Source: https://tendernation.io/opportunities/01a13c69-7a10-72f0-85ee-2d4785af21ca/gb-newcastle-upon-tyne-t210010-onboard-data-buffer-and-processor awarded GB open procedure # GB-Newcastle Upon Tyne: T21/0010 Onboard Data Buffer and Processor [Northumbria University](https://tendernation.io/buyers/northumbria-university) Estimated value £200,000 Published 19 Nov 2021 Deadline Closed 15 Nov 2021 ## Who can bid - Open procedure Anyone can submit a full tender; there is no shortlisting stage. ## About this tender Currently, the highest heritage ka-band radio frequency (RF) technology in small sats (herein we refer to them as CubeSats) can achieve 10-100 kbps with an onboard data storage capacity of ~8 GBytes (similar to SD cards in mobile phones). The aim of this experimental research project is to replace the existing low-speed RF and high-power transceiver in CubeSats with the high-speed, light weight and lower power free-space optical (FSO) wireless technology. The proposed intensity-modulation/direct-detection (IM/DD) FSO system will use an infrared laser source prototyped by Durham and Northumbria Universities in collaboration with UK-based industry partner SMS Electronics Limited. The high-speed electronics (encoding, modulation, etc.), the drive circuit and the optical head as well as the optical receiver together with all the supporting data, control, and optics modules will now be optimized and fabricated, increasing to TRL-7. We are seeking a sub-contractor who will help us to design and develop (to PCB layout and bring-up testing) a full working prototype of the electronics boards for handling high speed (1 Gbps) data transmission using our FSO system design, incorporating radiation hardened components, flight-ready controller, and buffering to interface with the satellite bus. ## CPV classification Communication satellites Source Contracts Finder (UK) [View official notice](https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/notice/27be6267-d9c4-4349-bc56-13be27957aa3) Never miss a tender like this again Get AI summaries, deadline alerts and a bid pipeline for tenders matched to your business. Free to start. [Track tenders free](https://tendernation.io/register) [Buyer profile Northumbria University: past awards and live tenders](https://tendernation.io/buyers/northumbria-university) [Sector More Security, fire & defence equipment tenders](https://tendernation.io/sectors/security-fire-defence-equipment) ## More tenders like this [Security equipment – Rahmenvertrag über die Lieferung von persönlicher Schutzausrüstung (eProcurement) · Berliner Wasserbetriebe · 3 days left · 22 Oct 2026](https://tendernation.io/opportunities/01a15183-0a10-7216-bcdb-32e368a84bcf/germany-security-equipment-rahmenvertrag-uber-die-lieferung-von-personlicher) [Firefighting equipment – Fourniture d'équipements de protection des œuvres d'art contre l'incendie au titre du Plan de Sauvegarde des Biens Culturels (PSBC) de la Ville de Lille · Ville de Lille · 32 days left · 19 Nov 2026](https://tendernation.io/opportunities/01a15183-0bd6-737a-8486-0f7496f3a52d/france-firefighting-equipment-fourniture-dequipements-de-protection-des-oeuv) [Surveillance system – Autospecială de supraveghere cu termoviziune - VAN · Inspectoratul Teritorial Al Politiei de Frontiera Timisoara · 8 days left · 26 Oct 2026](https://tendernation.io/opportunities/01a15183-4c50-73d8-aacd-94a57a12bc5f/romania-surveillance-system-autospeciala-de-supraveghere-cu-termoviziune-v) [Surveillance and security systems and devices – VKJ - Térfigyelő · Gödöllői Kistérség Önkormányzatainak Többcélú Kistérségi Társulása · 8 days left · 26 Oct 2026](https://tendernation.io/opportunities/01a15183-ce5d-72ce-98bb-9434382f12b6/hungary-surveillance-and-security-systems-and-devices-vkj-terfigyelo) [Surveillance and security systems and devices – Raamovereenkomst voor de levering van toegangscontrole, inbraak en brandcentrales en CCTV voor gebouwen. · VZW Samenaankoop AZO · 29 days left · 16 Nov 2026](https://tendernation.io/opportunities/01a15183-0643-73b1-892a-c01b1f7e261a/belgium-surveillance-and-security-systems-and-devices-raamovereenkomst-voor) [Ammunition – Adquisición de munición ACA de 155 mm · Jefatura de Asuntos Económicos del Mando de Apoyo Logístico · 19 days left · 6 Nov 2026](https://tendernation.io/opportunities/01a15183-281c-7105-a2ae-a5c2dcf12704/spain-ammunition-adquisicion-de-municion-aca-de-155-mm)