COMPACT DIPLEXERS FOR MULTIBAND USER TERMINALS (ARTES AT REF. 7A.041)

Description

Objective: This activity shall design and test two diplexer compatible for seamless integration with Outdoor Units.

Targeted Improvements: Enabling technology to allow antenna sharing of two frequency bands compatible with monolithic circuit fabrication

.Description: Multi-band user terminal capability is a requirement which is typical of global mobile access (e.g. maritime, aeronautical) or fixed services where High-Throughput Satellites (HTS)internet access is combined with DTH reception. These scenarios indeed mandatecombined operation at Ku and Ka-band.

This requires updated electronics and an antenna reflector tuned to both Ku- and K-/Ka- band frequencies.

In such systems, a low loss and low cost diplexer is a key component enabling two RF chains to share a common antenna. Low-loss RF components are currently designed in waveguidetechnology. This has inconveniences in terms of size, weight, cost, incompatibility with monolithic circuits and increased fabrication complexity at the higher frequencies.

This activity aims at developingtwo diplexer prototypes using novel technologies, aiming at large-scale fabrication of RF filters compatible with planar monolithiccircuits.Particular emphasis shall be devoted on Micromachining, Low-temperature Co-fired Ceramic (LTCC), and Substrate IntegratedWaveguide (SIW) technologies, which have recentlydemonstrated high Q-factor and cost effective up to the millimetre-wave range.

The deliverables should include:

  • Report containing a review of multi-band terminals (e.g. Ku- and Ka-, or K- and Ka-Band) and available technologies compatible with monolithic circuits. Trade-off analysis andselection of at least two application scenarios.
  • Detailed design report of two diplexer options based on the selected application scenarios.
  • Development and manufacturing of two reduced scale diplexer prototypes.

Procurement Policy: C(1) = Activity restricted to non-prime contractors (incl. SMEs). For additional information please go to EMITS news "Industrial Policy measures for non-primes, SMEs and RD entities in ESA programmes".

Tender Specifics