NEWS & 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

• MEMR reliability assessment methodology and test plan definition:

  • Phase A: Mono-parameter stress tests​

  • Phase B: Accumulative (multi-paramater) stress tests

• Report on architecture trade-off analysis. MEMR Component and Redundancy Ring Slice Architecture trade-offs for VHTS application.

consolidation of redundancy ring slice and memr specs

• 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
   

• 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.

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:

• 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).

• Material list and outgassing: Have knowledge of compatible materials and control of outgassing process for spare parts before assembly.

• 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.

• Improve cross-talk: Shielding circuits and tracks (numerical simulation approach) and external shielding by encapsulating in cavities (plates, covers, etc.).

• Suitable for harsh environments (vibration and shocks):

  • Model tests, resistance of the welding between product and circuits, possible addition of a mechanical fixation

  • Resistance of internal parts to shocks higher than 4,000 g

  • Balance moving parts and optimize their fixings and guides

• Temperature resistance, compatibility with SMT processes:

  • Soldering of components in a reflow oven, with heating to 260 °C: no outgassing in the product

  • Resistance of plastic parts and bending blades under tension (optimization of the stresses applied to parts)

  • Influence of residual deformations on actuator pick-up voltage, preservation of the low resistance of RF contacts, and microwave characteristics

• 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

MID-TERM REVIEW WITH EUROPEAN COMMISSION​

2020

JULY