Satellite UHF and VHF devices play an important role in satcomms on many spacecraft. This a market segment overview of commercially-available very high frequency (VHF) and ultra high frequency (UHF) transceivers and transmitters for CubeSats and small satellites.
If you are familiar with the technology and would like to skip straight to the product listings, please click here.
Introduction
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) designates radio frequencies in the 30 to 300 MHz band as very high frequency (VHF), and those in the 300 MHz to 3 GHz band as ultra high frequency (UHF).
Early small satellite and CubeSat development often involved the use of amateur radio frequencies in the VHF and UHF bands due to the low costs and high accessibility for end users.
The UHF and VHF bands were also chosen as the primary frequencies for telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C) in CubeSats for similar reasons.
Now, many years after the launch of the first CubeSat, various antennas have been developed at different operational frequencies depending on the requirements and applications of the end users.
These include several models for satellites at various sizes including picosats.
Most currently active CubeSats communicate with ground stations on frequency bands that correspond to amateur (HAM radio) satellite frequencies or are specifically allocated for space communication.
HAM radio frequencies that are typically used fall in the ranges; 145.8 MHz – 146.0 MHz in the VHF band and 435.0 MHz – 438.0 MHz in the UHF band.
VHF and UHF bands are often duplexed in order to increase the overall bandwidth.
This functionality, along with the relative simplicity of obtaining a license, makes the low bitrate VHF and UHF a popular choice for Cubesats [PDF].
Satellite UHF and VHF equipment experiences from early CubeSat missions
One of the main causes of unsuccessful Cubesat missions is an issue related to the communication system, typically due to the use of non space-qualified electronics [PDF] in the transceiver.
These issues come in different forms. Here are three examples of early CubeSat missions (as described in this 2016 Master’s thesis [PDF] by Stephen Joseph Shea, Jr.) that were affected by such communication system faults:
AAU-1 – launched to LEO by Aalburg University (AAU) in Denmark in 2003, AAU-1 carried a demonstration optical payload. The ground segment used an amateur radio design and the satellite transmitted Gaussian Minimum Shift Keying (GMSK) at 9.6 kbps at 437 MHz.
Issues with the radio contractors led to a change in radio system late in the process, when there was little time for extensive ground testing.
In-orbit it was very difficult to close the link with the satellite and it was not possible to establish a consistent enough connection to complete initial handshaking, which made the satellite appear unresponsive. The mission team was only able to achieve limited functionality.
CAPE-1 – The Cajun Advanced Picosatellite Experiment (CAPE-1) was a 1U CubeSat developed at the University of Louisiana and launched in 2007.
The system used Frequency Shift Keying (FSK) at a frequency of 437 MHz and the team spent a significant amount of time ensuring that their CC 1020 radio chip could operate effectively with a set of custom commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) amateur radio equipment for the ground station.
Unfortunately although the downlink functionality was thoroughly tested, issues with the ground segment receive capabilities were not solved prior to launch, and the satellite was not capable of receiving commands once in orbit.
MicroMAS-1 – the Micro-Sized Microwave Atmospheric Satellite (MicroMAS-1) CubeSat was designed and built by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Space Systems Lab (SSL) and MIT Lincoln Laboratory (MIT LL).
The system was a 3U CubeSat using the L-3 Cadet-U Radio with a 9.6 kbps FSK at 450 MHz uplink, and a 3 Mbps Offset Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (OQPSK) at 468 MHz downlink.
Once in orbit the operations team was only able to successfully communicate with the satellite for three passes; on March 4, 5, and 9 of 2015.
Telemetry testing identified a failure in the transmit chain which was likely caused by a solar panel that had only partially deployed.
These three examples demonstrate the vital importance of a secure and stable satellite UHF or VHF connection to mission success. But you also need to ensure that the system purchased is the right option for your particular application.
Understanding your requirements
We recommend a simple four-step approach for the preliminary selection of any new piece of hardware or software for a satellite or other space system.
Note that this is just a basic guide based on what we’ve learned helping hundreds of buyers select products within our marketplace and get rapid responses from suppliers.
