NEWS & EVENTS
Note: Due to COVID-19, there has been a nine-month delay on the project.
PAST events
2019
jaN
Kick-off meeting
Meeting with the entire consortium to discuss task planning for the next three years of the project.
2019
mar
MEMR reliability assessment and qualification
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MEMR reliability assessment methodology and test plan definition:
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Phase A: Mono-parameter stress tests
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Phase B: Accumulative (multi-paramater) stress tests
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Report on architecture trade-off analysis. MEMR Component and Redundancy Ring Slice Architecture trade-offs for VHTS application.
2019
apr
consolidation of redundancy ring slice and memr specs
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Redundancy Ring Specifications: System level requirements in line with VHTS (Very High Throughput Satellite) enable product to achieve redundancy ring detailed specifications. A top-down approach is used to fine tune demonstrator redundancy ring slice specifications and MEMR basic performance requirements
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MEMR component specifications (according to the previously achieved Redundancy Ring Slice Specification) : The MEMR component specifications are used as a first step for the space upgraded design of the existing MEMR. The MEMR component detailed specifications are defined according to the previously achieved Redundancy Ring Specification, focusing on reliability and space environment compliance. As another constraint, these space specifications have to match the current ground product design as much as possible to remain compatible with Radiall’s existing production equipment.
2019
jUN
ADVISORY BOARD IS FORMED
The board is composed of Rhode Schwarz, CNES and ESA
2019
jUL
INNOVATIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF MEMR DEFINED
The group defines the following objectives and presents a preliminary design of the switch:
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Frequency validation up to 32 GHz, with an exploration up to 44 GHz for other applications: Microwave adaptation of the transition between the product and the circuit (strong impedance variations in this area).
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Material list and outgassing: Have knowledge of compatible materials and control of outgassing process for spare parts before assembly.
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Gain in mass compared to existing products: The gain in mass will be significant, due the technology used. However, the reduction of RF leakage using conductive plates, covers or seals will generate additional weight that must be controlled.
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Improve cross-talk: Shielding circuits and tracks (numerical simulation approach) and external shielding by encapsulating in cavities (plates, covers, etc.).
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Suitable for harsh environments (vibration and shocks):
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Model tests, resistance of the welding between product and circuits, possible addition of a mechanical fixation
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Resistance of internal parts to shocks higher than 4,000 g
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Balance moving parts and optimize their fixings and guides
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Temperature resistance, compatibility with SMT processes:
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Soldering of components in a reflow oven, with heating to 260 °C: no outgassing in the product
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Resistance of plastic parts and bending blades under tension (optimization of the stresses applied to parts)
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Influence of residual deformations on actuator pick-up voltage, preservation of the low resistance of RF contacts, and microwave characteristics
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Implementation of the switch in space redundancy ring: temperature resistance, compatibility with SMT processes
2019
NOV
FIRST INTERMEDIATE PROTOTYPE RELEASED
Radiall submits an ESCC specification proposal of the MEMR for space applications, and works with ESA passive components experts to finalize the document.
2019
dec
First periodic review with the European commission
2020
FeB
COVID 19
The global pandemic impacts the Selector consortium, resulting in a 4-month delay of product release.
2020
APR
MEMR Design validated
The Space MEMR design is validated, working up to 32 GHz.
2020JUNE
MID-TERM REVIEW WITH EUROPEAN COMMISSION
2020
JULY
2021
MAY
FINAL VERSION OF SELECTOR SWITCH released
SIMULATION OF RF DESIGN MODICATION
Design modification to increase frequency range up to 44 GHz and Power Handling evaluation.
2021
SEP
DETAILED DESIGN OF KA BAND COMPACT REDUNDANCY RING
2021
OCT
MEMR MONO-PARAMETER RELIABILITY STRESS TESTS FINISHED
2021
sep-nov
2021
dec
MANUFACTURING OF SWITCHES FOR QUALIFICATION
MEMR ACCUMULATIVE RELIABILITY STRESS TESTS FINISHED
2022
JAN
2022 FEB
2022 APR
2022 APR
2022
JUN
2022
SEP
2022
OCT
INDUSTRIALIZATION OF SELECTOR
Industrialization of SELECTOR begins, including installation of machines, test benches, etc.
EPPL QUALIFICATION OF SWITCH
EPPL qualification of switch begins.
PERIODIC REVIEW
Periodic review with the European commission.
REDUNDANCY RING QUALIFICATION
Qualification of redundancy ring begins.
eumw in london
The consortium will attend workshop for EUMW in London. See presentations from show.
publication in csem magazine
Paper will be published in the CSEM annual technical reports magazine.
ESREF in BerliN
CSEM is working on a paper for publication and will present: Reliability Assessment of Miniaturized Electromechanical RF Relays for Space Applications.
SPCD at ESA (netherlands)
Radiall and TAS will attend an oral presentation: Miniature RF Switch for Compact Redundancy Ring