FFplus Interview with Erika Meniconi, RF Microtech

 

 

In this interview, we speak with Erika Meniconi, Senior Design Engineer Manager at RF Microtech. RF MICROTECH is an Italian service company, developing and producing advanced radio frequency products for industries and system integrators for the Space, Satcom and Avionics sectors. Erika introduced their work in the RF sector, and the development of the FFplus Business Experiment titled HPC for RF Subsystems. 

 

Erika Meniconi, Senior Design Engineer Manager at RF Microtech (Copyrights: RF Microtech)

 

 

Erika, thank you for being with us today. To start, could you briefly introduce RF Microtech?

RF Microtech is an Italian company specialising in the design and development of advanced radiofrequency (RF) and microwave solutions for space, SatCom, and avionics applications. With over 18 years of experience, we offer innovative products such as satellite antennas, waveguide filters, and reconfigurable RF components, supporting projects from bespoke design through to series production. Our technologies form part of key European programmes, including IRIDE and LEO-PNT, and we actively collaborate with the European Space Agency (ESA) and the European Union on cutting-edge RF systems.

 

From your perspective, what are the most transformative trends currently shaping the future of the Radio Frequency subsystems? 

Two main trends are currently reshaping the RF landscape. Firstly, there is a rapidly growing demand for highly customised, reconfigurable, and reliable RF components with short lead times—particularly driven by the rise of satellite constellations in the new space economy. Secondly, the integration of high-performance computing (HPC) into the design phase is revolutionising the development and optimisation of RF subsystems, enabling faster time-to-market and enhanced precision through advanced multiphysics simulations.

 

RF Microtech develops innovative products and smart solutions for different RF areas of application. How are you integrating technologies in your work e.g. for design and simulations, measurements or later in laboratory testing?

At RF Microtech, we are deeply committed to integrating advanced technologies across the entire development chain—from design and simulation to measurement and laboratory testing. As part of the FFplus project, we are adapting a multiphysics simulator to operate on high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructure. This significantly reduces simulation times while improving accuracy, particularly in the design of complex RF components such as high-power filters for space applications. At the same time, our in-house laboratories—covering both microwave and mechanical testing—enable rapid prototyping and validation through precise electrical and thermomechanical measurements. This vertical integration allows us to accelerate time-to-market and ensures greater confidence in the performance of our solutions, even under the extreme conditions of space.

 

Let's now talk a bit about your experience with the participation in the FFplus Business Experiment. Could you briefly introduce your use case and the innovative solution you have been developing?

Our use case within the FFplus Business Experiment focuses on the design and optimisation of high-power RF filters for space applications, which require both electromagnetic and thermomechanical precision. Traditionally, this process involves long development cycles due to the use of multiple simulation tools, extended computation times, and iterative workflows. The innovative solution we are developing integrates a multiphysics simulator within a high-performance computing (HPC) environment. This allows us to perform complex simulations more quickly and with higher fidelity, reducing the number of required iterations and significantly accelerating the prototyping phase. As a result, we can deliver customised, high-performance RF components with faster time-to-market and lower development costs—crucial advantages in the highly competitive space sector.

 

 

As a newcomer to HPC, could you share your experience so far? Which HPC infrastructure are you using for your sub-project, and which organisation is supporting you in accessing and utilising HPC resources?

As newcomers to high-performance computing (HPC), we are currently experiencing a significant transformation in our design approach. The adoption of HPC is unlocking possibilities that were previously out of reach with conventional tools. In our FFplus sub-project, we are leveraging the LEONARDO HPC infrastructure, with the support of CINECA—the organisation guiding us in effectively accessing and utilising HPC resources.

 

The FFplus sub-project (HoRuS) aims to experimentally demonstrate how HPC can streamline the design and development of RF filters and antennas. What specific business benefits do you anticipate achieving upon completion of the experiment?

Upon completion of the HoRuS experiment, we expect to achieve faster design cycles, lower development costs, and enhanced product performance through accurate HPC simulations. These improvements will boost our innovation capacity, enable a quicker response to market demands, and reinforce our position in the competitive RF components sector.

 

To wrap up, what advice would you offer to other SMEs that haven’t yet explored the potential of HPC and AI in their business, but are considering applying to the FFplus Open Call?

For SMEs considering the FFplus Open Call but not yet exploring HPC and AI, my advice is simple: take the leap and adopt these technologies early. HPC and AI can significantly accelerate innovation, reduce development costs, and open up new market opportunities. Start small—with pilot projects like HoRuS—to gain hands-on experience and demonstrate real business value. These early initiatives can build internal confidence and lay a strong foundation for broader integration. Embracing HPC and AI will help future-proof your business and give you a competitive advantage in markets that are increasingly driven by advanced technologies.

 

Erika, thank you so much for this insightful interview. It was a pleasure having you with us! Wishing you all the best in your future endeavours.

 

Learn more about the FFplus sub-project HPC for RF Subsystems here.