ESA Open Invitation to Tender: 1-11089
Open Date: 02/12/2021 10:54 CEST
Closing Date: 27/01/2022 13:00 CEST

The number of RF connector interfaces available for use in the space industry is very limited. The mostcommon and widespread interface is SMA. For high operating frequency, equipment manufacturers typically use the SMA2.4 (up to 50 GHz) and 1.85 (up to 65 GHz).For the last 15 years , Sub Miniature Push-on (SMP) interface has gained a lot of popularity for phased array radars because of its small size and ease of use. In addition, only the SMP fast-locking interface includes the advantage of a robust locking mechanism which dramatically increases the retention force of the interface and prevents any accidental disconnection. However, existing SMP fast locking interfaces for connectors are mono-sources (not compatible between different connectors’ manufacturers) and are limited infrequency (only up to Ka- band).Today, the use of higher frequencies is becoming necessary to support feeder links due to the larger bandwidth requirement. Q-, V- and W- frequency bands are now being considered as the baseline for next-generation satellite broadband networks. Therefore, generic RF connectors with common interface that cover frequencies up to W band are needed together with the advantages of the fast locking mechanism and the suitability for cable-to-cable or cable-to-module interconnections inside the equipment.With this type of, innovative solution, tremendous savings could be also achieved in terms of integrationcosts, thanks to the quick lock connection (time saving) and thanks to the easy to use concept for highfrequencies (decreasing the risk of equipment damage). Finally, it gives the possibility to increase density of RF channels, both because it is smaller than current standards such as SMA and SMP, and because use of a torque wrench is not required.Procurement Policy: C(1) = Activity restricted to non-prime contractors (incl. SMEs). For additional information please go to this link.

Directorate: Directorate of Tech, Eng. Quality
Estabilishment: ESTEC
ECOS Required: No
Classified: No
Price Range: 200-500 KEURO
Authorised Contact Person: Franziska Isabella Erkelens-Sickinger
Initiating Service: TEC-EDC
IP Measure: C1
Prog. Reference: E/0901-01 – Technology Developme
Tender Type: Open Competition
Open To Tenderers From: AT+BE+CH+CZ+DE+DK+EE+EL+ES+FI+FR+GB+HU+IE+IT+LU+NL+NO+PL+PT+RO+SE
Technology Keywords: 23-B-I-Passive Components
Products Keywords: 2-B-1-c-Crystals