ESA Open Invitation to Tender: 1-11401
Open Date: 28/06/2022 14:47 CEST
Closing Date: 06/09/2022 13:00 CEST

Direct detection (DD) concept is a favorable way of implementing receivers for microwave imagers and sounders as the receiver chain can be simplified and drastically reduced in size, mass and power consumption. Moreover, no local oscillator is required. Together with the LNA (Low Noise Amplifier) and detector, one of the major challenges in DD receivers is the channel filtering that has to be done at RF( Radio Frequency). However, high-performance RF filters do not exist or they are difficult to master and tune. Therefore,e.g. in MetOp-SG receivers, the utilization of DD concept is limited to 23, 36 and 89 GHz wide total power channels only. Moreover,no DD spectral channels have been implemented at all as no suitable RF filterbanks nor multiplexers exist. Availability of high-performance RF filters/filterbanks/multiplexers would enable total power and spectral measurements using DD concept up to the limit frequency of the LNA (660 GHz LNA development starting) and the detector (available at 166 GHz, to be developed for frequencies above that.) would result in a major breakthrough in mm-wave radiometry by eliminating the Local Oscillator system and bulky Interrmediate Frequency filterbank. This activity aims at developing filters, filterbanks and multiplexers for millimetre wave and sub-millimetre wave direct detection receivers at relevant sounding and imaging channels at frequencies from 54 GHz up to frequencies where LNAs are feasible i.e. up to 325 GHz today or potentially even higher up to 660 GHz. This activity encompasses the following tasks:-Filter and multiplexer requirements definition from system level-Technology assessment-Preliminary -to Critical design-Manufacturing and testProcurement 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 this link.

Directorate: Directorate of Tech, Eng. Quality
Estabilishment: ESTEC
ECOS Required: No
Classified: No
Price Range: 200-500 KEURO
Authorised Contact Person: Maxime Nicolas Gislain Guy
Initiating Service: TEC-EF
IP Measure: C2
Prog. Reference: E/0901-01 – Technology Developme
Tender Type: Open Competition
Open To Tenderers From: AT+BE+CH+CZ+DE+DK+EE+GR+ES+FI+FR+GB+HU+IE+IT+LU+NL+NO+PL+PT+RO+SE
Technology Keywords: 6-D-III-EO Instruments
Products Keywords: 2-L-1.1-c-Antenna mechanisms (Including control electronics) *See Mechanisms for: Hold down and release/Deployment and trim /Pointing