Evaluation and testing of the Naval Postgraduate School Satellite (NPSAT1) Solar Cell Measurement System
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Authors
Lo, Benson W.
Subjects
Advisors
Michael, Sherif
Date of Issue
2004-09
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
The Naval Postgraduate School Spacecraft Architecture and Technology Demonstration Satellite, NPSAT1, launching in the fall of 2006, will include a system to measure the performance of new experimental triplejunction solar cells. The measuring circuit in the Solar Cell Measurement System (SMS) is based on a circuit developed at the Naval Postgraduate School many years ago. It will trace the cells' current-voltage (I-V) curves while in orbit. The SMS consists of a radiation-hardened microcontroller that uses a radiation-hardened FPGA to monitor a collection of sensors. A current-sink circuit is used to measure the current and voltage on the test cells. Prior to launch, extensive testing is being performed on the system to ensure proper operation. The tests consist of subjecting solar cells and the measuring circuit electronics under conditions modeling the space environment while taking cell measurements. This thesis presents the mission information, system design, test setup, and test results of the SMS measuring circuit.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Organization
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
xiv, 107 p. : ill. (some col.) ;
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.