It is just meant to help engineers make an initial assessment and shouldn’t replace formalised systems engineering approaches such as the INCOSE Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) CubeSat frameworks.
- Specify your currently known mission parameters,
- Record all currently known overall design specifications of the system,
- Consider the range of technology that will be used in the satellite and in ancillary sub-systems, and
- Take into account the key performance criteria of the kind of product you wish to procure.
These criteria are explained in more detail below.
Mission parameters
The first step is to fully understand the currently known mission parameters, including both the critical applications and desirable, but not necessarily essential, objectives.
Typically the more precise mission parameters will only be established later in the process – usually iterated upon in a number of loops by considering the “system of systems.”
But having an idea of what functions your selected technology is likely to need to perform, and on what schedule and duration, will make selecting the most suitable model much easier.
Also consider the launch stresses, testing processes and regulatory compliance that the product will need to go through in order to make it into orbit, as well as any obsolescence procedures once the mission is complete.
Overall design specifications
Next, keep to hand all currently known design information about the entire unit.
This can include the volume, weight, primary structural material and more basic things such as the location, storage and transport arrangements of the major components.
You will need to make sure that the new piece of technology you choose will be suitable for these parameters.
Full range of technology
Once you are clear on exactly what tasks the new product will need to perform and the design characteristics of the satellite or other unit that it will work within, the next consideration is the full range of technology that will sit alongside the product to make sure that everything is compatible.
You may not yet know the entire range of accompanying technology (and you might need to first choose the product model you are interested in in order to make decisions on other components), but make sure you have access to all available technical specifications of sub-systems and structural components that are most likely to be used, as per the current mission plans.
It is important to understand how different sub-systems and components will interface with each other to create a high-performing satellite.
Balancing the available mass, power and volume budgets is also important, which can only be done with a clear plan of which components will be used.
Also consider how the product will work with the planned or existing ground segment to ensure effective data transfer and communication stability.
Now that you have a clear idea of what sort of product is needed for your mission, system, and existing platform setup, the next step is to compare the commercially-available products that meet these criteria according to the most relevant performance metrics.
Key performance criteria
To select the best satellite UHF/VHF transmitter or transceiver for your specific mission or service, the following criteria can be used to assess commercially available products:
Transmit and receiver frequency – note that many product manufacturers will provide at least one frequency range, possibly others if the system can be used in multiple bands. Typically measured in MegaHertz (MHz).
Data rate – typically measured in bits per second (bps) or kilobits per second (kbps).
Noise figure – measures of degradation of signal-to-noise ratio, defined as the difference in decibels (dB) between the noise output of the actual receiver to the noise output of an “ideal” receiver. Noise figure is usually given in dB.
Power – available RF power, measured in Watts (W) or decibel-milliwatts (dBm).
Orbit – range and duration of each contact satellite ground station.
Ground Station and satellite performance – e.g. Equivalent Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP).
VHF/UHF transceivers and transmitters on the global market
In this section you can find a range of satellite UHF and VHF transmitters and transceivers available on the global market. These listings will be updated when new products are added to the global marketplace for space at satsearch.co – so please check back for more or sign up for our mailing list for all the updates.
To view alternative satellite communications systems we have also put together the following overviews:
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The EXA ICEPS is an all-in-one, configurable spacecraft system core, designed to be the central operational heart for CubeSats. ICEPS compresses the functions of many cards into a single, 25mm-thick system, using modularity for fully customizable hardware that can range from being simply an EPS or including a range of features.
transmit frequency
70 MHz to 6 GHz
receive frequency
70 MHz to 6 GHz
transmit data rate
N/A
transmit power
5 dB
up to 36 dB with a 2nd stage amplifier
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The EnduroSat UHF Transceiver II is a half-duplex communication module with on-orbit configurable data rates and security based on the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES)-128. The system can be configured for amateur or commercial frequencies and features 2GFSK modulation as standard, with several others supported.
