ADI and MDA Partner to Develop BFIC for LEO Satellites
Telesat Lightspeed LEO satellites to be adopted
Electronic steering arrays deploy beams faster than mechanical ones


Analog Devices (ADI) announced on the 8th that it is developing a beamforming integrated circuit (BFIC) for phased array antennas in collaboration with MDA. MDA's phased array antenna, equipped with the new BFIC, will be used in the Lightspeed low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellite constellation of Canadian satellite internet service provider Telesat.

Telesat Lightspeed, consisting of 298 LEO satellites, is scheduled to launch in the second half of 2023 and plans to provide global B2B and B2G broadband connectivity services.

Unlike geostationary satellites that operate in fixed locations, LEO satellites that move across the sky must dynamically adjust their communications beams to maintain uninterrupted, high-speed connections with ground stations. The new BFIC solution operates reliably in extreme temperatures and cosmic radiation environments throughout the satellite's entire lifespan, which can be up to 10 to 12 years.

“Electronically steered array technology enables multiple beams to be steered simultaneously and rapidly repositioned at speeds that would be impossible mechanically,” said Bryan Goldstein, vice president and general manager of ADI’s Aerospace and Defense business. “It is essential for both manufacturers and operators of next-generation LEO satellite constellations.”