With the Russo-Ukrainian war and Israel-Hamas war, the significance of information warfare in these conflicts has been on the rise. This trend is particularly evident, whilie Ukraine faced the destruction of its ground equipment and subsequently turned to low Earth orbit(LEO) satellite communication to bolster its digital resilience. As a result, global attention on LEO satellites has increased. Taiwan, a key player in the LEO satellite supply chain, is poised to garner more attention as external interest in this field intensifies.
LEO satellite communication systems are composed of two primary components: space-based elements that encompass payloads, and ground-based sector elements that include gateways, control stations, and user terminals. The critical technologies within this domain include baseband modules in the space, ground, and user segments, satellite communication protocols, phased array antennas, RF (radio frequency) chips, and satellite network terminal management systems.
Taiwanese manufacturers play a significant role in the supply chain for satellite terminal sectors. Upstream components encompass PCBs and materials, with companies such as Elite Material, Compeq, and Shenmao involved in such elements. Various manufacturers are involved in the production of satellite antennas, including Jonsa and Azure Shine for dish antennas, and Wistron, Universal Microwave Technology, and Pyras Technology in the production of general antennas, and Innolux specializing in flat-panel antennas. Power modules are provided by companies like AcBel Polytech, Chicony Power Technology, and Hitron Technologies, while heat dissipation components come from Asia Vital Components and Alpha Networks. Power supplies are sourced from AcBel Polytech, Sysgration, and Chicony Power Technology, and routers are manufactured by Hitron Technologies and Wistron.
Manufacturers highlight that Taiwan's satellite terminal supply chain lacks RF chip and baseband chip producers among its upstream component providers. Power amplifiers are supplied by companies such as Transcom and Win Semiconductors. In the baseband module sector, there is a shortage of manufacturers involved in phased array antennas, a crucial part of the RF module with antenna arrays and beam control.
Historically, Taiwanese companies have primarily concentrated on the satellite ground station equipment market, with a particular focus on satellite TV and satellite navigation supply chains. While they possess substantial capacity in traditional satellite antennas, upstream antennas, power supplies, routers and other components, they are relatively lacking in expertise related to baseband modules, phased array antennas, essential RF chips, final assembly and testing technology. This has resulted in a reliance on foreign satellite communication equipment suppliers.
The Information and Communications Research Laboratories of the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) highlights that, from a systemic perspective, Taiwan faces challenges in maximizing satellite operational efficiency and it is an intricate issue to address.
In terms of satellite baseband and communication protocol development, the key challenge is the use of electronically steerable antennas to align electromagnetic waves with fast-moving satellites. In satellite phased array antenna technology, the primary challenge is how to incorporate more micro antennas into limited spaces, with a focus on minimizing interference between antennas. Presently, the technology can accommodate up to 1,000 micro antennas.
For RF front-end chips and module technology, ITRI offers chip solutions that deliver performance comparable to international industry leaders while offering cost advantages. The core technology revolves around millimeter-wave RF front-end ground chips. These technologies have already been transferred to domestic manufacturers, fostering increased competitiveness within the LEO satellite supply chain and facilitating entry into the international market.
In addition to their military applications, LEO satellites play a vital role in enhancing digital resilience and emergency communications. In the realm of emergency communications, even the general public, who were previously distant from satellite communication, may find themselves using these technologies. Recent years have witnessed mobile phone brands gradually incorporating satellite communication features, serving as strong evidence of this evolving trend. The importance of satellites in communication is poised for continued growth, particularly as the transition to LEO leads to shorter satellite lifecycles, presenting opportunities actively sought after by global satellite supply chain providers.
