About Thales
Thales is a global technology leader for the Defence & Security and the Aerospace & Transportation markets. In
2012, the company generated revenues of
€
14.2 billion with 67,000 employees in 56 countries. With its 25,000
engineers and researchers, Thales has a unique capability to design, develop and deploy equipment, systems and
services that meet the most complex security requirements. Thales has an exceptional international footprint, with
operations around the world working with customers and local partners.
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© T ha le s 2 0 1 3 .0 6 - C o nc ep tio n g ra p hi q ue - C ré d it p ho to s : Th a le s, Z ie hm , IB A , D a ss a ul t, B o se llo , Lo ra l, C EA , C ER N T h a l e s - M i c r o w a v e & I m a g i n g S u b - S y s t e m s – Te l : + 3 3 ( 0 ) 1 3 0 7 0 3 5 0 0 – F a x : + 3 3 ( 0 ) 1 3 0 7 0 3 5 3 5 T h a l e s E l e c t r o n D e v i c e s S A S – 2 , r u e M a r c e l D a s s a u l t – 7 8 1 4 0 V é l i z y - V i l l a c o u b l a y – F r a n c e Capital de 30 998 925 euros – RCS Versailles 340 723 626Microwave & Imaging
Sub-Systems
T
he world’s leading manufacturer of microwave
and imaging sub-systems for professi onal applications
THALES OFFERS 60 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN THE DESIGN AND PRODUCTION OF ELECTRON TUBES AND X-RAY DETECTORS.
Our electron tubes, amplifiers and X-ray detectors are at the heart of many of today’s high-tech systems, from satellites and synchrotrons to radars and advanced medical imaging equipment.
Thales has eight extensively outfitted major production facilities, housing custom-designed production and test equipment. Our production staff employ processes and methods that are often the only ones of their kind in the world.
Radiological imaging
Thales’s digital detectors and the sub-systems using them are the “eyes” of radiology systems, converting X-rays into digital images. Our key contribution to image excellence makes Thales the world leader in digital imaging sub-systems and a trusted partner to most radiological system manufacturers around the world.
RF and microwave sources
Thales’s electron tubes and transmitters are used as RF and microwave power sources in a broad range of high-tech applications. We are the world’s leading supplier of tubes for space, scientific research, broadcasting and industry applications, and #1 in Europe for telecommunications and defense applications.
Large Instruments
Thales has developed its expertise in the design and production of complex systems, mainly in Research Infrastructures and large defense equipment communities. Complementary expertise in many fields allows Thales to provide a global offering, ranging from preliminary design to the production and integration of systems or sub-systems. Moirans
Design and production of X-ray image intensifiers and radiological imaging units.
Radiological imaging
production centers
Moirans
Trixell
Joint Venture of Thales (51%), Philips (24.5%) and Siemens (24.5%) Design and production of digital flat-panel detectors.
Yoqneam CMT Medical Technologies Development of digital radiological imaging subsystems. Colorado Springs dpiX
Joint Venture of Thales, Philips, Siemens and Varian Design and production of amorphous silicon arrays.
Shanghai
Shanghai Thales Electron Tubes
Joint Venture of Thales (51%) and Shanghai Medical Instrument Group (49%) Production of radiological imaging units for the Chinese market.
Ulm
Design and production of traveling wave tubes, space amplifiers and ion propulsion systems.
Microwave and RF source
production centers / Large
Instruments design and prime
contracting centers
Vélizy
Design and production of traveling wave tubes, space amplifiers, klystrons, gyrotrons, generators and transmitters for defense and scientific applications. Large Instrument sub-system design and prime contracting.
Toulouse
Large Instrument sub-system design and prime contracting
Thonon
Production of grid tubes, X-ray sources, traveling wave tubes and various subassemblies.
