Re-programmable LCLs for Digital Distribution of a Satellite Power System
2025 (English)Independent thesis Advanced level (professional degree), 20 credits / 30 HE credits
Student thesis
Abstract [en]
This master thesis investigates the ability to configure properties of Latching Current Limiters (LCLs) without the need for component level customization. An LCL is a protective circuit used on satellite power systems to protect sensitive equipment from overcurrent or short circuit like faults. The properties most integral to LCLs are its trip time and current limitation, both of which define the class of the LCL ranging from class 1 to class 10. A daughter board circuit was developed which connected to specific nodes of an LCL circuit. By sending control signals to this circuit, it successfully managed to alter the trip time and current limiting capabilities of LCLs, effectively changing their class in accordance with ECSS standards. These properties were altered by selectively drawing current and adding capacitance to the LCL circuit at specific nodes using analog electronics. The circuit demonstrated the capability to be controlled using telecommands sent via a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), thereby enabling the LCL properties to be configured prior to launch or re-configured in orbit.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
2025. , p. 65
Keywords [en]
LCL, Latching current limiter, PCDU, Power conditioning, Power distribution, Space electronics, Current limiting, Fault protection, Satellite power systems, Spacecraft power distribution, FPGA, Programmable power electronics, Space engineering, Electrical engineering, Satellite, Smallsat, ECSS
National Category
Vehicle and Aerospace Engineering
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:ltu:diva-114640OAI: oai:DiVA.org:ltu-114640DiVA, id: diva2:1997649
External cooperation
AAC Clyde Space
Subject / course
Student thesis, at least 30 credits
Educational program
Space Engineering, master's level
Examiners
2025-09-152025-09-122025-10-21Bibliographically approved