ThinKom Joins Space Industry Consortium Developing Interoperability Standards for Satellite and Ground Digital Networks
HAWTHORNE, Calif. – May 11, 2022 – ThinKom Solutions, Inc. today announced it has joined the Digital Intermediate Frequency Interoperability (DIFI) Consortium, an independent space-industry group formed to advance interoperability in satellite and ground system networks.
DIFI member organizations contribute to the innovation of digital transformation of space, satellite and related space technologies for the benefit of the industry.
ThinKom develops and supplies advanced phased-array antenna systems that enable high-speed communications for satellites in space, aircraft in flight, land vehicles on the move and other applications, including terrestrial gateways for satellite communication networks.
“We believe open digital interfaces will be critical in providing an orderly transition as the new generation of non-geostationary satellite constellations and terrestrial infrastructure proliferate over the coming years,” said Bill Milroy, CTO and Chairman of ThinKom Solutions.
“We look forward to collaborating with our peers in the DIFI Consortium to develop simple, open, interoperable digital IF/RF standards that will benefit the entire industry and encourage their widespread adoption across all industry segments,” he added.
“At DIFI we are pleased to welcome ThinKom as a member,” said Stuart Daughtridge, Chairman of DIFI and Senior Vice President for Advanced Technologies at Kratos. “As a leader in phased-array antenna technology, ThinKom is a significant contributor to the digital transformation of our industry and as such will be able to help further the maturity and adoption of our interoperable digital IF standard.”
About ThinKom
ThinKom Solutions, Inc. designs and manufactures high-performance satcom antennas for a mobile world. Based in Hawthorne, California, ThinKom engineers revolutionary, phased-array terminals capable of communicating over satellite constellations in every orbit. ThinKom’s adaptable antenna systems leverage proven, proprietary, patented VICTS technology to deliver fast, resilient, and reliable broadband to millions of users worldwide. Tailored to the aviation, military, gateway, satellite, and terrestrial mobility markets, ThinKom’s adaptable antenna solutions maximize spectral efficiency and minimize operational expenditure wherever they are put to work.
About DIFI IF Interoperability Consortium
About DIFI IF Interoperability Consortium
The Digital IF Interoperability (DIFI) Consortium is an independent, international group of companies, organizations and government agencies that have an interest in the interoperability of networks and ground systems supporting space-based operations. Launched in coordination with the IEEE-ISTO, DIFI’s mission is to enable the digital transformation of space, satellite and related industries through a simple, interoperable Digital IF/RF standard that accelerates industry transformation from L-Band IF to Digital IF, while discouraging vendor lock-in. DIFI promotes standards in all satellite application areas where systems interoperability is needed or beneficial, including satcom, earth observation, remote sensing, TT&C and more. The founding members of DIFI include Hawkeye 360, Intelsat Corp., Kongsberg Satellite Services AS (KSAT), Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., Microsoft and the U.S. Navy. The DIFI board has approved version 1.0 of an interoperability standard based upon VITA 49, entitled IEEE-ISTO Std 4900-2021: Digital IF Interoperability Standard which can be downloaded at the Consortium’s website.
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