The new TA1165, by Triad RF Systems, is a solid-state power amplifier (SSPA), designed specifically to meet the demanding size, weight, and power (SWaP) constraints of modern SmallSats.
As the deployment of CubeSats and SmallSats in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) accelerates, defense and space mission designers require compact, efficient, and flight-proven RF components capable of supporting high-data-rate communications. Whether enabling secure payload data downlinks or robust inter-satellite links, the power amplifier remains a mission-critical element in achieving reliable RF link performance.
The TA1165 is a Class AB GaN-based amplifier delivering up to 20W of RF output power across the 5.5 – 8.5 GHz frequency band. This range supports a wide variety of C-band and X-band satellite downlink and interlink use cases, including those leveraging DVB, DVB-S2, and other modern modulation schemes.
The TA1165 is flight-proven, with a history of success in operational LEO satellite missions. This makes it an ideal choice for integrators who need performance they can count on. Triad RF Systems has over 20 years of accumulated LEO flight heritage.
Key Features
- 20W Saturated Output – Enables long-range downlinks and high-throughput data paths
- Wideband Frequency Range (5.5 – 8.5 GHz) – Supports diverse mission profiles in the C-band and X-band frequencies
- Flight Heritage in LEO – Proven performance in real-world CubeSat and SmallSat deployments
- SWaP-Optimized – Compact 6″ x 2.5″ x 1.06″ footprint, lightweight 482g construction
- Flexible Power Input (12 -30 VDC) – Integrates easily with typical spacecraft power buses
- Modulation Agnostic -Designed for linearity and compatibility with DVB-S2 and other high-order digital signals
- Built-In Protections -Includes over/under/reverse voltage protection, thermal monitoring, and open load survivability
Applications
The TA1165 is engineered for use in:
LEO Downlink Chains
Push high-resolution payload data back to Earth
Inter-Satellite Links
Enable SmallSat constellations and cooperative satellite behavior
DVB-Based Systems
Amplify modulated signals with high fidelity and minimal distortion
Its high linearity and rugged design make it an excellent fit for missions where link integrity and signal clarity are paramount.
Triad RF has shipped payloads for hundreds of missions bound for LEO, and the TA1165 is the latest evolution of that proven technology. Whether you’re building a CubeSat or a larger SmallSat platform, this unit helps extend the performance of your RF comms system without compromising mission budget or mass limitations.
