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StatusOngoing
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Status date2013-03-28
Objectives
The activities concern the design, development and qualification of a PCDU (Power Conditioning and Distribution Unit), using an EQM Model, that is optimized for satellites dedicated to the SATCOM constellation market for which an unregulated 22V/38V bus has been selected (best compromise between needed power and cost).
Challenges
The main issue addressed is to perform technical and economic trade-off, focusing on the low cost target.
Benefits
The qualification of the PCDU for Satcom Constellation will allow TAS-ETCA to bring the electrical developments to a level where the design can be confidently validated at IRIDIUM Next system level.
Features
The PCDU architecture is based on the following guidelines:
- Priority on the competitiveness efforts: COST and MASS.
- Use of mature or low risk technologies/solutions (meaning possibility to implement in short term).
- Covering of IRIDIUM NEXT PCDU performances.
Plan
Project plan consists in the following main activities:
- Design of all PCDU circuits.
- Complete development of the equipment including the issue of all documents, drawings, and procedures necessary for the manufacturing and test workshops.
- Procurement of all materials and components necessary for the manufacturing of a PCDU EQM model.
- Manufacturing and testing of the EQM.
- Design, development and realization of all manufacturing and test tools, including the ATE for PCDU qualification and acceptance tests.
Current status
- The project started in May 2011.
- The design and development has been concluded for PCDU and for test tools including ATE which are now validated and available.
- The PCDU EQM MRR was successfully held on 19 Sept 2012.
- The PCDU EQM TRR was successfully held on 07 Dec 2012.
- The PCDU EQM qualification is in progress and will be concluded shortly.
- EQM QR & FR are foreseen in March 2013.