Description
*On Delegation Request (formerly called Priority 2)
Objective: The objective of this activity is to design, manufacture and test PIM-free interfaces for polymer-based feed chains.
Targeted Improvements: Antenna mass saving of 20% through the introduction of polymer-based feed chains.
Description: Significant mass savings in the antenna feed chain can be achieved by using polymer (or composite) based materials and applying a metallic surface coating to achieve the desired RF performance. Recent measurements have shown thatexcellent Ka-band RF performance can be achieved with this technology. Furthermore, previous designs that required several machinedcomponents can be now be manufactured as one piece part when the polymer base material is produced by additive manufacturing. However, today there is still an issue of achieving a hardware interface to the feed chain that is compatible with passive intermodulation requirements. Low PIM interfaces that are widely employed today make use of high-pressure flanges, which are very challenging toachieve for polymer-based hardware using today's technology and processes.
In this activity an interface concept compliant to current PIM requirements shall be developed to enable the wide use of polymer based antenna components in space applications. Potential technological solutions shall be investigated, such as the inclusion of metallic flanges into the additive manufacturing process and modification of the base material to sustain higher interface pressures. In addition, RF interface design solutions providing low current in the contact region shall be developed and validated. An engineering model of a polymer-based feed chain with a PIM-free interface shall be design, manufactured and experimentally verified. This shall include an assessment of the power handling capability of the interface.
Procurement 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 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.