Feature: Aerospace, Military & Defence
E-band
in space By Michael Guess, mmWave team lead engineer, Filtronic
T
he green light for E-band use in emerging satellite networks highlights the industry's move towards higher frequencies, enabling greater capacity
and performance. Companies like SpaceX have received the approval to use E-band (71-86GHz) frequencies for its Starlink- network, and it’s a sign of where the satellite industry is heading. Once limited by high costs and low
production volumes, space technology is progressing alongside the growth of low Earth orbit (LEO) constellations and demand for fast, reliable data transmission. Here, Michael Guess, mmWave team lead engineer at high- performance mmWave technologies leader Filtronic, shares his thoughts about E-band and the future of satellite communication. E-band delivers high-capacity, low-
latency connectivity ideal for next- generation satellite networks. With access to wide bandwidths in the 71-76 GHz and 81-86 GHz range, it marks a leap in data throughput over traditional frequency bands.
26 May 2025
www.electronicsworld.co.uk
Depending on implementation, E-band
can quadruple data capacity to that of other frequency bands, making it suitable for Earth observation and SatCom. Elsewhere, E-band helps ease spectrum
congestion by offering a high-capacity alternative to heavily used and tightly regulated bands like Ka-band, which made it tough for new operators to secure bandwidth. With less competition for bandwidth, E-band provides new operators with easier access while enhancing overall network efficiency, especially for backhaul and gateway access. E-band’s high-frequency also enables
narrow, high-gain beams, which boosts spectral efficiency and minimise interference. Tis means that multiple satellites can reuse the same frequencies without excessive signal congestion, which is a significant advantage for LEO constellations that rely on hundreds or even thousands of satellites working together.
E-Band viability New technology comes with challenges, and E-band is no exception. Signals at
these frequencies experience greater atmospheric attenuation, weakening as they pass through the atmosphere due to absorption by oxygen and water vapour. Generating sufficient power is another
obstacle. E-band requires more power than lower-frequency bands, requiring the development of high-efficiency semiconductor technology that keeps signals strong over long distances. Even though LEO satellites operate
closer to Earth, they still require advanced RF systems to ensure reliable performance in space. That said, these challenges are manageable. The shorter transmission distance in LEO helps minimise signal loss, while E-band’s high-gain, narrow-beam properties allow for precise signal focus, reducing interference and improving efficiency. Meanwhile, advancements in
semiconductor technology, combined with innovative engineering design are enhancing power efficiency and enabling high-linearity RF components, supporting advanced modulation techniques for maximum data throughput.
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