Solar Array Simulator
Among other things, solar array simulators are required for testing satellite power supplies. An SAS (Solar Array Simulator), consisting of an interconnection of several Solar Array Simulator modules, maps the solar panels and displays the individual strings connected in parallel. Optionally, the individual SAS modules are monitored by a Second Level Protection, so that the test object is not damaged in case of errors with the voltage sources. Additional circuitry is implemented via project-specific test modules. The signal path to the DUT can be separated, e.g. for dynamic current measurements.
The Keysight Solar Array Simulators used were specially developed for satellite applications and cover the significantly higher requirements regarding the control speed of MPP tracking compared to terrestrial applications.
-
product
Aerospace and Aviation Solutions
SCOEs and EGSEs by LXinstruments are used during test and validation of satellite assemblies and modules in aerospace applications. As an example, we implemented solar array simulators, battery simulators and high-power load racks for a German satellite manufacturer for testing satellite power supply systems. Due to the high power ratings, the systems are partially equipped with water cooling. Specialized switching modules were developed for switching DC currents at high voltage levels; these can be programmed with SCPI commands via Ethernet.Our modular OTP² functional test platform is ideally suited for implementing durable, reliable test systems, e. g. for in-flight entertainment applications. Since the OTP2 platform is based on open interfaces, it can be quickly and easily adapted to any required communication busses and ARINC interfaces.
