BAE Systems’ New Software-Defined Radio Assembly Makes Space Missions More Flexible
April 9, 2019 | BAE SystemsEstimated reading time: 1 minute
BAE Systems unveils its new general software-defined radio assembly for high reliability commercial and Department of Defense space applications. The SDR integrates the company’s RAD5545 Single Board Computer (SBC) with advanced Field Programmable Gate Array-based transceivers, enabling unparalleled flexibility, on-orbit reprogrammability and increased capacity for signals processing.
“The flexibility allowed by the general-purpose software defined radio for customers to reprogram missions makes this hardware a product our customers will be able to use into the future,” said Ricardo Gonzalez, director of Space Systems at BAE Systems. “Coupled with our RAD5545™ technology, the processing power and capability enables our customers to apply their spacecraft to multiple missions that evolve over its lifespan.”
The software defined radio’s (SDR) unique, upgradeable SpaceVPX architecture can accommodate an alternate transceiver or design improvement while retaining the integrity of the assembly. To facilitate broad application, it was designed to host third party hardware and mission intellectual property or algorithms. The SDR provides multiple receive and transmit channels that can be configured for different applications, like weather sensing, flexible communications payload, or specialized radio frequency sensing.
The RAD5545 SBC delivers exponential improvements in processing throughput and bandwidth as compared to predecessor products. The SpaceVPX RAD5545 computer is powered by the radiation hardened general purpose System-on-Chip processor.
BAE Systems is a pioneer and leader in narrowband and broadband communications technologies, with more than two decades of core expertise in software-defined radios for air, land and sea forces. The company’s Common Datalink radio family merges the latest generation wideband, high speed hardware and software technologies to provide warfighters with interoperable broadband data link communications solutions.
The SDR assembly will be developed and produced in BAE Systems’ sites in Manassas, Virginia and Merrimack, New Hampshire.
Suggested Items
The Knowledge Base: A CM’s Perspective on Box Build Practices
04/30/2024 | Mike Konrad -- Column: The Knowledge BaseIn the ever-evolving landscape of electronics manufacturing, the box-build process stands out as a critical phase that bridges the gap between individual component manufacturing and the delivery of a fully functional electronic system. This intricate procedure, encompassing the assembly of everything from PCBs to wire harnesses and mechanical enclosures, demands a high level of precision, efficiency, and innovation. As the electronics assembly industry expands and diversifies, understanding the best practices within box-build assembly has become paramount for manufacturers aiming to stay ahead in a competitive market.
Latest Test and Inspection Solutions from GOEPEL electronic at SMTconnect 2024
04/29/2024 | GOEPEL electronicGOEPEL electronic will be demonstrating automated test and inspection equipment at SMTconnect, taking place in Nuremberg from June 11 to 13, 2024.
Determining the Value-add of Box Build
04/24/2024 | Nolan Johnson, I-Connect007At a strategic level, adding box-building services makes sense for customer loyalty. But is it really that simple? Jon Schmitz, who manages customer engagement at RiverSide Integrated Solutions, talk about about what it really takes to be successful in offering EMS and final assembly services under the same company banner.
IMAPS & IPC to Host Onshoring Workshop
04/16/2024 | IPCThe International Microelectronics Assembly and Packaging Society (IMAPS) and IPC will host an Onshoring Workshop to discuss ongoing progress and forward-looking strategies to drive the Onshoring Advanced Packaging and Assembly, April 29 – May 1, 2024, in Arlington, Virginia.
IPC WinterCom 2024 Through the Eyes of One Dedicated Student
04/12/2024 | Sanjay Huprikar, IPCLauriane Testuz stands as a testament to the power of curiosity, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge. Her story serves as a reminder that the path to success is often paved by an unwavering commitment to one's dreams.