News: Microelectronics
19 March 2026
MACOM’s microwave and optical solutions on display at SATShow Week
In booth 1637 at SATShow Week in the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington DC (24–26 March), MACOM Technology Solutions Inc of Lowell, MA, USA is showcasing its latest RF and optoelectronics solutions for satellite communications (SATCOM) that can enable higher frequency bands, improved power efficiency and more scalable architectures, which are critical to next-generation satellite networks.
MACOM is hosting live demonstrations highlighting advanced semiconductor and optical technologies designed to support the evolving SATCOM needs, including direct-to-device, high-frequency RF and optical connectivity solutions. With more than seven decades of experience serving the space industry, MACOM continues to expand its product portfolio and manufacturing capabilities to address growing demand for satellite broadband, next-generation communications services and advanced space missions.
Featured demonstrations and technology highlights include:
- High-power L- and S-band direct-to-device (D2D) transmit/receive: This demonstration features MACOM’s receive-side line-up (MAAL-011078 and MAAL-011314) along with its transmit-side line-up (driver amplifier MAAM-011395 and power amplifier MAPC-A1109) designed to support satellite communication applications. The transmit line-up features 1W of output power, >40dB gain and >40% efficiency, and wide bandwidth utilizing MACOM PURE CARBIDE gallium nitride (GaN) technology. The receive line-up features 0.5dB NF, >40dB gain, and low power consumption.
- Ka-band power amplifiers: This demonstration showcases the CMPA2H3B025D 25W GaN-on-SiC power amplifier supporting Ka-band SATCOM applications from 27–31GHz. Offered in bare die form as well as in a pure-copper-based flange package, the CMPA2H3B025 delivers high power, efficiency and linearity. This is a suitable solution for satellite block upconverters (BUCs) and solid-state power amplifiers (SSPAs).
- Linearized Q-band power amplifier (PA): MACOM is demonstrating a linearized Q-band GaN MMIC power amplifier that delivers substantial improvements in linear output power and efficiency through advanced analog linearization techniques. This capability can enable higher-data-rate RF transmission with reduced power dissipation, addressing the stringent performance demands for next-generation satellite data links.
- Free-space optical (FSO) and RF-over-fiber (RFoF): Showcasing components supporting both FSO and fiber-based optical links. Highlights include transport architectures for optical SATCOM (ground-to-ground, ground-to-satellite and satellite-to-satellite) featuring static hardware, components and system diagrams.
- SATCOM RF and microwave components: MACOM’s booth features a wide range of RF devices to support Ku- and Ka-band SATCOM applications. Solutions include GaAs and GaN PAs, gain blocks, low-noise amplifiers (LNAs) and linearizers, as well as a variety of switches, mixers, attenuators and power shifters based on gallium arsenide (GaAs), silicon-on-insulator (SOI) and diode technologies. Together, these components can enable high-performance scalable architectures for next-generation satellite payloads and ground infrastructure.
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