Business profile in 2012
Key figures
Space & Telecommunications 31 % Defense 14 % Science 9 % Industry 8 % North America 25 % Asia15 %Rest of the World 2 %
• 10% of sales invested in R&D
• 2,600 employees
• 40% managers, engineers and senior technicians
• 1,000 customers
• 2,000 different products
Medical 38 % Europe 58 % (including France 15 % and Germany 29 % Totowa, NJ USA Vélizy France Moirans(2 centres) France ThononFrance
Rome Italy StockholmSweden New Delhi India Seoul South Korea TokyoJapan MoscowRussia San Francisco
USA YoqneamIsrael
Colorado Springs USA
Ulm
Germany Radiological imaging production
center
Microwave and RF source production center
Large instruments design and prime contracting center Thales Office Shanghai China Toulouse France
M
EDICAL
Thales, a major player in radiological imagi ng
One of every two X-ray exams worldwide
uses a Thales detector
Medical imaging is an increasingly important part of healthcare. Among the various imaging methods, radiology offers significant diagnostic benefits in a number of different areas. Used in prevention and screening examinations as well as for surgical intervention, radiology gives health professionals the precise information needed for diagnosis and intervention.
Thales is a recognized specialist in the equipment needed to detect and convert X-rays into images. We offer system manufacturers a broad range of products, from the X-ray detector itself to a complete digital imaging sub-system, ready for integration in systems and to interface with the digital networks in imaging centers.
Pixium digital detectors and image intensifiers:
focus on image quality
Thales products have been chosen by leading radiology system manufacturers for decades, and are now used in over 100,000 systems around the world. Our products play a key role in image quality, which in turn guarantees accurate diagnosis and successful interventions. The cesium-iodide technology developed by Thales for our detectors delivers high image quality, coupled with low radiation doses for patients. Thales also pioneered the use of image intensifiers for radiology, and today we offer digital radiological imaging unit (RIU) solutions adapted to the evolving needs of our customers. Available in a variety of custom versions, these RIUs are widely used on remote-controlled tables as well as mobile C-arms.
Our Pixium digital flat-panel detectors are the benchmark in this market. They have driven improvements in medical practices in cutting-edge applications such as neurological exams or cardiovascular interventions. In addition, they can be integrated in dental or veterinary radiological systems.
From detectors to complete imaging
sub-systems: giving system manufacturers a
choice
Thales offers complete digital imaging sub-systems, so that system manufacturers can procure this complete function without having to develop it themselves. The complete sub-system comprises the digital detector, console and interfaces needed to conduct exams based on patient data. The sub-system manages image acquisition, delivery of digital clinical images, and transmission via a data network if applicable.
Pixium portable 3543 EZ: New generation wireless flat panel, ultra-light and compact
therapy
Energy sources for cancer treatment
The new particle accelerators used for hadron therapy incorporate grid tubes made by Thales, which has the world’s largest installed volume of these tubes.
For conventional radiotherapy, Thales’s klystrons have already largely proven their effectiveness in hundreds of linear accelerators installed worldwide.
Pixium digital detectors generate large, high-quality images in real time
Magnetic deflection tubes are integrated in the atomic clocks used for inertial navigation and synchronization of telecom networks.
At the edge of innovation
A pioneer in space applications, with decades of experience, Thales continues to contribute decisive technological improvements in key areas for space tubes, such as thermal management, power and efficiency, to significantly boost the transmission capacity offered by satellites. The development of new tubes in Ka-band has also spurred the introduction of new satellite applications, such as high-definition television (HDTV) or Internet connectivity.
S
PACE & TELECOMMUNICATIONS
50 years of experience, 50 years of innovation
Uplinks, to stay in touch anytime, anywhere
Building on our unrivalled experience in space tubes, Thales has developed a new generation of Traveling Wave Tubes for uplinks. This family of TWTs sets the market standard for Ka-band, Ku-band and DBS (direct broadcast satellite) systems. Our tubes have logged nearly ten million hours of operation. This new range helps reduce the size of both commercial and military systems, while making them even more reliable, and is being extended to include very high frequencies, up to the EHF band.
We are also a partner in some of today’s leading international military programs, with our Ka-band TWTs in particular supporting system interoperability.
