ESA Open Invitation to Tender: 1-11176
Open Date: 28/04/2022 11:10 CEST
Closing Date: 21/07/2022 13:00 CEST

The objective of the activity is to develop, manufacture and test a prototype of a multiple switch-beam array antenna aiming to provide resilient communication with non-geostationary satellite orbit (NGSO) systems at Ku or Ka band. Targeted Improvements: Compared to a phased array antenna, reduction up to 50% of number of components of the beamforming network, and reduction of DC power of up to 30%. Description:M2M/IoT terminals connecting through broadband non-geostationary satellite orbit (NGSO) constellations are getting more and more attention for applications requiring global coverage, such as telemetry and tracking devices (e.g. maritime transport/asset tracking). Such connectivity is traditionally achieved by phased array solutions, which can provide the required performance, however, are not compatible with the DC and complexity requirements for large volume M2M/IoT terminals. This activity will develop an innovative switch beam array antenna architecture with integrated beamforming technologies to achieve the RF and DC performance and complexity needed for high volume M2M/IoT terminals. The beam switching shall allow simultaneous multiple beam operation. This could enable better spatial resolution, resulting in a more resilient communication link, without compromising the total angular coverage. This activity is expected to benefit from the numerous on-going developments reported on integrated beam forming networks (e.g. Butler and Nolen matrices) for applications in millimetre-waves. A full antenna prototype shall be designed, manufactured and tested. Procurement Policy: C(1) = Activity restricted to non-prime contractors (incl. SMEs). For additional information please go to this link.

Directorate: Directorate Telecom Integrated Applica
Estabilishment: ECSAT
ECOS Required: No
Classified: No
Price Range: > 500 KEURO
Authorised Contact Person: Adriana Lucas
Initiating Service: TIA-TTS
IP Measure: C1
Prog. Reference: E/0534-01G – CC-AT 4.0.1
Tender Type: Open Competition
Open To Tenderers From: AT+BE+CA+CH+CZ+DE+DK+GR+ES+FI+FR+GB+HU+IE+IT+LU+NL+NO+PL+PT+RO+SE
Technology Keywords: 7-A-III-Array Antennas and Standalone Radiators
Products Keywords: 4-B-1-a-Structure & Thermal, Servo / Mechanics, Reflectors, feeds and diplexers, Antenna Control Units (ACUs), Drive Systems,…