The Overview
Smiths Interconnect’s broad range of K-band passive components for satellite communication payloads in GEO/MEO and LEO orbits includes coaxial and WR51 isolators, circulators, and iso-adapters; waveguide loads, and microstrip isolators.
Who Needs It and Why?
Building on over 30 years of experience and flight heritage, the company’s many potential design variants, all of which are specifically engineered to meet the needs of spaceflight applications, enables it to exploit a very large product portfolio to minimize non-recurring costs for users. These highly compact and ruggedized K-band passive components are rigorously qualified for spacecraft use in the company’s state-of-the-art test and qualification laboratory in Dundee, Scotland. Qualification comprises sine and random vibration, mechanical shock, and, where appropriate, RF power TVAC, average power and multipaction, and critical power testing. Summary and qualification data reports are available to prospective customers.
Under the Hood
The company’s K-band coaxial and WR51 isolators, circulators and iso-adapters, waveguide loads and microstrip isolators are broadband devices and, as such, require fewer part options to address the allocated frequency band. They are temperature-stable and multipaction-free.
They are provided with a standard clear passivation coating but can be supplied with a low-emissivity black paint finish if desired. Their design is optimized for reliability and minimizes cost and application risks. Mechanical variants (circulation, flange detail, and more) are available on request.
