Attitude sensor and actuator interfacing for micro-satellites

Date
2002-12
Authors
Dlamini, Zamokwakhe P. (Zamokwakhe Peacemaker)
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The purpose of this thesis was to design and test the interfaces of sensors and actuators. In the complete Attitude Determination and Control System CADCS) the Interface Control Processor (ICP) must be interfaced to various sensors and torquers. The testing of interfaces involves the simulation of sensors and actuators and also two of the Attitude Control Processor's functions, i.e. sending actuator commands and receiving sensor data. The tested interfaces are for two actuators and three sensors. Both analog and digital sensors and actuators are interfaced i.e. reaction wheels, magnetorquers, magnetometer and horizon /fine sun sensor. The simulated sensors and actuators are to be employed on three axis controlled, low earth o~biting micro-satellites. To test the interfaces, a test circuit was developed and the design is presented. Finally the software to facilitate the testing was developed and is also presented with the analysis based on protocol implementation and data rates.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van hierdie tesis was om sensor en aktueerder koppelvlakke te ontwerp en te toets. In die volledige Attitude Determination and Control System CADCS) moet die Interface Control Processor CICP) aan verskeie sensore en torquers gekoppel word. Die toets van koppelvlakke behels die simulasie van sensore en aktueerders en ook twee van die Attitude Control Processor (ACP) se funksies, naamlik die stuur van aktueerder bevele en die ontvang van sensor data. Die koppelvlakke vir twee aktueerders en drie sen sore is getoets. Beide analoog en digitale sensore en aktueerders is gekoppel, naamlik die reaksiewiele, magneetspoele, magnetometer en horison I fyn son sensor. Die gesimuleerde sensore en aktueerders sal gebruik word op drie-as beheerde, lae aardbaan mikrosatelliete. Om die koppelvlakke te toets is 'n stroombaan ontwikkel waarvan die ontwerp hier aangebied word. Sagteware om die toetse te fasiliteer is ontwikkel en word ook hier aangebied tesame met . analises gebaseer op protokol implementering en data tempo's.
Description
Thesis (MScEng)--University of Stellenbosch, 2002.
Keywords
Artificial satellites -- Attitude control systems, Artificial satellites -- Control systems, Dissertations -- Electronic engineering, Theses -- Electronic engineering
Citation