SAN DIMAS, Calif., Oct. 24, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Wavestream (www.wavestream.com), a manufacturer of new generation solid-state power amplifiers, today announced it has signed a contract with the U.S. Army Communications Electronics Research, Development & Engineering Center (CERDEC) to develop ultra high-efficiency Ku- and Ka-band amplifiers to materially enhance the utility of mobile, "on-the-move," satellite communications terminals. The contract is worth approximately $1.6 million. Wavestream will perform research and development on behalf of the Space and Terrestrial Communications Directorate (S&TCD) of CERDEC.
"We at Wavestream are very happy to be working with the Army on this important initiative," said Chris Branscum, chairman and CEO of Wavestream. "Our work enabling the Army's next generation of on-the-move satellite communications terminals plays to the strengths of our team and our technologies, delivering products that lead the market in efficiency, compact form factor and minimum weight."
Under the contract, Wavestream will develop ultra-compact and lightweight high power Ku-band and Ka-band amplifiers using state-of-the-art high efficiency technologies to address the Army's need for smaller and lighter terminals for mobile and transportable satellite communications. Wavestream plans to achieve this high level of efficiency through a combination of advanced semiconductor processes and Wavestream's proprietary spatial power combining technologies.
Wavestream's current product line of Ku- and Ka-band solid-state power amplifiers (SSPAs) and block upconverters for commercial and military satellite communications will also benefit from this development with the incorporation of the new higher efficiency technology throughout the line, reinforcing and expanding Wavestream's position as the industry leader in SSPA size, weight and efficiency.
About Wavestream
Wavestream develops and produces high-power solid-state amplifiers that meet the needs of today's communications and sensing systems. Revolutionary spatial power combining technology enables higher amplifier output powers in smaller packages with greater efficiency and lower cost than previously possible. Wavestream currently offers industry-leading Ka-band and Ku-band SSPAs for satellite communications. At Wavestream, we are bringing solid-state solutions to systems requiring power, efficiency, and value with the Spatial Power Advantage(tm). For more information, please visit the company's web site at www.wavestream.com.