Ka band amplifiers, microwave radio transceivers, millimeter wave communication

Sophia Wireless was founded in 2000 with a focus on revolutionizing solid state microwave technology through innovative research and development. By applying advanced computer modeling and groundbreaking design innovations, Sophia was able to develop a technology allowing unprecedented density and efficiency power amplification.

In 2003-2006, these technologies were rolled into the development of a broad product line of solid state power amplifiers covering popular communications bands. In 2006, a integrated frequency converter technology was added, resulting in products of remarkably dense functionality, including SSPA (Solid State Power Amplifier), Block Upconverter, OCXO, and Microcontroller-based M&C functionality into a palm-sized box.

In 2007, Sophia announced another technology breakthrough, the ultra-efficiency units. By adding new, ultra-efficiency power modules to the pre-existing designs, power consumption was reduced by over 40% from our already industry-leading units.

Today, Sophia offers a line of Block UpConverters (BUCs) and Solid State Power Amplifiers (SSPAs) that provide an unparalleled size, weight, and power combination with industry leading power efficiencies. Specific focus has been given to Ku & Ka-Band applications such as mobile satellite communications, portable broadcast flyaway systems, and pulsed radars.

Sophia’s SSPA products offer component and system configurations that satisfy the requirements of diverse markets such as satellite communications, broadcasting & radar. Specific focus has been given to mobility & airborne platforms that require higher efficiencies in small lightweight configurations.

Our E-band products provide solutions for high reliability Gigabit per second communications covering distances up to 1.5 miles. Our receivers and transmitters can be integrated into a broadband radio system with minimal effort, allowing system manufacturers to enter the market quickly and efficiently.

As the trend towards higher frequencies for wireless applications continues, Sophia's compact, high-performance components will enable the commercial development of many new systems.

Solid State Power Amplifiers (SSPA) – We currently offer 10W to 30W Ku & Ka- Band SSPAs. These products are offered in 2 configurations; a module based component housing and a system based outdoor enclosure with integrated cooling. SSPA options; Driver Amplifier, Power Monitor, Monitor & Control, 250ns Transmit Pulse Circuit, 28 & 48V DC & 115/230 AC Power Supplies, and Block Up-Converters.

Transceivers – E-band transmitters and receivers operating between 70-90 GHz capable of 1.25 - 10 GBPS data rates with a distance up to 1.5 miles. These transmitters come as individual transmit & receive modules as well as integrate transceivers. The transmitters offer 10mW, 100mW, and 200mW output levels.

Sophia Wireless is located in the heart of the Northern Virginia Technology Corridor, the home of advanced communication solutions. Sophia’s 11,000 sq. ft. has dedicated areas for design, MIC hybrid assembly, discrete assembly, environmental stress screening, and performance verification testing.

Dr. Koh received a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Yale University in 1989. He then received a M.E. in Engineering Physics from the University of Virginia in 1992, and a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Virginia (research completed 1997, degree awarded 1998). Phil founded Virginia Millimeter Wave, Inc. in March 1997, and Sophia Wireless in October 1999.

His doctoral research focused on semiconductor device design and microfabrication, particularly for millimeter wave applications. By developing novel fabrication processes for extremely-low-parasitic gallium arsenide Schottky diodes, he has designed and made varactor array devices which have set world records for output power from a solid state source at 160 and 320 GHz. Dr. Koh has served as principal investigator on many research contracts for the Air Force, Army, NASA, Navy and MDA. He has extensive experience in the use of HFSS and harmonic balance software for exact RF simulation of 3-dimensional structures for millimeter wave circuits. He has also designed micro-machined Gunn oscillators, balanced, sub-harmonic and single ended mixers, PHEMT-based amplifiers and oscillators, antennas and antenna arrays, phase shifters, and many passive devices such as power combiners, directional couplers, and resonant bandpass filters.

Mr. Valeiras serves as the President and CEO of Sophia Wireless, Inc. He received his Masters in Business Administration from the University of Virginia's Darden School. Prior to that Mr. Valeiras received a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace and Ocean Engineering from Virginia Tech and a Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering from The University of Maryland. Prior to Sophia Wireless, Mr. Valeiras was President and CEO of The Gemesis Corporation, an early stage diamond crystal growth company. During his two years at Gemesis, he helped the Company transition from an R&D focused company to a manufacturing company. Mr. Valeiras has been working in the field of finance, consulting, and investing for the past 10 years. Early in his finance career, Mr. Valeiras worked as an Equity Research Analyst covering the semiconductor sector at Lehman Brothers in New York. For the past five years, Mr. Valeiras has been working with early-stage companies as an investment banker, management consultant and assisting companies in the capital raising process. As a consultant, Mr. Valeiras has worked in business development, production management, and financial positions with various start-ups. He serves on the Board of Directors of three companies. Mr. Valeiras also serves as a Principal of Advantor Capital Company II, LLC, an early stage venture capital company.

Mrs. Koh received her BA in Psychology from the University of Virginia in 1990, and her MBA from The Darden Graduate School of Business at the University of Virginia in 1994.

Mrs. Koh formerly served as President of Boxer Learning, Inc. an internet education company for 25 employees in Charlottesville, Virginia, where she was responsible for all financial, operational, and marketing matters of the company. She previously served as Vice President of Sales and Marketing of Boxer Learning. She has also worked at Discovery Communications, Inc as an educational publisher, and at Morgan Stanley & Co., as a systems analyst.