Technology News

AVX Corp. Develops Thin-Film Multilayer Coupler Technology

Component manufacturer AVX Corp. has developed a new wideband directional coupler with high directivity for the satellite industry.

The company said the ITF High Directivity LGA coupler’s design is based on thin-film multilayer technology, which provides enhanced frequency performance and rugged construction for reliable automatic assembly.

Compatible with several types of high-frequency wireless systems, the new coupler will be targeted for mobile communications, satellite TV receivers, GPS, vehicle location systems, wireless LANs and matching networks.

Galaxy Broadband Expands Router Portfolio

Canadian satellite company Galaxy Broadband has added the Hughes HN9200 and HN9400 broadband satellite routers to its product portfolio.

The agreement makes Galaxy Broadband the first independent commercial service provider in North America to offer services using the Hughes HN9200 and HN9400 Ka- and Ku-band routers. Hughes introduced the terminals to their product line in late 2010.

Hughes Network Systems Adds New IPoS-B Open Satellite Standard to HX System

Hughes Network Systems has enhanced its HX System solution to employ the new IP-over-Satellite 1008-B air interface standard (IPoS-B), which was recently approved by the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA).

Hughes said it led the effort in developing the IPoS standard that was originally approved by TIA in November 2003 and subsequently by ETSI and ITU. IPoS-B follows an update issued in 2006 that incorporated the DVB-S2 standard along with several other features.

O3b Networks Unveils New Maritime Broadband Solution

O3b Networks has launched a new broadband solution that aims to provide cruise ship guests and crew with more than 100 times the average Internet access rates at sea.

The O3b Maritime offshore solution was designed to deliver more than 500 Mbps in aggregate bandwidth to a single vessel. The offering deploys dedicated steerable beams to continuously track a ship’s course and to optimize connectivity performance.

SES Develops SAT-IP Satellite Reception Technology

SES has introduced new SAT-IP satellite reception technology that demodulates and converts satellite signals to IP for further in-home distribution to IP devices.

The operator said the SAT-IP communications protocol was established as a new standard for satellite in-home distribution. IP-enabled devices such as tablets, PCs, laptops, smartphones, any connected digital TV, game consoles and media players will be able to receive satellite programming in a SAT-IP-equipped network.

The first SAT-IP based products are scheduled to be available later this year.

Thuraya Introduces Maritime SF2500 Satellite Voice Terminal

Thuraya and joint development partner Addvalue Communications have unveiled a new SF2500 maritime satellite voice terminal, the companies announced.

The SF2500 will be available to end-users under the Thuraya MarineComms brand. The Indonesian Fisherman Association has already adopted the product and Thuraya expects the offering to attract other global maritime end-users as fuel prices increase.

Vizada Expands Pharostar Maritime VSAT Offering

Astrium subsidiary Vizada is launching a new addition to its Pharostar maritime VSAT portfolio that has been developed for easier installation and accessibility to a wider range of vessels including medium-size transportation, fishing and leisure boats.

Vizada’s new Pharostar service plans include data allowances to complement traditional throughput-based VSAT offering. The packages start from 5 GBs for an airtime cost of $1,000 with top-up options. Vizada also added 60-centimeter and 80-centimeter compact Ku-band antennas to the portfolio’s existing 1-meter antenna choices that can be delivered pre-assembled for simpler and faster installation time on board.

The newly designed service can be combined with a mobile satellite service (MSS) backup for full global coverage.