Skyware Global, a provider of satcom terminal solutions, has today announced the launch of its new Ka-band transceiver production line and testing facility in Cabuyao, Philippines.
Skyware Global’s experience in the industry was a great benefit as the test system was commissioned, designed and built entirely in-house by the company’s RF Electronics group. The production line consists of seven independent test systems; each tester combines state-of-the-art test equipment with hardware and software custom designed by Skyware Global engineers to maximize testing throughput and ensure product quality.
Test data from each station is automatically stored to a local database and simultaneously streamed off-site to a remote redundant database located in Skyware Global’s facility in the UK. This approach guarantees data integrity, maximizes up-time and facilitates real-time yield monitoring and statistical process control. Traceability of individual transceiver sub-modules (i.e. filters, printed circuit boards and base castings) is built into the test data handling system, allowing sub-module test results for a given finished product to be immediately recalled.
David C. McCourt, Chairman of Skyware Global, comments: “This cutting-edge facility reinforces our position as the world’s leading Ka-band terminal supplier by ensuring high-quality and excellent value for both current and future Ka-band products.”
David Geen, VP, Tactical Ground Systems, Skyware Global, comments: “In anticipation of our new Ka-band platforms having advanced functionality such as switchable polarization, band-switching and increased M&C capability, these high levels of testing and traceability allow Skyware Global to provide exceptional quality, reliability and performance to all our customers.”
Initial production is focused on Skyware Global’s latest high-volume Cielo platform – the world’s first truly integrated Ka-band VSAT transceiver – offering a unique combination of performance, cost and flexibility to Ka-band system operators worldwide.
The test systems were transported by sea to the Philippines in October 2011 and successfully commissioned in the last week of 2011. Mass production is scheduled to start in Q1 2012 with a testing capability of over 2500 transceivers per month.