The objective of this project was to develop a power-splitting module which had to be integrated into the control data processing unit of a meteorological satellite.
CLIENT PROFILE
Our client is the worldwide leader for the conditioning and distribution of energy inside satellites and the largest supplier for electronic equipment inside space launchers.
THE CHALLENGE
First of all, the control data processing unit (CDPU) had to be examined in order to determine where the power splitting module would be integrated, the research team embarked on development.
Bearing in mind the uniqueness of the system and its working environment, the project initially required analyzing on how the overall system worked, focussing primarily on the new module and other equipment it might interact with.
It was crucial that the Engibex engineers met the technical specifications defined at the start of the project and required by the final. Therefore the focus shifted towards the improvement of the parameters and on precision and power criteria.
OUR SOLUTION
4 main axes where an R&D approach had to be used:
- Firstly, they worked on an improved component selection, in order to respect the specifications, guarantee correct functioning and to offer the best results. This phase was essential because the initial choice of module elements has a significant impact on the general performance of the satellite and its observation of meteorological phenomena.
- During the next phase, the classic process of drawing up schemas, circuit simulation and circuit routine was followed. Afterwards, the team moved on to the development of the electronic circuits.
The team looked in depth at the placement of the various elements with a focus on innovation to minimizing noise, facilitating dissipation and keeping assembly costs to a minimum.
- Next task was to meticulously develop the routing so a maximal performance and signal integrity could be provided – validation of these is aided by circuit simulation through the use of consistency checks, mask checking and, where necessary, implementing changes to the original schema to ensure that an optimized solution can be developed based on the original specifications of the project.
- During the fourth and final stage, and again with a focus to guarantee the most advanced performance possible, the problems that could occur during a worst-case scenario had to be tackled for each circuit.
The entire technical implementation of the module components was an iterative process.
THE RESULTS
- It was a very demanding, yet rewarding project where our consultants handled with a focus on R&D and where they had to excel in their engineering activities.