The global satcom transceiver market is seeing a considerable uptick in demand. According to Research Nester, in 2024, the market was worth US$32.35 billion but by 2037, this will be tipping $US105.26 billion. That’s a 9.5% CAGR between 2025 and 2037.
This is an impressive rate of growth and it’s being driven by several different factors. Firstly, there is the huge increase in the rate of satellites being launched, especially into LEO. By 2030, ESA forecasts that 100,000 satellites will be orbited to satisfy a global surge in demand for satellite connectivity. This demand is coming from industries across the board including defence, IoT, Internet access, and climate monitoring. The focus on sovereignty is also an important factor, as governments invest in space projects and there has been a surge in investment in satcoms for government and defence purposes given the fragile geopolitical environment.
Satellite Transceivers are growing in popularity and are being considered as a true alternative to traditional Low Noise Block Downconverters and Block Upconverters, or discretes, as they are known in the industry. But what are the differences between the two and does one offer more benefits than the other?
What is a BUC?
A BUC is integral to satcom systems. It converts low-frequency signals into high-frequency signals that can then be transmitted to satellites. The process is critical because satellites operate in higher frequency bands such as Ka- Ku and C-band. The BUC itself is positioned near to the antenna so that there is minimal signal loss. BUCs offer a variety of power, linearity and gain up to very high power so that they can cater for broadcasting and telecommunications where more power is required. They can handle all types of signals and can be configured to requirements of the use case. This means they are extremely versatile and able to meet any connectivity requirement.
And an LNB?
An LNB is also an essential part of any satcom system and plays the opposite role to a BUC. They are designed to receive high-frequency satellite signals from orbiting satellites and to convert those into lower frequencies so that they can be transmitted to the antenna receiver unit. This allows the data to be processed so that it can be displayed on end user devices. In LNBs, a low noise figure indicates better performance when receiving weak signals. Its gain indicates how well those signals are then amplified after they have been converted.
Both LNBs and BUCs require cabling and are transported in addition to the antenna itself, and when the RF elements are connected to the antenna losses are introduced because of the various interfaces between the hardware, additional losses of typically 0.3dB.
Transceiver benefits
Transceivers combine the transmit and receive functions of both LNBs and BUCs along with the polarizer and OMT integrated into a compact single device. The integration of all the necessary components improves system performance with the integration providing lower loss through the feed network and fulfils size, weight, power and cost demands. Dramatically reducing the physical space required as well as simplifying cabling and spares.
The use of a transceiver lower costs by integrating the multiple complex functions of the RF chain and therefore lowering procurement, testing and assembly costs. The integrated system has been developed by a single vendor, meaning it is much easier to address any issues that might arise. Transceivers can also cover all frequency bands and majority of power level as they are now more powerful than ever. For example, Global Invacom’s XRJ transceiver boasts the highest power on the market today at 25 watts Plinear. The fully integrated design ensures key RF performance indicators of a discrete solution, namely RF isolation, axial ratio and receiver de-sensing with Tx on are achieved within a transceiver with same or better performance, even at the higher Tx power levels.
Moreover, using a transceiver means that the assembly of the antennas is both simple and fast, and polarity switching is internal and automatic. The fact that there are simply less components involved also brings the Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) down. Transceivers are highly reliable as well as convenient.
Prompting a change in mindset?
Users of Satcoms are well accustomed to LNBs and BUCs when purchasing antennas and they gravitate towards their use as a default reaction. However, using a transceiver can be a gamechanger, especially for government and defence users for example, that must be very mindful of size, weight and power considerations, as well as cost of course. Transceivers allow for portability where separate LNB and BUC discretes mean additional baggage.
Whether you opt for separate discretes or for a transceiver very much depends on the application you are fulfilling. Both have their benefits and drawbacks.
For certain applications, LNB and BUC use is a good option, especially for scenarios where higher power is required. However, for use cases where portability and space saving, plus easy integration are paramount, then a transceiver makes most sense. Transceivers offer frequency band flexibility sufficient power level for most terminal applications, particularly LEO/MEO applications and the most vHTS applications.
In terms of cost, transceivers can also be cost effective as they reduce the amount of individual components required and simplify the design. Their integrated features can also result in improved signal quality and transmission reliability.
As we move into a future where the satellite industry continues to gain more momentum than ever, the raft of use cases that it is used for is set to multiply. Every use case brings with it a set of unique requirements whether that is the environment in which it is being used, to how it will be transported to the frequency band it will be operating in. It is up to the end user to decide which option will work best for them, and to get the information they need on the choices that are available.
Are you weighing up transceivers? Would you like to discuss your use case and find out more? Book a meeting with our team at DSEI from 9th to 12th September to find out more or get in touch to speak to an expert.
