Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems IKTSCeramic substrate materials such as (U)LTCC ((Ultra) Low Temperature Co-fired Ceramics) offer decisive advantages for high-frequency applications – particularly in the field of 6G mobile communications, millimeter wave radar and satellite communications:
- Low dielectric losses: high signal quality even at frequencies >100 GHz
- Thermal stability: low expansion, high reliability under extreme temperature variations
- Efficient heat conduction: ideal for compact, high-performance assemblies
- Miniaturization through multilayer technology: compact, highly integrated RF modules for limited installation space, precise 3D structures for beamforming and phased arrays
These properties are particularly relevant for satellite communication, where components have to withstand extreme conditions such as vacuum, radiation, temperature variations and mechanical stress. Ceramic RF components enable reliable, low-loss signal transmission for both satellite-to-earth and satellite-to-satellite links, e.g. in the K-, Q/V- or D-/H-band.
Fraunhofer IKTS has comprehensive tools for the layout and design of multilayer ceramic components as well as a complete technology line for their production. We also have extensive expertise in functional characterization and reliability testing to ensure the performance of ceramic components under demanding conditions.
