TrellisWare Unveils TW Ghost 881 Software Radio
The embedded software-defined radio targets intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions with a wide frequency range and AES-256 encryption.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Semiconductors
TrellisWare Technologies has developed the TW Ghost 881, an embedded software-defined radio intended for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions. The device is based on the TW-880 architecture and supports command-and-control links, real-time video distribution and communications relay functions.
Why it matters
The radio is designed to operate across a broad L- and S-band range and to integrate into Group 1 and Group 2 unmanned aircraft as well as ground and airborne network nodes. Its support for the TSM mobile ad hoc networking waveform and AES-256 security addresses the needs of networked military and government platforms across the United States.
The TW Ghost 881 operates from 1250 to 2600 MHz with selectable bandwidths of 1.2, 3.6, 10 and 20 MHz and transmit power from 100 mW to 2 W, drawing 8-20 VDC input and supporting throughput above 50 Mbps. Its anti-jam options Katana WB and Seismic are slated for support at release, but their availability timeline is not stated.
The players
TrellisWare Technologies
TrellisWare Technologies is the developer of the TW Ghost 881 and the TW-880 architecture on which it is based, and it also created the TSM mobile ad hoc networking waveform the radio supports.
The details
The radio carries voice, data, video and position-location information within a shared RF channel and is housed in an approximately 4.1 × 2.3 × 0.7 inch module weighing about 96 g. It is rated for operating temperatures from -20 to +55°C.
Timeline
November 9, 2026: Announcement of the TW Ghost 881 development.
The Tech Race
The TW Ghost 881 extends TrellisWare's TW-880 architecture into a compact embedded form for unmanned and network-node platforms. It competes in the defense radio segment by pairing a wide L- and S-band range with AES-256 security and the TSM ad hoc networking waveform.
The radio's support for unmanned aircraft integration and mobile ad hoc networking shapes how field teams connect sensors, video and command links on the move. Its anti-jam options are not yet available, so planners should confirm feature readiness before deployment.
The takeaway
Teams evaluating networked radios should check both the current feature set and the release status of planned options such as anti-jam support before committing to a platform.
Further reading
Explore more on Semiconductors coverage across the United States.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Everythingrf.
