ESA Open Invitation to Tender: 1-10659
Open Date: 17/03/2021 00:00 CET
Closing Date: 26/05/2021 13:00 CEST

RF/Microwave parts are complex structures with, in most of the cases, severe requirements in terms of RF, thermal, mechanical, accommodation and quality. The final design is a trade-off among the demands from the different aspects but also considering the limitationsrelated to conventional manufacturing techniques such as Computer Numerical Control.The challenge is stressed when frequency and/or complexity increase, which is a current trend in RF payloads.This activity aims to assess end-to-end advanced manufacturing techniques capable to provide enhance performance in RF/Microwave parts. Complex waveguide filters, high frequency distribution networks, TWT parts, antenna feeds, etc. commonly found in RF payload can be further improved by defining new manufacturing approaches. Aspects such as surface roughness, complex routing, compactness, thermaldissipation, etc. may be further improved with the consequent system enhancement.Considering consolidated material and manufacturing processes, design rules taking into account any potential constrain shall be drawn. These design rules will also take into account any additional manufacturing step (e.g. cleaning, smoothing) to be sure all are compatible between each other. With the set of design rules, a final detail design will beperformed, manufacturing and tested.The activity shall cover, at least, the following tasks:- Identification of systems and RF parts to be re-worked. Clear- identification of aimed improvement (RF, Thermal, Mechanical,etc.).- Review of available material and manufacturing processes.- Assessment of suitability of each of them for the aimed RF parts.- Identification of design rules considering the pre-selected endto-end manufacturing approach.- Detailed design and analysis- Breadboard manufacturing and test- Conclusions and way forward

Directorate: Directorate of Tech, Eng. Quality
Estabilishment: ESTEC
ECOS Required: No
Classified: No
Price Range: > 500 KEURO
Contracts Officer: Franziska Isabella Erkelens-Sickinger
Initiating Service: TEC-EFE
IP Measure: N/A
Prog. Reference: E/0904-611 – GSTP Element 1 Dev
Tender Type: Open Competition
Open To Tenderers From: DE
Technology Keywords: 6-E-III-RF Devices
Products Keywords: 2-L-2/3/4.1-n-Other