ESA-STAR reference: esa-star publication pending
Invitation to Tender: Integrated Wideband Multiplexer for Hybrid SATCOM/Terrestrial 5G User Terminals
(ARTES 4.0 5G/6G SPL 7B.069)
Opening date: End Q4 2022
Closing date: End Q1 2023
INVITATION TO TENDER (ITT)
5G-millimetre-wave deployment scenarios such as Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), can be based on Time Division Duplexing (TDD) and therefore use a single frequency band to both transmit and receive. However, current and next-generation High-Throughput Satellites (HTS) rely on Frequency Division Duplexing (FDD), thereby requiring two separate communication channels on separate frequency bands for uplink and downlink. This architectural difference between terrestrial TDD and Satellite FDD makes the integration of the satellite component into upcoming 5G systems a real challenge.
As part of the ARTES 4.0 Space for 5G and 6G strategic programme, the present Invitation to Tender (ITT) aims to define, specify and develop a wideband and highly integrated multiplexer to enable multiple RF chains to share a common antenna aperture on the ground. This feature is particularly attractive in the implementation of hybrid User Terminals for 5G, where at least three bands need to be separated.
SCOPE OF THE ACTIVITIES
The objective of the activity is to design, manufacture and test a wideband multiplexer breadboard using advanced RF filtering and packaging techniques, which will support hybrid terrestrial/Satcom 5G services. The breadboard should be capable of enabling novel applications and system functionalities. The main tasks for this activity should include the following: • a review of millimetre-wave multiplexing techniques suitable for wideband operation. with an emphasis on filter and multiplexing techniques • a trade-off and selection at least one application scenario (e.g. Connected Car, Aeronautical), and • a detailed design of the breadboard (minimum three channels ) based on the selected application scenario.
WHAT WE OFFER
For this activity, the Agency has defined a maximum budget of 800,000 Euros.
WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
We look for teams with the technical expertise to understand the needs and scenarios of Satcom and Terrestrial Services, to perform advanced filter simulations at both circuit and electromagnetic levels and to develop a wideband multiplexer breadboard.
For this ITT, companies or organisations residing in the following Member States will be eligible to apply: Austria, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
Bidding teams are requested to obtain a Letter of Authorisation from all the respective national delegations before submitting their Proposal.
ESA TENDER INFORMATION
Responding to an open competitive Invitation to Tender (ITT) requires the submission of a Proposal. The Proposal will be evaluated according to ESA regulations and procedures.
The consequential evaluation of proposals results in a recommendation for a winning bid. In the event that several proposals of good quality targeting different and/or complementary aspects are submitted, the Agency reserves the right to place parallel contracts for each of the open competitive ITTs in coordination with the relevant national delegations.
Your tender must be submitted in electronic format only via esa-star tendering [see: https://esastar.sso.esa.int/]
REGISTRATION AS BIDDER
The Prime and all subcontractors must register as potential bidders via esa-star, prior to downloading the official tender documents from esa-star and submitting their Proposal. The registration process needs to be started as soon as possible, as it will take time to complete.
News and Events
-
ESA agreement with GSMA accelerates satcom network integration for mobile industry
The European Space Agency (ESA) has signed a landmark agreement with GSMA, heralding a major step forward in links between the mobile and satellite industries, and the accelerated integration of satellite-terrestrial connectivity.
-
Non-Terrestrial Networks are the leitmotif at EuCNC & 6G Summit 2023
In a workshop jointly organised by ESA and Eurescom GmbH in June in Gothenburg, Non-Terrestrial Networks – or ‘NTNs’ turned out to be the major talking point – and quite possibly the hottest topic on the table.
-
Aligning European NTN Convergence and Integration
3GPP has completed Release-17 of the global fifth generation (5G) wireless technology standard, making Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) and satellite segments part of the 5G/6G connectivity infrastructure and ecosystem. NTN multi-layer systems and…
-
SatixFy Prime 1 beamformer chip breaks into new 5G terrestrial market
SatixFy have agreed the first sale of their Prime 1 beamformer into the terrestrial 5G market, in a significant deal with India-based Astrome. Developed with the support of the UK Space Agency via the European Space Agency’s ARTES Core…
-
Space helps everyone stay connected
Keeping connected always to everyone and everything whether in remote areas or travelling by car, boat or plane is crucial in today’s digital world.
ESA is collaborating with telecommunications company Deutsche Telekom to help improve…
-
The ESA 5G/6G Team & UK Space Agency will announce significant funding linked to space-enabled 5G solutions, opening opportunities for industry to develop innovative services related to hybrid terrestrial-satellite communication.
-
ESA experiences COP27 using a space-empowered metaverse
ESA has created a space-inspired virtual environment to enable its workforce to experience the COP27 climate summit – which is being held in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt – without the environmental cost of travelling.
-
Space-enabled 5G links Japan and Europe
Engineers have connected Japan and Europe via space-enabled next-generation 5G telecommunication links. It is the first time that such an intercontinental connection has been established between Europe and Japan.
-
ESA industry day celebrates UK innovation
British companies are using satellite-enabled connectivity to accelerate the digital transformation of the European economy – as highlighted at an industry showcase held in the UK.
-
Space-enabled 5G to help reach remote and dangerous places
Engineers have used converged satellite and terrestrial networks to communicate with a nimble four-legged robot designed to explore environments that are too risky for people to access.
-
ESA boosts the satellite-enabled 5G media market
Film fans, gamers and future metaverse users will be able to experience high-quality videos, games and extended reality environments live and uninterrupted from anywhere, as satellites link up with terrestrial-based next-generation 5G and 6G…
-
Space-enabled 5G links Japan and Europe
Engineers have connected Japan and Europe via space-enabled next-generation 5G telecommunication links. It is the first time that such an intercontinental connection has been established between Europe and Japan.