Tenders Are Invited For Ultra Low Power Consumption Microcontroller For Deep Space Hibernation Systems in Netherlands The

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Tenders are invited for ULTRA LOW POWER CONSUMPTION MICROCONTROLLER FOR DEEP SPACE HIBERNATION SYSTEMS EXPRO+ Tender Action Number: 1-13437 Activity Number: 1000046156 Clarification Request Deadline 23/09/2026 13:00 CET Closing Date Extension Request Deadline 23/09/2026 13:00 CET Announcement Date 20/04/2026 Last Update On 25/06/2026 10:54 CET Update Reason Tender Action Issued Objective: To develop an ultra-low power, Mixed Signal Microcontroller (MCU) for hibernation control for Avionics units.Description: Planetary and deep space missions necessitate a hibernation controller that can operate reliably at low power for extended periods, even under extreme temperature variations. This controller is essential for managing the wake-up and shut-down processes of avionics during planetary nights and deep space travel, ensuring the spacecrafts survival and functionality throughout the mission. Recent advancements in semiconductor technology and manufacturing have significantly reduced the power consumption of digital logic andprocessors, while also expanding their operating temperature range to include cryogenic levels. These developments are particularlyrelevant for ensuring the reliable operation of Mixed Signal Microcontrollers (MCUs) across a wide temperature spectrum at ultra-low power levels. MCUs, commonly used as primary processing units in control applications and on-board computers, can be equipped withsmall dedicated circuits to enter hibernation mode and wake up periodically for operational tasks or in response to sensor alarms. This results in power consumption as low as 10 nA. An MCU with such capabilities would be ideal for the hibernation controller in avionics subsystems, offering significant advantages over discrete solutions with limited functionality and higher power consumption. Theactivity includes a survey of available space-grade MCUs to identify a suitable candidate for managing the hibernation and control of the start-up and shut-down processes of avionics electronics. The final selection is based on a thorough analysis and environmental testing of the identified MCU. Integrating a small, ultra-low power, reliable clock and monitoring alarm circuit are used to upgrade the selected MCU to serve as a hibernation controller for planetary and deep space missions. The activity encompasses the following tasks:- Use case determination - Analysis, thermal environmental testing and selection of space grade MCUs for hibernation controller functions - Evaluation of the MCU technology for the implementation of an ultra-low power clock and monitoring alarm circuit - Design of the ultra low-power hibernation clock and monitoring alarm function - Incorporation of the hibernation clock and monitoring alarm into the MCU - Manufacturing of the hibernation MCU (h-MCU) - Thermal environmental testing of the h-MCU - Evaluation of MCU and hibernation functions - Demonstration of an h-MCU module for incorporation into space avionic systems.ProcurementPolicy: C(1) = Activity restricted to non-prime contractors (incl. SMEs). For additional information please go to:http://www.esa.int/About_Us/Business_with_ESA/Small_and_Medium_Sized_Enterprises/Opportunities_for_SMEs/Procurement_policy_on_fair_access_for_SMEs_-_the_C1-C4_Clauses. Read less Directorate Directorate of Tech, Eng. Quality Estabilishment ESTEC Open Date 25/06/2026 10:46 CET Closing Date 30/09/2026 13:00 CET ECOS Required Yes Classified No Price Range > 500 KEURO Authorised Contact Person Agnese Soverini Initiating Service TEC-EDM IP Measure C1 Prog. Reference E/0901-01 - Technology Developme Tender Type Open Competition Open To Tenderers From AT+BE+CH+CZ+DE+DK+EE+GR+ES+FI+FR+GB+HU+IE+IT+LU+NL+NO+PL+PT+RO+SE+SI Technology Keywords 1-C-I-Methodologies for Microelectronics Products Keywords 2-F-1.1-c-Microcontrollers Tender Link : https://esastar-publication-ext.sso.esa.int/ESATenderActions/filter/open

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