Satellite Communications
Backed by more than 40 years of proven space heritage, Knowles powers mission critical satellite communications.
The Knowles Advantage
Knowles provides space-qualified RF filters, couplers, and precision capacitors that ensure spectral purity, low insertion loss, and long mission life for satellite transmit and receive chains. With more than 40 years of space heritage, including providing components used on the International Space Station (ISS) and Mars rovers, our solutions deliver unmatched performance in thermal vacuum environments and meet stringent MIL-STD and radiation-hardening requirements for mission-critical communications.
Knowles’ components can be found in the following Satellite Communication functions:
- Satellites & Space: Solutions that enable secure, long-distance communication for defense satellites operating in harsh space environments.
- Tactical Communication Headsets: Critical systems for secure, jam-resistant voice and data exchange, ensuring operational integrity.
- Radar Systems: High-performance radar technologies for detection and targeting, delivering reliable signal clarity and range.
- Electronic Warfare: Advanced RF solutions for spectrum dominance, enabling adaptive jamming and threat detection.
- Missiles & Munitions: Precision communication and power systems for guided weapons, designed to withstand extreme vibration, temperature, and acceleration.
Satellite Communications for Every Orbit
Powering Reliable Connectivity from Earth to Deep Space
Knowles powers satellite communications with SWaP optimized components that deliver clear, reliable Earth to space links and multi-year mission durability across LEO, GEO, and deep space platforms.
- Space-qualified RF filters and duplexers: Low-loss, high-power performance components from the UHF to Ka band, ensuring clear Earth-to-space and inter-satellite links.
- Flexible options: Catalog, build-to-print, or fully customized components to meet exact requirements.
- High-Reliability Capacitors: Enable uninterrupted power distribution across satellite buses, supporting solar array conditioning and payload operations over multi-year mission lifetimes.
- Proven space heritage: 40+ years supporting missions like ISS and Mars rover with rigorous standards.
- Advanced testing and screening: MIL-SPEC validation for extreme temperatures, radiation, and harsh conditions.
Educational Resources
Blogs
Catalogs
Whitepapers and eBooks
Videos
Are COTS Components Ready for Space?
After decades of viewing MIL-SPECs as the gold standard for qualifying and screening parts for viability in space, NASA has recently changed course, and is adopting commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) parts as an option for a variety of space applications.
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Supporting RF Systems Using the CDL Protocol
Common Data Link (CDL) is a secure U.S. military communications protocol. Established by the Department of Defense (DoD) in 1991, CDL is the primary standard for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) data transmission, enabling full-duplex, jam-resistant digital communications between airborne platforms, ground stations, and naval vessels.
Knowles Achieves a Benchmark for Excellence: MIL-PRF-55681-Qualified Capacitors for Mission-Critical Defense Applications
When it comes to aerospace and defense applications, every single component plays a role in the success and longevity of the system. Capacitors are vital in flight control systems, radar systems, signal intelligence equipment and more.
Enhancing Radar Performance: The Role of Gain Equalizers in RF Receivers
Low-noise amplifiers (LNAs) in radio frequency (RF) receivers are designed to amplify low-amplitude signals (i.e., less than -100 dBm) from an antenna without decreasing their signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).
Cavity Filters: High Performance Under High Power
As discussed in previous blog posts, resonators are the building blocks used to create filters.
Examining the Definition of “Wideband” Through the Lens of Electronic Warfare Systems
In complex radio frequency (RF) applications, “wideband” has varying definitions depending on both the application of interest and the portion of the RF circuit you’re focused on. Wideband can be used to describe the entire spectrum shown in Figure 1 or large portions of it.
RF/Microwave Products for Space Applications
High‑reliability components engineered for mission‑critical space applications.
RF/Microwave Products Catalog
Advanced RF and microwave components engineered for demanding environments.
SLC Capacitors Catalog
A comprehensive catalog of SLCs optimized for high‑reliability RF and power designs.
Understanding the Nuances of Space-Level Qualification and Screening of Filters
Selecting high-quality, high-reliability electronic components is a necessity for meeting the rigorous requirements of space...
Filter Basics Ebook
Detailed fundamental filter information to simplify your filtering decisions.
Build-To-Print Basics Ebook
An understanding of build-to-print, as well as how our thin-film technology can benefit your applications.
When Build-to-Print Thin Filters Aren't the Right Choice
There are times when Build-to-Print (BTP) filters might not be the right choice.
Build-to-Print vs Build-to-Spec
Learn when you should Build-to-Print vs. when you should Build-to-Spec.
Build-to-Print Filters and Tolerances
We design, manufacture and test Build-To-Print (BTP) thin film filters. Our understanding of tolerances helps maximize RF pe...
Knowles - Voyaging into Space
Highly reliable, space-qualified RF solutions.
Why trust Knowles' products for a space mission?
Knowles prioritizes reliability, quality, and full traceability across its products—backed by decades of proven performance.
Why Trust the Knowles Engineering Team?
FAQ: Why should I trust the Knowles engineering team?
Product Documentation
High Reliability Components for Satellite Communications
Knowles RF/microwave products deliver compact, reliable satellite communication solutions with stable performance.
Switched Filter Banks
Switched filter banks enable compact, highly integrated designs while maintaining reliability across frequency bands.
RF Crossover
Knowles’ RF crossover simplifies board design by enabling DC-to-40GHz signal routing in a compact surface-mount component.
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Distributors & Reps
Knowles utilizes a global network of Distributors and Sales Representatives — find the one nearest you.