Satellites and subsystems > Communication systems > Transceivers > UHF Transceiver
Key highlights
The EnduroSat UHF Transceiver is a half-duplex CubeSat radio engineered for the workhorse job of every small satellite: reliable telemetry and telecommand. Covering either 400–403 MHz or 435–438 MHz, it transmits with 2GFSK modulation (GMSK also supported) at configurable data rates from 1.2 to 19.6 kbps, with output power switchable over the air between 27 dBm and 33 dBm.
What sets this UHF satellite communication module apart is in-orbit flexibility and security. RF settings are reconfigurable on orbit, firmware can be updated both locally and remotely through a secured in-flight application update, and all traffic can be protected with AES-256 encryption. A configurable AX.25 telemetry beacon keeps ground operators informed even in contingency scenarios.
At only 200 g and running from a single 5 V supply, the transceiver suits even the smallest CubeSat form factors. High-efficiency amplifiers carry integrated electrical and temperature protections, the receiver is protected against input signals above 5 dBm, and built-in undervoltage, overvoltage, reverse polarity and short circuit protection guard the module itself. A direct connector for antenna deployment trims harness complexity, while dual CAN FD buses with CSPES and a transparent UART handle command and data.
Applications
- Primary telemetry and telecommand link for CubeSats (1U-16U) and SmallSats
- Contingency/safe-mode beacon and commanding channel via configurable AX.25 telemetry
- Missions in the 400-403 MHz or 435-438 MHz UHF allocations
- Low-rate housekeeping data downlink up to 19.6 kbps
- Backup link alongside S-band or X-band payload radios
Key features
Half-duplex UHF radio:
Integrated Rx and Tx covering 400-403 MHz or 435-438 MHz.
In-orbit reconfigurable RF:
Data rate and output power adjustable on orbit; 27 dBm or 33 dBm OTA-selectable.
AES-256 encryption:
Encrypted communication for secure commanding.
Secure in-flight firmware updates:
Local and remote secured application update capability.
AX.25 telemetry beacon:
Configurable beacon for continuous status broadcasting.
Configurable data rate:
1.2 to 19.6 kbps to match link budget conditions.
Lightweight build:
200 g mass, compatible with low form factor CubeSats.
Protected receiver:
Rx protection for input signals above 5 dBm.
Comprehensive electrical protection:
Built-in undervoltage, overvoltage, reverse polarity and short circuit protection.
Protected amplifiers:
High-efficiency PAs with integrated electrical and temperature protections.
Antenna deployment support:
Direct connector for antenna deployment reduces system complexity.
Standardized interfaces:
2x CAN FD at 1 Mbps with CSPES, transparent UART, Full Detent SMP RF connector, plus an interface for powering, debugging and programming.
Flight heritage
The EnduroSat UHF Transceiver has achieved flight heritage.
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Last updated: 2026-06-04
Technical specs
USB (VCP)
I2C
UART
430 to 440 MHz (amateur)
400 to 403 MHz (commercial)
GMSK
2FSK
4FSK
4GFSK
2GFSK (default)
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