How CTS RF Filters Enable the World

Behind Every Critical Signal: How CTS RF Filters Enable the World’s Most Demanding Applications

In today’s connected world, signal clarity isn’t optional; it’s mission-critical. From GPS navigation and military radar to satellite communication and wireless infrastructure, one thing ensures that these systems operate with speed, accuracy, and reliability: high-performance RF filters.

At the heart of these systems are CTS Ceramic Monoblock RF Filters, built with precision, tested to perfection, and trusted by global leaders across aerospace, defense, telecom, and industrial markets.

What Are RF Filters and Why Do They Matter?

RF (Radio Frequency) filters ensure that devices only receive the signals they’re supposed to and block out all the rest. This is essential for:

•   Preventing signal interference
•   Reducing noise
•   Enabling simultaneous multi-band operation

CTS filters go a step further by combining ultra-low insertion loss, tight group delay, high rejection performance, and high input RF power handling, all in compact, rugged packages built for high-vibration, high-temperature environments.

CTS RF Filters in a group shot

Industries That Rely on CTS RF Filters

Image of earth and satellites connected in the sky

GNSS & GPS

CTS diplexers and bandpass filters enable reliable L1, L2, and L5 signal isolation for:

Satellite navigation
Geolocation services
Multi-constellation support (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, IRNSS)

✅ Key Feature: Rejection up to 80 dB and insertion loss as low as 1.0 dB

✅ Bonus: Anti-spoof and anti-jam capability for defense

Image of portable green military radar communications tower

Defense & Military Communications

Mission-critical operations can’t afford a dropped signal for tactical communications or datalinks. CTS filters provide:
• High-reliability signal integrity for secure battlefield comms
• Precise filtering to eliminate spectrum interference (e.g., InMarSat, Iridium)

✅ Field-tested ruggedness

✅ Custom group delay control for synchronization-sensitive systems

✅ Bonus: Low mass and G-sensitivity for SWaP and airborne or space applications.

Image of jet grey flying through clouds

Avionics & Radar

Navigation systems, avionics transponders, radar systems, and communication modules in aircraft demand real-time, uninterrupted signals.

✅ CTS filters maintain performance across wide thermal and mechanical conditions

✅ Group delay ripple as low as 7 ns ensures timing precision

✅ Bonus: 5G coexistence filters for radar altimeters

Small cell DAS device on the side of a building

Telecom & Small Cell/DAS

In a crowded spectrum, CTS filters keep 5G and microwave comms crystal clear, filtering out neighboring bands to enable 99.999% equipment reliability.

✅ Narrow and wide passband options

✅ Available in surface mount and connectorized packages

✅Bonus: Universal footprint filter families provide the same PCB layout for all frequency bands.

Precision Testing: Why CTS Filters Are Trusted Globally

The In-Fixture Calibration Advantage
To meet the high expectations of OEMs and system integrators, CTS developed a unique in-fixture testing method that delivers:

•   Faster, more accurate filter qualification
•   Calibration directly in the manufacturing fixture (no cable movement)
•   Better consistency for high-volume production

Golden Standards: Global Accuracy You Can Rely On

CTS uses “Golden Standard” kits for VNA (Vector Network Analyzer) calibration, ensuring that filter performance is consistent from factory to field, anywhere in the world.

✅ Testing at 20 GHz with ultra-low dielectric loss
✅ Electrical definitions stored in CTS databases for each filter type
✅ Every standard verified to within ±4.0 mU of the Golden Reference

What Makes CTS Ceramic Monoblock Filters Unique?

✔️Vertically integrated design and manufacturing process from dielectric formulation to fully tuned and tested filters (Powder to Platform).
✔️Available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes
✔️ Over 600 standard part numbers with form factors from 8 mm to 63 mm length
✔️Over 100 standard platforms can be modified to end-user requirements without the need for NRE or large order commitments.
✔️ Laser etched filter optimization can support small to high volume production.
✔️ 40+ years of ceramic expertise and innovation

Final Word: The Technology That Makes Other Technologies Work

While CTS RF filters may be small, their impact is enormous. These hidden heroes ensure your GPS is accurate, your aircraft stays on course, your satellite beam is clean, and your military signal is secure.

If it depends on signal clarity, it depends on CTS.