Cobham SATCOM, a leading global provider of satellite communications solutions to the land and maritime sectors, and the Digital IF Interoperability Consortium (DIFI), the independent space industry group formed to advance interoperability in satellite and ground system networks, announced Cobham’s membership in the DIFI Consortium.

Cobham is a long-standing proponent of standard interfaces, reflected in modular designs and compatibility across a broad range of RF vendors, and has developed a range of digitizers and innovative digital interfaces. “We have strong relationships with many of the DIFI members, and as a leading terminal manufacturer we look forward to adding our experience and support,” noted Cobham’s Engineering Director, Bob Potter. “the Consortium and Standard reflect the strong desires of our user community, and we have long promoted standardization and enabling true interoperability.”

“We are pleased that Cobham, a leading satellite antenna manufacturer, has joined DIFI,” commented Stuart Daughtridge, chairman of DIFI, “As the diverse members of DIFI working groups advance the scope, use, testing and certification of the standard, we continue to get closer to the goal of interoperability across space networks.” 

DIFI members are coming together to support innovation and the digital transformation of space, satellite and related network technologies through the development of industry interoperability standards. In August, DIFI introduced version 1.0 of its interoperability standard based upon VITA 49, entitled IEEE-ISTO Std 4900-2021: Digital IF Interoperability Standard. This standard has already been specified in at least one major satellite communications RFI by the U.S. Army to support system interoperability.