News: Microelectronics
25 September 2025
Filtronic unveiling GaN-based Cerus V solid-state power amplifier
Filtronic plc of Sedgefield and Leeds, UK — which designs and manufactures RF and millimeter-wave (mmWave) transmit & receive components and subsystems — is launching the latest development in solid-state power amplifiers (SSPAs) operating in the V-band. The Cerus V is being showcased alongside its Cerus W solid-state power amplifiers at European Microwave Week (EuMW 2025) in Utrecht, the Netherlands (21–26 September).
With what is claimed to be unrivalled high-frequency power, the Cerus V is designed for high-reliability mission-critical satellite uplinks (for low Earth orbit) and advanced RF applications with scalability and modular redundancy.
The system represents a step-change for Filtronic, introducing its latest gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductor technology to the Cerus 32 solid-state power amplifiers. Building on decades of expertise in high-performance, mission-critical mmWave solutions, the new GaN-enabled platform delivers flexible, scalable deployment for the most demanding applications.
The established Cerus range will operate in the high-bandwidth 47.2–52.4GHz range. Cerus V supports a full 5.2GHz bandwidth and delivers saturated output power up to 50dBm (100W).
In addition, the platform can expand from single units to multi-module configurations, featuring built-in redundancy and graceful degradation modes to maintain operation under fault conditions.
“As demand for high-frequency, high-power RF solutions accelerates across space, defence and telecoms, our Cerus amplifiers set a new benchmark for what’s possible,” says chief commercial officer Antonino Spatola. “Each platform is engineered not only for exceptional performance but also for the flexibility, reliability and scalability that long-term, mission-critical applications demand,” he adds. “From satellite ground-stations to next-generation high-frequency networks, Cerus sub-systems equip engineers with the power and resilience to meet the toughest challenges head-on.”
Filtronic is also showcasing Cerus W, a W-band solid-state power amplifier operating at 92–114GHz and delivering over 10W of output power. Compact and lightweight, Cerus W is optimized for demanding environments such as aerospace, defence, space and telecom infrastructure, with high output power and linearity achieved through advanced monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) technology.
