Traditional satellites rely on
simple SK modulation schemes,
but operators are now pursuing
higher-order methods like 256
QAM. While these offer greater
data rates, they are also more
sensitive to noise."
James Cheng
Senior Product Line Manager, Qorvo
C h a p t e r 4 | D e s i g n i n g f o r G r o u n d a n d A i r b o r n e U s e
Summary
Designing components for ground-based and
airborne SATCOM terminals requires a careful
combination of capabilities and complex trade-
offs. Integrated BFICs, which combine power
amplifiers and low-noise amplifiers, must deliver high
performance within compact packages that fit into
dense AESA antenna arrays.
With Ku- and Ka-band frequencies dominating next-
generation SATCOM applications, combining high
efficiency with linearity and low noise is essential.
As SATCOM networks evolve to support 5G mobile,
ground and airborne terminal design will remain a
vital contributor to performance.
22
Engineering the Future of Satellite Communications
