting both the technical strength and industrial scalability of our solutions.
Our first-generation designs utilised GaAs technology. With the recent introduction of smaller-gate-length GaN processes, Filtronic is now developing a new GaN-based amplifier module aimed at delivering approximately three times the output power of prior generations. This step change will further strengthen our competitive position in high-power E-band subsystems.
Technology domains include
- SSPAs
- Filters
- Transceivers
- Frequency converters.
W band
W band 92–114 GHz
Advancing further up the frequency spectrum, E-band provides access to significantly wider contiguous bandwidths, making it a critical enabler for ultra-high-capacity communication systems. Historically adopted for point-to-point wireless links, E-band has become a cornerstone of modern backhaul and XHaul networks, particularly within 5G and emerging next-generation telecom architectures. Its ability to support fibre-equivalent data rates over wireless links has driven widespread commercial adoption. As a result, the E-band supply chain is highly mature, with a robust ecosystem spanning semiconductor technologies, RF components, and system integrators. This maturity has accelerated its migration from terrestrial telecoms into advanced Satcom and high-performance defence communication systems.
Filtronic has been at the forefront of E-band innovation for more than a decade. By integrating industry-leading semiconductor devices with our proprietary ultra-low-loss waveguide combining technology, we have achieved market-leading output power levels suited for the next generation of satellite communication networks. This capability was validated in 2024 when we announced a strategic partnership with SpaceX for the supply of E-band amplifiers supporting the Starlink ground segment, reflecting both the technical strength and industrial scalability of our solutions.
Our first-generation designs utilised GaAs technology. With the recent introduction of smaller-gate-length GaN processes, Filtronic is now developing a new GaN-based amplifier module aimed at delivering approximately three times the output power of prior generations. This step change will further strengthen our competitive position in high-power E-band subsystems.
Technology domains include
- SSPAs
- Filters
- Transceivers
- Frequency converters.