SOURCES SOUGHT
59 -- RADAR TRANSMITTER MODULATOR SWITCH REPLACEMENT
- Notice Date
- 5/11/2006
- Notice Type
- Sources Sought
- NAICS
- 334413
— Semiconductor and Related Device Manufacturing
- Contracting Office
- Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Mountain Region Acquisition Division, 325 Broadway - MC3, Boulder, CO, 80305-3328
- ZIP Code
- 80305-3328
- Solicitation Number
- SWITCH
- Response Due
- 6/12/2006
- Archive Date
- 6/27/2006
- Description
- SUBJECT: MARKET RESEARCH FOR RADAR TRANSMITTER MODULATOR SWITCH REPLACEMENT DESC: THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY. The National Weather Service (NWS) is conducting market research for the replacement of the High Energy semiconductor switch used in the Line Modulator circuitry of the transmitter within the NEXRAD Weather Surveillance Radar WSR-88D. The switch, when triggered to the ?On? state, discharges the Pulse Forming Network within the modulator which has previously been charged to 5200 Volts maximum. The large current which results brings a Klystron into conduction. The existing switch is made with Reverse Biased Diode Thyristors (RBDT?s) which are becoming obsolete. The purpose of this RFI is to gather information from radar hardware manufacturers relating to the availability of suitable high energy semiconductor switches in the commercial market. The following are the salient characteristics of the existing RBDT switches: Ten each RBDT?s are stacked in series with suitable compression clamp hardware. Each switch has a minimum forward biased holdoff voltage of 1100 volts giving the entire stack a hold off voltage of 11000 volts minimum. The normal forward biased stack voltage is 5200 volts maximum with an over voltage protection threshold of 5600 volts nominal. Provisions are made for proper operation with one RBDT shorted accompanied by the setting of a ?Maintenance Required? alarm which alerts the operator of the problem. Due to the stringent availability requirements (96%) and unmanned nature of the NEXRAD transmitter, this feature is essential, especially in storm season. The Modulator is designed to operate with a maximum duty cycle of 0.004. The Modulator is capable of operation in two modes: Short pulse (1304 pulses per second maximum with a Pulse Width of 3 usec) and Long pulse (452 pulses per sec maximum with a pulse width of 6 usec). The switch must support this operation. The peak current per pulse is 896 amps maximum during the entire pulse width. Cooling air is supplied to the Modulator. Cooling requirements of the switch shall be stated in any responses to this request. The space available for the switch assembly is approximately 8 inches X 8 inches X 8 inches. The NWS will not fund the development of a new design to support this requirement. Responses to this market survey should only include items that support all stated requirements in a current commercially available configuration, or a configuration that could be made fully compliant through minor modifications. Responses to this market survey must include the device manufacturer, a product description with performance parameters, a statement regarding current availability, a statement describing any required modifications and interface requirements, and the estimated cost of the product including any required modifications. This RFI does not constitute an Invitation for Bids, Request for Proposals or Request for Quotes. Should the results of this market research indicate feasibility of a High Energy semiconductor switch replacement with an existing commercial product; the NWS will consider retrofit options for its nationwide network of 175 RDAs as a potential follow-on product improvement project. All information should be submitted to the following: Rhonda Nelson, U.S. Dept. of Commerce/NOAA/MRAD, Acquisition Division, 325 Broadway, MC3, Boulder, CO 80305. Responses should be received no later than June 12, 2006. No telephone calls will be accepted or returned.
- Record
- SN01046129-W 20060513/060511220325 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
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