RF / Microwave / Millimeter Wave Space

A tradition of Excellence in the U.S. and Europe

The Cobham Sensor Systems-Lowell Space Products Group offers a wide range of RF and Microwave solutions for space applications. Acquired via the acquisition of the defense operations of the TE - M/A-COM* business in 2008, Cobham's vertical integration allows us to flexibly meet the needs of our customers at multiple levels from discrete semiconductors to integrated circuits, from components to subsystems. We address the needs of the commercial, scientific and military customers with our core manufacturing and product platforms. Our military and scientific customers benefit from our low-cost, high volume processes. Our commercial customers benefit from our new technology insertion through government investment.

Because space applications continue to evolve, we emphasize a flexible approach to respond to changing customer needs. We work with our customers to reduce cost and cycle time. Our paperwork reduction initiative allows customers to procure product which meets stringent space reliability requirements without generating SCD’s.

We are also achieving significant cycle time reductions through the combination of a portfolio of standard building blocks and flexible custom engineering solutions. We can draw on the broadest technology base in the microwave industry to produce products ranging from pHEMT-based millimeter wave amplifiers to passive strip line beam forming networks. This ability is particularly critical in developing multi-function subassemblies and subsystems.

Products and Services

Technical Expertise

Cobham's Space Products Group offers space-qualified products over a broad product spectrum, including:

1. GaAs MMIC Devices
2. Thick and Thin Film Hybrids
3. RF and Microwave Components
4. Multi-Chip Modules
5. Multi-Fnction Subassemblies
6. Build to Print

Our dedicated personnel specialize in meeting the stringent reliability standards for space qualified hardware. Material selection and process control are integrated into the initial design to meet a wide range of reliability requirements.

Manufacturing and Test

Cobham's Space Product Group uses state of the art technology in designs and implements special control processes to provide performance that will endure the most severe launch and environmental conditions associated with space flight. We perform assembly and test in Class 10,000 clean rooms with certain workstations at Class 100 standards. These facilities use FOD mitigation techniques, meet Ultra ESD requirements, and have particle count monitoring and temperature and humidity controls. Cobham has implemented Lean manufacturing and a formal Six-Sigma Programs for continuous improvement.

Program Experience

Cobham’s Space products group has participated in over 200 military, scientific and commercial programs. Some of the more recent programs would be:

Products

Passive components

A wide range of passive components are available from Cobham's Space Products Group. Flatpack surface mount packaging is used for many of these products.

Hybrid componenets

Cobham manufactures a wide range of space qualifiable hybrid components for active and control functions. This line of components provides the system designer with reliable, high performance products. Our Products Include:

Mixers

Cobham offers a variety of space qualified low-level and high-level mixers in multiple configurations (including surface mount, TO-8, SMA, GPO and micro strip compatible packaging.

Multi-Function Assmeblies

Cobham has the flexibility to develop advanced integrated assemblies using the best of Cobham and third party device and component technology. These assemblies provide for optimal size, weight, cost and performance capability. Our designers draw on the latest tools to model complex assemblies and subsystems. Some of the MFA’s developed include passive strip line beam forming networks, IF processing assemblies and numerous RF front end assemblies for Tx/Rx functions.

Build to Print

Cobham’s Space Products Groups broad experience in space qualified hardware can also be utilized when it is necessary to outsource your designs. Our dedicated staff can provide the resources and expertise to manage, document, assemble and test your project

Information on Space Infrastructure

*M/A-COM is a trademark of M/A-COM Technology Solutions Holdings, Inc., which is not affiliated in any way with Cobham.