Description
Priority 2 Objective: To design and develop a prototype of a Ka-Band MMIC power device
Targeted Improvements:
- Allow for a European source for procurement.
- Allow ITAR free solution.
Description: Ka-band satellite user terminal manufacturing requires the procurement of US-produced RF power devices of up to 5 Watts. With such components representing a non-negligible part of the cost of the complete terminal, the situation is penalizing for Member States Industry. On top of this also come restrictions are present due to ITAR classification that are very restraining in a mass-consumption oriented market.
It is regarded as high importance for ground segment manufacturers to improve the situation, and to see the emergence of new competitive equipment manufacturers in Europe. The study aims to design and develop a prototype of Ka-Band MMIC power device, with the perspective of being competitive towards current products. A reflexion of possible technologies to use shall thus first be done, and architecture trade-offs shall be discussed before the development phase.
Work logic:
- Design and architecture of the component.
- Development of simulation data.
- Prototyping, testing and validation of an engineering wafer in laboratory environment.
- Performances assessment and Roadmap towards âproductisation'.
- Investigation of power combining techniques to achieve higher RF power levels.
Priority 2 activities will only be initiated on the explicit request of at least one delegation.
Procurement Policy: C(2) = A relevant participation (in terms of quality and quantity) of non-primes (incl. SMEs) is required. For additional information please go to EMITS news "Industrial Policy measures fornon-primes, SMEs and R&D entities in ESA programmes".