Alaris Linwave is a trusted supplier of high-reliability Block Upconverters (BUCs) to the satellite communications (SATCOM) industry, serving both aerospace and military domains. BUCs play a critical role in SATCOM by converting modulated L-band baseband signals to the appropriate frequency for transmission between ground or airborne terminals and satellites. Alaris Linwave products are typically designed for use on the uplink side of these systems.
Our wide portfolio covers a range of mission and commercial requirements:
- X-band (7.9 – 8.4 GHz): Primarily for military applications.
- Ku-band (12.75 – 13.25 GHz and 13.75 – 14.5 GHz): Widely used for commercial SATCOM.
- Ka-band (27.5 – 31.0 GHz): For both military and commercial applications.
A hallmark of Alaris Linwave BUCs is the integrated power amplifier, which delivers compact, lightweight units — making them ideal for airborne and manpack applications where size, weight, and efficiency are critical.
New Expanded Ku-Band BUC Range
We are proud to announce an expanded line of compact, conduction-cooled Ku-band BUCs, now available with output powers ranging from 16W to 50W linear, all within the same physical footprint. These modules cover the extended Ku-band (13.75 – 14.5 GHz), offering scalability without increasing size or weight.
The new higher-power models leverage the latest generation of high-power GaN MMIC devices, delivering optimized efficiency and enabling operation at higher DC supply voltages (28V–72V, model dependent) to reduce cable losses. Standard features include soft-start power-on, ensuring smooth system integration and reduced inrush currents.
Alaris Linwave BUCs fully support the OpenBMIP standard and offer advanced software-configurable features such as:
- Digital gain control
- Output power monitoring
- Thermal management with automatic over-temperature protection
Multiple interface protocols are available, including RS-422/485 and CAN Bus, with custom interfaces provided on request. Designed to perform reliably from –55°C to +70°C baseplate temperature, all BUCs are gross leak sealed, ensuring ruggedness for demanding airborne applications.
With this expanded Ku-band range, Alaris Linwave continues to deliver compact, efficient, and mission-ready BUC solutions — engineered for the toughest environments and the most critical SATCOM applications.
