Smiths Interconnect launches its broad range of K-Band passive components for satellite communication payloads in GEO/MEO and LEO orbits.

Highly compact and ruggedized, Smiths Interconnect’s 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.

“Our selected range of K-Band Space qualified passive components with cost-effective design and support capability builds on more than 30 years of experience and flight heritage.” said Tullio Panarello, VP and general manager of the Fibre Optics and RF Components Business Unit at Smiths Interconnect. “Our many potential design variants specifically engineered to meet our customers’ space application needs allow Smiths Interconnect to take advantage of very large product portfolio to minimise the customer’s non-recurring costs,” he added. 

Smiths Interconnect’s K-Band coaxial and WR51 isolators, circulators and iso-adapters, waveguide loads and microstrip isolators are broadband requiring 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 low emissivity black paint finish if desired. Their design is optimised to maximise reliability, and to minimise cost and application risks. Mechanical variants (circulation, flange detail, etc.) are available on request.