transmit frequency
430 to 440 MHz (amateur)
400 to 403 MHz (commercial)
receive frequency
400 to 403 MHz (commercial)
430 to 440 MHz (amateur)
data rate
4.8 — 19.6 kb/s configurable
transmit power
1 W (customizable to 2 W)
A compact telemetry and command radio designed for nanosatellites, compatible with the CubeSat standard. Suitable for applications where low data-rate down- and uplinks are required. The system provides a lower data-rate backup radio for a higher data-rate primary radio and uses the AX.25 protocol.
transmit frequency
400 — 420 MHz (commercial)
430 — 440 MHz (amateur)
receive frequency
140 to 150 MHz
transmit data rate
9.6 kb/s GMSK
1.2 kb/s AFSK
transmit power
27 to 33 dBm
The SkyLabs NANOcomm-2 is a TM/TC satellite communication subsystem miniaturised with full duplex and secure link in UHF/VHF band on Tx or Rx. The system is designed to provide improved communication data link budgets. SkyLabs assures outstanding performance of NANOcomm-2 by designing a best-in-class SWaP characteristics.
transmit frequency
N/A
receive frequency
N/A
transmit data rate
N/A
transmit power
N/A
A 125 g half-duplex UHF band transceiver with hot and cold redundancy built in. The system features health telemetry functionality including temperature and SWR and is compatible with both the CCSDS and ECSS protocols. Radio frequency whitening and scrambling are also incorporated.
transmit frequency
399 to 401 MHz
435 to 438 MHz
receive frequency
399 to 401 MHz
435 to 438 MHz
data rate
< 100 kb/s
transmit power
< 1000 mW
A half-duplex transceiver with a single-point failure tolerant design and in-built health telemetry. The system is cold in transmit and receive, with optional hot redundancy in receive, and features serial communication interfaces using differential signaling (CAN, M-LVDS) and an ESA-approved ICD.
transmit frequency
399 to 401 MHz
receive frequency
399 to 401 MHz
data rate
1.25 to 150 kb/s
transmit power
< 30 dBm
A communication system for CubeSat TT&C applications using full duplex operation. Designed to be low power, low mass, and highly configurable; offering the ability of changing data rates and frequencies in flight. Can be used in both commercial and amateur bands of the VHF/UHF.
transmit frequency
435 to 438 MHz
400.15 to 402 MHz
receive frequency
145.8 to 146 MHz
148 to 150.05 MHz
transmit data rate
1200 b/s
2400 b/s
4800 b/s
9600 b/s
transmit power
27 dBm
A telecommand receiver and telemetry transmitter module compatible with CubeSat PC104 form factor. The system supports HDLC / AX.25 protocol / RAW pattern of data formats for both up-link and down-link communication and is suitable for a variety of applications.
transmit frequency
400 to 440 MHz
receive frequency
144 to 148 MHz
data rate
1.2 — 115.2 kbps (AFSK 1.2kbps only)
transmit power
27 dBm
The AAC SpaceQuest TRX-U is a compact single-board transceiver for satellite communications in the UHF Band. Similar to the TRX-V, the TRX-U is an ideal satellite TT&C Radio or Narrow Band Communication Payload for CubeSat and SmallSat missions.
transmit frequency
390 to 450 MHz
receive frequency
390 to 450 MHz
data rate
2.4 to 19.2 kb/s
transmit power
1 to 5 W
A modular UHF communications system designed to provide satcomms services to UHF handheld radios. The product can be used in both traditional narrowband applications as well newer wideband modes. It features AES encryption along with several modulation modes and electrical interfaces.
transmit frequency
370 to 450 MHz
receive frequency
370 to 450 MHz
peak throughput
3.33 Msym/s
transmit power
< 36.5 dBm
A re-programmable, software-defined UHF transceiver designed to provide waveform and frequency agility for narrow or wideband TT&C applications. The system was designed specifically to provide tactical UHF SATCOM services to unmodified UHF handheld radios from smallsats in LEO.
transmit frequency
370 to 450 MHz
receive frequency
370 to 450 MHz
peak throughput
3.33 Msym/s
transmit power
< 36.5 dBm
An ultra high frequency (UHF) band transmitter with an operating frequency of 430 to 440 MHz - which is adjustable depending on user needs. The system features a variety of modulation options and is housed in a 70 x 40 x 14 mm^3 case.
