Description
(*) On Delegation Request (formerly called Priority 2)
Objective: The objective of this activity is to design, manufacture and test aKa-band high power (> 100 W) and efficient solid-state power amplifier (SSPA) for transportable and fixed uplink ground terminals for broadband services and very small aperture terminals.
Targeted Improvements: Improved efficiency of 20% due to innovative approaches for combining the different amplification stages. Increase in RF power of 20% in Ka-band.
Description: The scarce availability of energy efficient compact amplifiers operating at Ka-band and adapted for broadband terminals represents a limiting factor for a wide market penetration of Ka-band broadband terminals. SSPA based solutions offer the advantage of graceful degradation, no need forwarm up time and small size and weight. A critical aspect is the selection of the power combining techniques of the amplifier elements and a possible solution is the use of spatial power combining. The activity will include the design, manufacture and test of a Ka-band SSPA prototype with all critical functions (gain, efficiency, output power, etc.) for broadband terminals.
Procurement Policy: C(1) = Activity restricted to non-prime contractors (incl. SMEs). For additional information please go to EMITS news "Industrial Policy measures for non-primes, SMEs and RD entities in ESA programmes".
(*) On Delegation Request (formerly called Priority 2) activities will only be initiated on the explicit request of at least one National Delegation.