Solar array simulator by Keysight Technologies simulates satellite conditions
To emulate the behaviour of photovoltaic (PV) segments, the MP4300A series modular solar array simulator (SAS) simulates conditions a craft or satellite will encounter in space with high fidelity, said Keysight.
Launching solar-powered spacecraft or satellites is expensive and there is little possibility of recovery or repair. Vehicles must have efficient and reliable power management systems which cannot often be tested by using solar panels to provide power. Engineers need to verify a spacecraft’s power management system through high fidelity PV emulation.
The MP4300A SAS addresses this challenge with a 6kW modular power supply, supporting fast current voltage (I-V) curve changes with a quick recovery time that mimics rapidly changing conditions in space, said Keysight.
Keysights claimed that 6kW in a 2U rack is the industry’s leading power density, which can reduce thermal challenges and capital expenditure. it offers two-quadrant capabilities and hardware regenerative power technology.
It is believed to be the first modular SAS. The six modules can be switched out as test requirements change. There are two classes of 1kW SAS modules, the auto-ranging MP4361A (160V / 10A) and the MP4362A (130V / 8A) module.
Control of up to six channels is via a single I/O port with a familiar programmatic interface.
Greg Patschke, general manager of Keysight’s Aerospace Defense and Government Solutions group, said: “Analysing power generation is an important part of the satellite design and validation process. With the MP4300 series, Keysight gives engineers the solution they need to accurately emulate conditions in space and accelerate the testing of new PV array designs, speeding time-to-market, and reducing the risk of failure after deployment.”
Keysight Technologies delivers advanced design and validation solutions, software-driven insights and analytics that bring tomorrow’s technology products to market faster across the development lifecycle, in design simulation, prototype validation, automated software testing, manufacturing analysis, and network performance optimization and visibility in enterprise, service provider and cloud environments.
Customers span the worldwide communications and industrial ecosystems, aerospace and defence, automotive, energy, semiconductor and general electronics markets.