Tubes by Thales have been chosen for a
majority of space programs worldwide,
and have already passed the mark of
550 million hours of operation in orbit.
Thales is the world’s leading supplier of Traveling Wave Tubes (TWTs) for satellites and other spacecraft. Our TWTs are an integral part of the transponders used in most commercial and military applications. Thales amplifiers operate across the spectrum from L-band to V-band and the tubes offer up to 280 W of power.
Ion thrusters
The new HEMP-T ion thrusters developed by Thales provide an innovative and modular technical solution that facilitates their integration on satellites, a smaller size and significant reductions in mass. A large number of the technological components are derived from those used on amplifier tubes that have proven reliability in orbit.
From components to sub-systems: the same
demanding requirements
Through its systems expertise, Thales also offers turnkey solutions to optimize the overall performance of a complete function. This expertise may be deployed to serve our customers both in LC TWTA amplification applications and in HEMP-T propulsion functions.
The ion thrusters developed by Thales provide the ion propulsion function. They are used to maintain orbital positioning throughout the life of the satellite.
Thales’s Traveling Wave Tubes set the global standard in space.
Satellite uplinks: mobile and fixed ground stations.
Military rapid deployment forces have a growing need for satellite links.
Dedicated TWT production facilities,
unrivalled worldwide
Thales has set up world-class R&D and production centers in France and Germany, dedicated to Traveling Wave Tubes (TWTs) for both space and telecommunications. These facilities deploy the staff and machinery needed to offer a production capacity of several hundred of TWTs a month.
The benchmark for grid tubes
A long-standing partner to most manufacturers of radio and TV transmitters, Thales is also the preferred supplier of grid tubes to the national operators in many countries. We are also a favoured partner of manufacturers developing new transmitters designed to meet digital radio standards such as IBOC and DRM.
Ongoing technical improvements on TWTs have driven an increase in transmission power and design efficiency for ground segment
radio
D
EFENSE
Microwave solutions for radars, countermeasures, missile seekers and datalinks
Microwave transmitter solutions tailored to
defense requirements
Thales covers the market for TWT transmitters operating in a wide range of frequencies, with power output of up to several hundred kilowatts.
Highly integrated electronics and an optimized power supply-tube assembly translate into compact products that are designed for high-efficiency and reliability while being thoroughly tested in severe environments.
These new products are complete, compact power transmitter sub-systems designed to meet all armed forces’ requirements for radars, electronic countermeasures, missile seekers and datalinks.
Air defense
Thales’s Traveling Wave Tubes and transmitters are a key factor in the performance of the Aster missile and Arabel radar, in both shipborne and land versions.
New-generation systems
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), also known as drones, are increasingly used for surveillance and intelligence missions. UAVs demand compact, high-performance systems, which depend on Thales electron tubes and power amplifiers.
Thales transmitters are purpose-designed to operate in severe environments and fit perfectly into retrofit programs (for jamming, countermeasures, datalinks applications).
Thales’s tubes are also used on air defense systems, from the radar unit to the missile seeker.
The Traveling Wave Tubes and transmitters
designed by Thales underpin the performance
and dispatch reliability of defense systems
Traveling Wave Tubes (TWTs) are by far the most widely produced microwave tube at Thales. Over the last 60 years, the TWT has demonstrated remarkable performance and an ability to adapt to most microwave applications. It offers peak power, electrical efficiency, compactness and wide amplification bandwidth that are unmatched by other technologies.
A complete range of microwave tubes
For many decades Thales has guaranteed the delivery of a complete range of tubes to system manufacturers, covering a very large spectrum of frequencies and power ratings. Designed in conjunction with these manufacturers and the armed forces who will deploy them, our amplification solutions keep current systems up and running and boost the performance of new-generation Systems.
World-class R&D and production capabilities
Thales offers top-tier manufacturing capabilities through facilities in both France and Germany, enabling us to guarantee the production of critical tubes for many years to come. At the same time, our R&D teams develop innovative, cost-competitive solutions, in line with the evolving requirements of our customers.