transmit frequency
430 to 440 MHz
receive frequency
N/A
transmit data rate
9.6 kb/s GMSK
1.2 kb/s AFSK
transmit power
0.8 W
Spacemanic's Murgas - the UHF/VHF Transceiver is a space-grade, software-configurable UHF/VHF transceiver for long-range satellite communication. The robust device is enables transmitting and receiving of signals at the same time without interference.
transmit frequency
430 to 440 MHz
145 ± 1MHz (modified version for ±400MHz)
receive frequency
430 to 440 MHz
145 ± 1MHz (modified version for ±400MHz)
transmit data rate
0.1 to 38.4 kb/s
transmit power
+30dBm (1W)
A CubeSat TT&C Transceiver is designed as a low-current transceiver covering the frequency bands from 410 to 525 MHz customized (with the general version in the 430 - 442 MHz amateur radio band). The half duplex system features 60dB adjacent channel selectively with 12.5 kHz channel spacing.
transmit frequency
410 to 525 MHz
receive frequency
410 to 525 MHz
data rate
0.1 to 300 kb/s
transmit power
30 dBm
Based on a common modem unit (MU) with a VHF/UHF-synthesized RF unit. Featuring a modular sandwiched design with Eurocard 3U sized footprint made from aluminium with Alodine® surface coating. The power and communication interfaces are optimized for the Spaceteq standard bus but can be customized.
transmit frequency
400 to 401 MHz
receive frequency
148.0 to 149.9 MHz
data rate
10 kb/s
transmit power
< 5 W
The GAUSS Low Power UHF Radio has been developed with the aim of offering a light and efficient radio small satellites. The system has been designed to integrate both a low power UHF transceiver and a TNC, simplifying the satellite design and enhancing efficiency.
transmit frequency
415 to 450 MHz
receive frequency
390 to 500 MHz
transmit data rate
0.3 to 100 kb/s
transmit power
< 33.3 dBm
The GAUSS High Power UHF Radio features an independent uplink and downlink which can be configured with different frequencies, modulations and protocols, and alter output power dynamically. The system also includes both an integrated low power UHF transceiver and a TNC, providing a simpler design.
transmit frequency
415 to 450 MHz
receive frequency
390 to 500 MHz
transmit data rate
0.3 to 100 kb/s
transmit power
< 37 dBm
A user-configurable full duplex CubeSat communications system with a dedicated 32-bit Cortex M4 processor. The system features a selectable data rate, OOK, FSK, and GFSK modulation, and is compatible with the AX.25 protocol.
transmit frequency
430 to 438 MHz
receive frequency
143 to 146 MHz
transmit data rate
1.2 kb/s
2.4 kb/s
4.8 kb/s
9.6 kb/s
transmit power
< 33 dBm
SITAEL Telemetry/Telecommand (TMTC) is suitable for satellites in LEO orbits. The system is based on an ARM Cortex-M4 32-bit microcontroller, and is equipped with watchdog, OVP and SEL protection. It includes redundant CAN BUS and RS-422 interfaces, and up to 48 Mb of flash memory.
transmit frequency
N/A
receive frequency
N/A
data rate
4.8 to 153.6 kb/s
transmit power
-20 to 10 dBm
The Vulcan Wireless NSR-SDR-U/U is a UHF transceiver designed for space applications. It consists of programmable software defined radio architecture and has both half and full duplex configurations. It is provided with integrated AES 256 encryption and optional high-speed Type-1 encryption.
transmit frequency
N/A
receive frequency
N/A
transmit data rate
N/A
transmit power
N/A
A plug and fly communications system with an integrated hamradio digipeater that is compatible with a variety of hamradio transceivers. The system has a non-magnetic, radiation-tolerant design with integrated sensors for broken antennas, temperature, power bus voltage and battery operation.
transmit frequency
145 to 440 MHz
receive frequency
145 to 440 MHz
transmit data rate
1.2 to 19.2 kb/s
transmit power
< 30 dBm
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