Satellites and subsystems > Communication systems > Software Defined Radios (SDRs) > X-Band Software Defined Radio (SDR)
Key highlights
The EnduroSat X-Band SDR is a space-qualified X-band software defined radio built to move large payload datasets off orbit fast. Operating across 8000–8400 MHz, the unit delivers gross downlink rates above 1 Gbps using the DVB-S2X standard with MODCODs extending to 256-APSK plus VLSNR modes — giving mission planners the flexibility to trade throughput against link margin pass by pass.
Architected for data-intensive Earth observation and science payloads, this CubeSat and SmallSat transmitter pairs its RF front end with serious onboard resources: 4 GB of DDR4 RAM with ECC, QSPI NOR flash, and up to 160 GB of eSSD mass storage protected by ECC and CRC. Payload data streams in over Gigabit Ethernet or SpaceWire over LVDS, while command and control runs on CSP 2.0 over CAN — so the radio drops cleanly into modern satellite bus architectures.
Operators can tune data rates and output power in flight to match changing link conditions, and digital pre-distortion support helps preserve link margin at high modulation orders. With a wide 12–28 V supply range and a full set of auxiliary interfaces (UART, RS-485, SPI, I2C), the X-Band SDR integrates readily with EnduroSat avionics or third-party CubeSat subsystems.
Applications
- High-rate payload data downlink for Earth observation CubeSats and SmallSats
- Data-intensive science and remote-sensing missions requiring Gbps-class X-band downlink
- Missions using DVB-S2X ground segment infrastructure
- Onboard payload data storage and store-and-forward downlink architectures
- Constellation buses standardizing on CAN/CSP and Gigabit Ethernet avionics
Key features
Gbps-class downlink:
Gross data rate above 1 Gbps at up to 122 Msps symbol rate.
DVB-S2X encoding:
MODCOD support up to 256-APSK plus VLSNR modes for low-SNR links.
Adaptive operation:
Data rates and output power are adjustable for varying operational environments.
Digital pre-distortion:
DPD support to help maintain link margin at high modulation orders.
Dual full-duplex channels:
Supplied as an X-band transmitter with two full-duplex channels.
Large mass storage:
Up to 160 GB eSSD with ECC and CRC for payload file storage.
Radiation-aware memory:
4 GB DDR4 RAM with ECC plus QSPI NOR flash.
High-speed data interfaces:
Gigabit Ethernet and SpaceWire over LVDS streaming inputs.
Standardized control:
CSP 2.0 over CAN and Gigabit Ethernet command and control.
Wide supply range:
Accepts 12 to 28 V unregulated bus input.
Rich auxiliary I/O:
UART, RS-485, SPI and I2C interfaces available.
Software support included:
Linux API, Python 3 / C sample applications and full user manual delivered with the unit.
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Last updated: 2026-06-04
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