T5.3: Technology evaluation testing [M5-M10]

This task aims to evaluate the sensitivity of the POI based SAW filters to the harsh space environment prior to the qualification of the L/S band designs. The evaluation shall follow ESCC specification 2263502 for the evaluation of SAW devices, which shall be tailored to the specific needs of the POI technology and the packaging solutions considered. This testing will complement other tests performed in task T4.1 to derisk the detailed design phase. The specification includes radiation sensitivity, lifetime validation for different orbit missions (LEO to GEO), and temperature and power stress tests. As described in task T2.6, two different package options are considered, and this evaluation will be performed on samples assembled using both. The baseline non-hermetic approach is an air cavity plastic package that also requires a humidity sensitivity evaluation to be performed. The evaluation on the second package option, a hermetic ceramic package, shall be used as a back-up solution if non-hermeticity is found to be critical on the performance of the POI based SAW filters. This activity will be leaded by ALT and all partners will be receiving the results of the evaluation as inputs to the correct progress of their activities. Specifically, the conclusions will be a critical input for task T2.6 to make a selection of package option to be used for the final samples that will undergo the qualification up to TRL 7 in task T5.4. Additionally, the results of the evaluation will help also to adjust the test conditions of the qualification tests performed in task T5.4.