Beam us up, Scotty: A new solar array simulator from Keysight Technologies is designed to give engineers a test solution that emulates the behavior of satellite photovoltaic (PV) arrays with high fidelity across all conditions encountered in space.
According to Keysight, the modular solar array simulator platform of the MP4300A Series is an industry first. Source: Keysight TechnologiesUnderscoring the importance of this type of simulation, Keysight notes that launching solar-powered spacecraft or satellites is an expensive proposition — with little possibility of recovery or repair. Because it’s not typically possible to test the efficiency and reliability of power management systems in these vehicles with actual solar panels providing power, high-fidelity PV emulation is key. This includes testing for solar cell output power impacts caused by environmental conditions such as testing and irradiation and operational conditions such as eclipse and spin.
Enter the MP4300A Series modular solar array simulator (SAS), a six-output programmable DC power source that simulates the output characteristics of a solar array. As a current source with very low output capacitance, the SAS can simulate fast current-voltage (I-V) curve changes with a quick recovery time that mimics rapidly changing conditions in space. According to Keysight, the modular SAS platform is an industry first.
Among the key benefits:
- Power density of 6 kW in 2U of rack space, which may reduce capital expenditures.
- Reduced thermal challenges derived from high power density, 2-quadrant capabilities, along with the hardware's regenerative power technology.
- Flexible power and performance options, allowing up to six 1 kW modules to be switched out as test requirements change.
- Two classes of 1kW SAS modules are available: the MP4361A 160 V/10 A auto-ranging module and the MP4362A 130 V/8 A fixed-range module.
- Support for rapid deployment of SAS systems with demanding performance requirements by allowing control of up to six channels through a single I/O port with a familiar programmatic interface.
- Protection for over-voltage, over-current and over-temperature; can be configured for a fault condition in one module to be detected within 10 microseconds to enable other modules can be quickly shut down.
Keysight also notes that the SAS is available as an off-the-shelf instrument or integrated into a full turnkey system configured to customer specifications with all instruments and software integrated and installed. The company also offers a special modification service for further customization of standard MP4300 models.
