Posted: Friday, October 3, 2025
Q: Why did ERZIA create a dedicated product line for New Space?
A: ERZIA has more than 22 years of experience doing RF & Microwave modules for hi-rel applications, including traditional space programs. At the same time, ERZIA counts with more than 300 COTS prepared for rugged applications. We have combined this knowledge to apply our heritage in space to COTS amplifiers resulting in highly reliable modules, optimized for New Space (-NS) with an efficient approach and short delivery times, without all the overheads typically needed at traditional space programs.
Q: What is ERZIA launching with this new line?
A: We’ve selected 13 amplifiers and enhanced them for New Space missions. They deliver the same high RF performance and ruggedness as our trusted COTS, with added features tailored for orbital environments.
Q: What makes these amplifiers different from ERZIA’s standard COTS?
A: They include critical adaptations for orbital use:
- Radiation tolerance: Circuitry prepared up to 30 Krad and 32 MeV.
- Vacuum-ready housings: With de-pressurization structures for rapid transitions.
- Outgassing compliance: Materials selected for compatibility in orbital conditions.
- Automotive-grade passives: High-quality, reliable components.
- Enhanced reporting & screening: Delivered with full Acceptance Test Reports and optional extended screenings.
Q: Does this means that I cannot fly a standard COTS in my mission?
A: You can use COTS as you like. Many of them have been successfully flown in LEO missions as they are. It’s a trade-off between risk and budget/schedule. Out COTS are still capable, but our new -NS line is much prepared for this task. It is your choice. Contact us for help choosing the best approach for your needs: sales@erzia.com
Q: Are these amplifiers still rugged enough for demanding environments?
A: Yes. Like all ERZIA products, they maintain ruggedness against vibration, acceleration, shock, and temperature, ensuring performance even under the harshest launch and operational conditions.
Q: How fast can I get them?
A: Quick delivery is one of the strongest advantages of this line, compared with traditional space hardware. They’re engineered to be available when you need them, avoiding long lead-time components, so your program stays on schedule.
Q: What performance can I expect?
A: The RF performance is the same than their COTS equivalents, which can be used as Engineering Models or demonstrators if you need quick RF validation before going to the flight units.
Q: What kind of documentation and testing comes with them?
A: Each amplifier ships with a complete Acceptance Test Report (covering three temperatures). Additional analyses, documentation, and environmental screenings can be requested on demand.
Q: Why choose ERZIA New Space Modules?
A: Because they are a great balance between:
- Same RF performance as our valued COTS.
- Risk mitigation with specific measures taken for space environment.
- Quick availability with short lead-times.
Q: Are the -NS COTS space-qualified in a traditional way?
A: No, they are COTS with enhanced robustness for space environment. Check this table for an exhaustive list of features.
Q: Are you doing any screening? What about burn-in?
A: By default, we are doing a thermal screening for every unit produced. If you require extra/additional screening/burn-in for your units, this can be done upon request.
Q: Can you provide reliability reports?
A: By default, it is not included in the module price, but we can provide it on demand.
Q: Can you provide DML, DPL, DPL?
A: Yes, we can as long as there is a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) and Purchase Order (PO). Additional fee may apply.
Q: Can you provide other documentation like FMECA, Worst Case Analysis, Derating, etc.?
A: Yes, we can as long as there is a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) and Purchase Order (PO). Additional fee may apply.
Q: Can you do a radiation test (TID and/or SEE) to your -NS COTS?
A: Yes, we can as long as there is a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) and Purchase Order (PO). Additional fee and lead time may apply.
Q: What is the standard delivery?
A: This will depend on model selected and stock availability. It may vary from 3 days to 18 weeks. Email us for availability questions.
Q: Do you have a heritage list?
A: As with our standard COTS, we sell our amplifiers to our valuable customers, but we don’t enter their programs. As a result, we don’t have the final information on mission result and if our devices have flown or for how long.
Q: Are there any export restrictions?
A: The procedure is similar to our regular COTS, we manufacture in Santander, Spain and we follow the regulation described by UE 2021/821. In general, LNAs can be exported to any destination and are not subjected to an embargo or sanctions from the European Union. This also applies to most HPAs, except those catalogued as Dual Use items due to technical specs. Only in these cases, the Dual Use HPAs can be exported without restrictions inside European Union and in general to United States, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Norway, Japan, New Zealand, Canada and Australia. Export of Dual Use items outside these destinations need an export license, which is normally given in a few weeks for authorized uses and countries.
Q: Are you following ECCS rules for assembly/manufacturing?
A: We follow IPC with space addendum with certified instructors, inspectors and technicians.
Q: Do these -NS COTS come with NRE?
A: No, the -NS COTS don’t need any NRE. Additional fees may apply if client requests extra tests and analysis.
Q: Do you do qualification tests?
A: The -NS COTS come with test reports containing electrical reports at three temperatures. Additional tests are available upon request.
Q: How do I know if your part meets my quality program requirements?
A: We are ISO9001 and UNE: EN 9100 certified. These parts are COTS with enhanced robustness measures including for risk mitigation in space environments. We deliver and manufacture them against ERZIA specifications and our internal procedures. If you need something fully adapted to your program, please contact us for a tailored solution: sales@erzia.com
Q: How do I know if your part fits with my qualification profile?
A: The parts are rated against the values specified in their datasheet. A wide number of COTS have been successfully tested against different qualification campaigns. We can offer a tailored test campaign according to your needs.
Q: You talked about LEO, but can I use your -NS COTS in other environments like MEO, GEO, the moon, mars or beyond?
A: It is your decision. You must evaluate the requirements of your program, the mission lifetime and radiation environment against our -NS COTS specifications. We will be ready to support you if you need additional documentation, tests or modifications. As a rule of thumb, environments like LEO, MEO, the moon, or relatively short missions (up to a few years) can be a good fit. Longer missions or high-radiation environments will require a dedicated study or switch to a traditional space project.

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