T4.4: S band LNA module and TX/RX active antenna front-end module manufacturing and acceptance tests

The pre-industrialisation activity of both LNA and TX/RX antenna modules will consist in 2 important steps, once completed will validate TRL 5 which corresponds to EM.

• Manufacturing of S band LNA and TX/RX active antenna front-end module [Leader: TAS – M24-M32]: Such production will be performed accordingly to previously developed processes from task 4.1. and qualified technology building blocks in task 5.1 and POI based SAW filter supplied by SOI in task 2.6. Manufacturing of the modules will be done by TAS SMT production line. The same manufacturing flow applies for both types of modules. It includes the SMT assembly of up to 4 PCB slice per module and the mounting into LNA and antenna structures modules. A total of 2 functional modules per type (excluding one spare) will be produced.
• Acceptance Tests of S band LNA and TX/RX active antenna front-end module [Leader: TAS – M30-M36]: Acceptance test will then be performed both on LNA and TX/RX antenna module. Acceptance test will consist in functional test at 3 temperatures before and after various environmental tests, including vibration, thermal cycles, thermal vacuum, EMC and ESD testing performed by TAS. Advanced POI based SAW filter to be used into the TX/RX active antenna module will remain at a TRL5. Integration of the dual band TX/RX radiating element will be part of the testing of the module for full representativeness of the L band active antenna.

Once successfully completed, as defined in test readiness review (TRR), this acceptance test plan combined with qualification tests implemented into WP5 will acknowledge respectively a TRL6 for the building blocks and a TRL7 of POI based SAW filters. Test results will be implemented during test review board (TRB). Note that telemetry interface will remain external to the modules and emulated by the test benches.