HIGH VOLTAGE CABLE FOR Q-BAND TRAVELING WAVE TUBE AMPLIFIERS (ARTES AT 5C.275) RE-ISSUE

Description

The objective of this activity is the development and evaluation of a slim and flexible High Voltage Cable for future Q/V band repeater units as electrical interface between the amplifier Tube (TWT) and Electric Power Conditioner (EPC).

Targeted improvement: No existing solution.

Description:

One of the major applications for high-voltage cables in telecom platforms is as electrical interface between the traveling wave tube (TWT) and its driving High-Voltage electronics (EPC).

Although the current technologies are highly reliable with a great level of heritage, they are not not suitable for Q-Band applications due to the increased operating voltage and different tube and EPC interface. At the same time there is a need for a slim, lightweight and flexible design to be compatible with the mechanically small dimension of the Q-band TWT.

No high voltage cables for Q-band high power TWT are currently available in Europe for space applications but the development of Q-band tubes is ongoing.

State of the art high voltage cables for TWT/EPC interfaces provide lack the mechanical flexibility and compatibility with regards to the potting material for Q-Band application. However, a possible solution could be based on high voltage cables for commercial industrial terrestrial use. Hence in this activity the following work logic shall be adopted:

  1. Assessment, evaluation and up-screening of existing cable for terrestrial application is foreseen as the starting point including review of requirements.
  2. Prototype characterisation and process/design trade-off.
  3. Evaluation at system level (EPC+cable+TWT, including assembly techniques) and cable level (ESCC 3901/3902).

Procurement Policy: C(1) = Activity restricted to non-primecontractors (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