Multi-Purpose Drive Electronics (MPDE)
Beyond Gravity (ex-RUAG Space)
High-performance two-axis stepper motor controller for satellite mechanisms, optimized for low micro-vibration operation.
Technical specifications
- Type
- Two-axis stepper motor controller
- Redundancy
- Two electrically identical units for cold redundancy
- Command interface
- MIL-STD-1553 TC/TM (replaceable to suit platform concept)
- Power conversion
- Isolated DC/DC converter per unit; available for different power bus voltages
- Driven mechanisms
- Antenna pointing mechanisms, solar arrays, thruster pointing mechanisms
- Optimization
- Low micro-vibration operation
- Start-up time
- <500 ms
- MIL-1553 TM rate
- up to 16 Hz
- Motor Drive voltage
- up to 60 V
- Drive current
- up to 1 A, 8-bit
- Motor speed
- 0 - 750 full-steps per second
- Thermistor acquisition
- 1.3°C in a range of -50° to +140°C
- Potentiometer acquisition
- 0.07% full-scale, 12-bit
- Speed jitter
- <0.02%
- Standby power consumption
- < 8 W
- Motor driver efficiency
- >75%
- Failure rate
- < 820 FIT per redundant unit
- Magnetic moment
- < 0.015 Am2
- Dimensions
- 300x250x123 mm
- Mass
- < 5 kg
- Operating temperature
- -30°C to +60°C
About
The Multi-Purpose Drive Electronics (MPDE) is a versatile two-axes stepper motor controller designed for high performance and smooth mechanical operation in satellite applications. It is capable of operating various types of mechanisms such as antenna pointing mechanisms, solar arrays, or thruster pointing mechanisms.
Optimized for low micro-vibration operation, the MPDE is compatible with a wide range of actuators and available for different power bus voltages. This makes it a flexible solution for diverse satellite applications.
The MPDE comprises two electrically identical units intended for cold redundancy operation. Each unit features an isolated DC/DC converter and a control module, controlled via a MIL1553 TC/TM interface. This interface can be replaced to adapt to different satellite platform concepts, enhancing the flexibility of the MPDE.
The main feature of the MPDE is its high flexibility, large degree of autonomy, and high drive performance, accommodating a wide range of drive applications in satellites.
Documentation
Need the full ICD, test reports or a specific revision? Ask the supplier directly.