TeleCommunication Systems Signs Reseller Agreement With Tampa Microwave

Aug 03, 2010

TeleCommunication Systems, Inc. (TCS) /quotes/comstock/15*!tsys/quotes/nls/tsyshas entered into a reseller agreement with Tampa Microwave to deliver manportable satellite communication terminals. TCS plans to integrate this key technology into its leading SNAP VSAT product family for the United States Department of Defense, and other federal and state customers, enhancing TCS' tactical communication solutions portfolio.

Through this reseller agreement, TCS customers have access to Tampa Microwave's TM-X850MP X-Band Manpack Satellite Terminal which is the smallest, lightest microsat terminal available today. Designed for ease of use, rapid deployment and maximum portability on the battlefield, the terminals weigh 18 pounds in a mast mount configuration and 27.5 pounds with all data/power cables, AC/DC power supplies and tri-pod. This technology is suited for mobility in mountainous regions and applicable for today's area of responsibility.The terminals reach unsurpassed data rates, power output and battery life by eliminating multiple aluminum enclosures, interconnecting cables and connectors found in competing terminals packaged in commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) transit cases. In addition, these terminals are currently in the process of receiving Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) certification and meet MIL-STD810F temperature requirements including operation at + 60 degrees Celsius.

"TCS is dedicated to providing the most innovative solutions that enable secure, deployable communications for today's warfighter," said Michael Bristol, senior vice president and general manager of government solutions for TCS. "Our partnership with Tampa Microwave further enhances our offerings, allowing us to deliver a compelling solution for a lightweight, portable manpack. In today's battlefield, communication efforts need to be able to take place from any location, no matter how remote and with this technology they are able to do so."

Unlike traditional terminals, the X-Band Manpack boasts several new enhancements including the elimination of mechanical cooling fans. The totally passive thermal management scheme enhances reliability and assists in achieving the terminal's industry leading compact design. Given its small size, Tampa Microwave's design can truly be packed in a soldier's rucksack. In order to facilitate changes in operations or technology, the TM-X850MP X-band manpack also features separate modem and receiver/transmitter (R/T) modules that snap together using blind mate connectors. The terminal's modular design permits field changes to substitute alternative modems or Ku / Ka-band R / T's. Each X-band R/T module contains an integrated 0.4dB Noise Figure block downconverter (LNB), block upconverter (BUC), 16W (P1dB=43 dBm) Solid State Power Amplifier (SSPA), transmit band reject and transmit bandpass filters in a single chassis no larger than a laptop.

"We look forward to building a long-term strategic partnership with TCS, as they are a leader in the mobile communication technology arena," said Obie Johnson, vice president advanced development, Tampa Microwave. "Our Microsat technologies are unparalleled in the marketplace and integrating them with TCS' current offerings will further enhance our ability to provide solutions for today's warfighter. We created the TM-X850MP X-Band Manpack to be lightweight and simple to use by dismounted troops operating in inhospitable terrain and will continue to work with TCS to create mobile communications technology that can be used in any location."