VILSA XDL X-Band Downlink Transmitter
Technical specifications
— Deep-space filter: ≈ 400 g / 180 × 32 × 120 mm
Built for high-speed downlink
Adaptive high‑speed downlink processing
The VILSA XDL implements DVB‑S2X with adaptive data rate operation, dynamically matching the available link budget throughout a ground‑station pass. By adjusting modulation and coding modes as link conditions evolve, it maximises the total volume of data transferred from acquisition to loss of signal. This approach ensures robust communication at the edges of coverage while fully exploiting link margin at closest approach.
High-power X-Band transmission
The VILSA XDL integrates a high‑power X‑band transmission stage covering 8.025 to 8.400 GHz, delivering configurable RF output power from +28 to +38 dBm with ±0.5 dB stability over the mission lifetime. This enables reliable downlinks to standard ground‑station antennas without external amplification stages.
VILSA platform‑based architecture
Built on the VILSA platform’s proven high‑performance digital processing architecture and fully synchronous RF transceiver, the VILSA XDL is the first product in a new series of high‑speed space communication devices. This platform‑based approach ensures long‑term product continuity and a clear evolution path toward future X‑band and multi‑band downlink and uplink solutions, while delivering a fixed, flight‑qualified product for today’s missions.
Our X-Band Downlink Transmitter
The VILSA XDL is a high‑speed X‑band downlink transmitter designed for high‑throughput payload data transfer in demanding space missions.
Optimised for payload downlink applications, it combines high RF output power with DVB‑S2X adaptive modulation (up to APSK 32/64) to maximise the total volume of data transferred during each ground‑station pass, from acquisition of signal to loss of signal.
The VILSA XDL leverages the same proven architectural foundations as the broader VILSA product family, benefiting from shared design heritage and validated building blocks.
This approach provides long‑term product continuity and a clear evolution path toward future X‑band and multi‑band downlink and uplink solutions, while preserving a fixed, fully qualified product definition aligned with current mission requirements.
Engineering Model available
Engineering Models are available for laboratory integration and qualification activities, allowing early verification of interfaces and interaction with other payload systems well ahead of flight
In-Depth Engineering Support
Throughout the project lifecycle, you benefit from in-depth and tailored support from our experienced engineers. They support you in the system definition, integration and verification, ensuring that the VILSA XDL meets your mission requirements.
Deep-Space Filter Option
An optional deep-space filter is available to extend the VILSA XDL’s compatibility with deep-space frequency constraints, providing improved out‑of‑band rejection in the 8.4 – 8.45 GHz range while maintaining low insertion loss.
Documentation & qualification support
Each VILSA XDL is delivered with a complete End‑Item Data Package (EIDP), including acceptance test reports, interface documentation and configuration records. Qualification and acceptance support is provided as required by the mission.
Ready to bring your data back to Earth?
Tell us about your mission downlink requirements. Our engineers will help you configure the VILSA XDL to match your platform, orbit and data rate needs.
Questions & Answers
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What is the VILSA XDL and what does it do?
The VILSA XDL is a high‑speed X‑band downlink transmitter designed for payload data transmission from satellites to ground stations. It is optimised for missions requiring high data volumes, such as Earth observation, scientific payloads, and institutional space missions.
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How does the VILSA XDL maximise data transfer during a ground‑station pass?
The VILSA XDL uses DVB‑S2X adaptive modulation to dynamically match the available link budget throughout a ground‑station pass. This allows robust data transmission at acquisition and loss of signal while maximising throughput at closest approach, increasing the total volume of data transferred per pass.
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What data rate can the VILSA XDL achieve?
The VILSA XDL supports conservatively net downlink data rates of up to 800 Mbps using DVB‑S2X modulation with APSK 32/64. Symbol rates are configurable from 25 to 200 MSymbols/s depending on the link conditions.
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Is the VILSA XDL a configurable or reconfigurable product?
No. The VILSA XDL is delivered as a fixed, flight‑qualified product. Adaptation during operation refers to the modulation and coding selection within the DVB‑S2X standard, not to hardware or functional reconfiguration of the transmitter..
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What RF output power does the VILSA XDL deliver?
The VILSA XDL delivers configurable RF output power from +28 to +38 dBm across the X‑band frequency range, with ±0.5 dB stability maintained over the mission lifetime. This high and stable output power enables reliable X-Band downlinks from LEO to a standard ground station antenna without the need for additional amplification stages.
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Can the VILSA XDL be used for deep-space missions?
Yes. An optional deep‑space filter is available to ensure compatibility with X‑band deep‑space frequency constraints, providing improved out‑of‑band rejection while maintaining low insertion loss. It uses SMA 50Ω female connectors and weighs approximately 400 g.
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What is the relationship between the VILSA XDL and the VILSA SDR?
Both products are built on the VILSA platform and share common architectural foundations. The VILSA SDR is a multi‑band, multi‑channel transceiver for a wide range of applications, while the VILSA XDL is a dedicated, high‑power X‑band downlink transmitter optimised specifically for high‑throughput payload data transfer.
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Is the VILSA XDL ITAR‑free?
Yes. The VILSA XDL is ITAR‑free, facilitating procurement and integration in international and institutional space programs.
VILSA XDL: a high-speed X-Band Downlink transmitter for satellite missions
The VILSA XDL is a space‑grade X‑band downlink transmitter developed by Anywaves for high‑throughput payload data transmission from satellites to ground stations. Designed for demanding space missions, it delivers net data rates of up to 800 Mbps using the DVB‑S2X standard with adaptive modulation, maximising the total volume of data transferred during each ground‑station pass.
Covering the X‑band frequency range from 8.025 to 8.400 GHz, the VILSA XDL integrates a high‑power transmission stage delivering up to +38 dBm of RF output power with excellent stability over the mission lifetime. Qualified for more than five years of operation in LEO and supporting an optional deep‑space filter for extended frequency compatibility, the VILSA XDL is delivered as a fixed, flight‑qualified product built on the proven VILSA platform. This approach provides long‑term product continuity and a clear evolution path toward future X‑band and multi‑band downlink and uplink solutions. It is ITAR‑free and supported by engineering models and dedicated integration support.
