Core Drive Electronics (CODE)
Beyond Gravity (ex-RUAG Space)
Compact, lightweight two-axis stepper motor controller for small satellite mechanisms, built as stackable modules.
Technical specifications
- Type
- Two-axis stepper motor controller, modular and stackable
- Motors per module
- Two bipolar stepper motors, independently controlled
- Redundancy
- Two modules stacked vertically, cold redundancy
- Power conversion
- Isolated DC/DC converter with EMC filters, hardware-adjustable motor drive voltage
- Mechanism signals
- 7 additional signals per motor connector for sensors (switches, thermistors) or heaters up to 115 V
- Motor control interface
- 3 discrete signals ENABLE / DIRECTION / STEP per motor
- Start-up time
- <500 ms
- Motor drive voltage
- 18 to 26 V (adjustable)
- Motor current
- max. 0.5 A
- Stepping rate
- max. 1000 steps/s
- Standby power consumption
- < 3 W (typ)
- Motor driver efficiency
- >75%
- Failure rate
- 227 FIT (Class 1 parts)
- Dimensions
- 190 x 125 x 58 mm³
- Mass
- < 1.1 kg
- Minimum switch-on temperature
- -30°C
- Radiation
- up to 50 kRad (Si)
- Supply voltage
- 22 V to 38 V
About
The Core Drive Electronics (CODE) is a compact and lightweight two-axes stepper motor controller, optimized for small volume and low mass. It is capable of operating various types of mechanisms such as antenna pointing mechanisms, solar arrays, or thruster pointing mechanisms, making it a versatile and cost-effective solution for small satellite applications.
Manufactured in a modular way, the CODE allows for independent control of two bipolar stepper motors per module. Two modules can be stacked vertically to form a redundant unit or to increase the number of drive channels, offering flexibility in configuration. The modules are mechanically separated and operated in cold redundancy for enhanced reliability.
Each CODE module contains an isolated DC/DC converter with EMC filters, providing a protected, hardware-adjustable motor drive voltage. This ensures high operational reliability. Each of the two stepper motor interfaces has its own dedicated connector, housing the motor power signals and 7 additional mechanism signals.
These signals are directly routed to the common control connector and can be used for sensors (switches, thermistors) or heaters (up to 115V). The motor control is performed by receiving 3 discrete signals ENABLE/DIRECTION/STEP per motor on the common control connector.
Documentation
Need the full ICD, test reports or a specific revision? Ask the supplier directly.