The development of new tubes also addresses new markets, such as atomic clocks. We produce magnetic deflection tubes for the clocks designed for inertial navigation systems and telecom network synchronization, especially for positioning and navigation applications.
Heat, bond, dry
High-frequency tubes are used in a number of industrial processes, including drying, plastic welding, wood bonding, heat treatment and tube welding. Thales offers a broad range of electron tubes to meet these diverse needs, with performance and reliability that have a direct influence on industrial yield.
Cut, weld
Lasers are a cutting-edge industrial solution, used for very high precision operations. Reliability and performance are the key selection criteria for tubes used by industry, and our partners are leaders in this market, with thousands of machines in service.
Inspect, identify, check
X-ray imaging is widely used in industry, with X-ray sources and detectors a key component in quality inspection systems on high volume production lines. Thales offers a broad choice of proven solutions to the metallurgy industries and for the inspection of baggage and cargo.
S
CIENCE /
L
ARGE INSTR UMENTS
Thales, partner of Large Scale Research Infrastru ctures.
For decades, Thales has been one of the leading manufacturers of RF and microwave sub-systems designed for professional use. For Large Scale Research Infrastructures, Thales offers a range of products and services from single components to sub-systems in power sources, the RF chain, instrumentation or mechanical structures subject to extreme forces, as well as integration and support.
State-of-the-art RF & Microwave sources
The world’s most prestigious research organisations & labs count on our solutions for both fundamental & applied research. Today, our high power klystrons are still the preferred RF energy source for particle accelerators and are used in demanding configurations.
Thales applies a proactive R&D policy to develop the new competencies & products needed to meet the requirements of new-generation projects. Our powerful test systems underpin the development of a range of products (from tubes to couplers) offering unrivalled power and bandwidth.
Systems expertise & Services
Thales benefits from several decades’ experience and know-how in RF & Microwave power sources. Working closely with its customers, the Group offers services in design, production, and on-site integration of high technology sub-systems such as:
• RF power transmitters including the source, HV power supply and associated command/control
• Complete RF chain including accelerator integration
• Heating systems for fusion projects
• Diagnostic systems
• Instrumentation systems in neutral beam lines
• Maintenance and operation support
Thales is the main supplier of RF sources for CERN’s Large Hadron Collider
RF transmitters equipped with Thales klystrons, are installed in numerous well known research institutes
The Radiographic AIRIX is the most powerful X-ray generator of the world
The CNRS has chosen Thales, in partnership with RI-Research Instruments, to supply 670 units 1.3 GHz to the XFEL accelerator Energy bench for the
Megajoule Laser
Production of chamber equipment and integration
of the Megajoule Laser
I
NDUSTRY
Industrial Heating, laser, security and Non-Destructive Testing
Megajoule Laser (LMJ)
Thales participates in the Megajoule Laser Program by developing and producing experimental Hall equipment (experiment chamber support structure, fluide and vacuum distribution networks, opto-mechanical components), the energy bench allowing for laser pumping as well as the integration of plasma diagnostics for experimental characterisation.
Induction Accelerator for X-Ray imagery and
Radiography (AIRIX)
Thales has taken part in the definition and testing of prototype sub-systems and in the industrialisation of production files for this CEA (French Atomic Energy Commission) project.
Thales has designed the new command/control system and was in charge of the geographical transfer of the Airix accelerator with production and qualification monitoring of sub-systems. Thales is taking the responsibility of the integration, the starting up and the qualification of the accelerator - jointly with the CEA - on the new facility.
International Experimental Thermonuclear Reactor (ITER)
Thales provides RF sources and sub-systems for the different plasma heating modes: the Ion Cyclotron Resonant Heating (ICRH), the Electronic Cyclotron Resonant Heating (ECRH) and the Neutral Injection Heating. For ITER, Thales is implementing all three technologies to heat the plasma of the Tokamak and is providing Gyrotron / Diacrode RF systems or sources as well as the first prototype of the Neutral Injection Heating system.
