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A CubeSat Magnetorquer PCB board is a crucial component in CubeSat satellite systems, designed to control the satellite’s orientation and attitude using the principle of magnetic torque. CubeSats are miniature satellites with standardized dimensions, often used for research, education, and technology demonstration purposes. They are typically built in 1U, 2U, 3U, or larger configurations, with 1U being a 10 cm x 10 cm x 10 cm cube.
The magnetorquer system is one of the simplest methods for attitude control in CubeSats. It consists of one or more electromagnetic coils, often referred to as magnetorquers, mounted on different faces of the CubeSat. These coils interact with the Earth’s magnetic field to generate a controlled magnetic torque that can influence the satellite’s orientation.
The modern-day electronics world depends heavily on the Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) as its backbone. A PCB is a medium to transfer the current through its copper pathway and it dissipates the heat to keep the tiny yet highlycomplex electronic equipment on it in perfect condition.
If you are to get the best PCBA and PCB for your digital devices, you have to know this PCB assembly process thoroughly. FX PCB with its years of experience understands this need and thus, we present you the detailed guideline.
FX PCB dont follow the standerd manufacturing process is no exception to it. Our process includes solder pasting on the PCB base, placing the electronic components in the right place, soldering them with the PCB, checking the accuracy, final inspection, and delivery to customers.
The coils are connected to the PCB and generate magnetic fields when current flows through them. These magnetic fields interact with the Earth’s magnetic field to create a torque that can rotate the satellite.
The PCB incorporates circuitry to manage power distribution to the coils. This involves voltage regulation, current limiting, and protection mechanisms to prevent damage to the coils and other components.
The PCB includes microcontrollers or other control circuitry to precisely control the current flowing through the coils. Algorithms and control loops are implemented to adjust the magnetic torque and achieve the desired attitude changes.
Depending on the complexity of the system, the PCB may also include sensors like magnetometers, gyroscopes, or sun sensors to gather data about the satellite’s orientation and environment. This data is used to fine-tune the attitude control algorithms.
The PCB might have communication interfaces like UART, I2C, or SPI to allow for communication with the satellite’s main onboard computer or with ground stations.
The control algorithms and software that determine how the magnetorquer coils are activated and controlled are an essential part of the PCB’s functionality. This software might include proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control loops or more advanced algorithms for accurate attitude control.
The PCB interfaces with the CubeSat’s main onboard computer, which provides high-level commands to the magnetorquer system based on the satellite’s mission objectives and external inputs.
The CubeSat Magnetorquer PCB board plays a crucial role in enabling basic attitude control for CubeSats, which is essential for maintaining proper orientation, orienting sensors and communication antennas, and conducting various scientific observations and experiments in space.
The manufacturing process of a CubeSat magnetorquer PCB (Printed Circuit Board) involves several steps, from design to assembly. Here’s an overview of the typical manufacturing process:
Begin by creating the PCB design using specialized PCB design software like Altium Designer, Eagle, KiCad, or others.
Lay out the components, traces, and copper layers according to the design specifications. Place the magnetorquer coils, microcontrollers, sensors, connectors, and other components on the board.
Route the traces to establish the necessary connections between components. Ensure proper signal integrity and avoid interference.
Generate Gerber files and manufacturing files from the PCB design software. Gerber files contain the information needed for the fabrication process.
Send the Gerber files and manufacturing files to a PCB fabrication facility.
The facility uses the Gerber files to create the PCB layers, apply the copper traces, and etch the board according to the design.
Apply a solder mask over the PCB to insulate the copper traces and prevent solder bridges during assembly.
Apply the silkscreen to mark component placements, reference designators, and other important information.
Procure all the necessary electronic components, such as microcontrollers, resistors, capacitors, connectors, and the magnetorquer coils.
Use automated or manual methods to place the components on the PCB according to the design layout.
Solder the components onto the PCB using techniques like surface-mount soldering or through-hole soldering.
Ensure proper solder joints and connections to avoid defects like solder bridges or cold joints.
Inspect the soldered PCB for any visual defects, such as soldering issues, misaligned components, or solder bridges.
Test the assembled PCB to verify that all components are functioning as intended.
Perform continuity tests, functional tests, and possibly temperature tests to ensure reliability.
Program the microcontrollers or other programmable components with the necessary firmware or software for controlling the magnetorquer system.
Integrate the assembled and tested magnetorquer PCB into the CubeSat’s overall structure and subsystems.
Subject the CubeSat and its components, including the magnetorquer PCB, to environmental tests like vibration, thermal cycling, and vacuum tests to simulate the conditions of space.
Perform final tests on the fully integrated CubeSat to ensure all systems, including the magnetorquer system, are working harmoniously.
Once the CubeSat successfully passes all tests, it is ready for launch. The magnetorquer PCB will perform its role in space as part of the CubeSat’s attitude control system.
Attitude Control:
The primary use of the magnetorquer PCB board is to provide attitude control for CubeSats. By generating controlled magnetic torques using the magnetorquer coils, the board can orient the satellite along desired axes, ensuring proper alignment for payload observations, communication, and other mission objectives.
Payload Pointing:
CubeSats often carry scientific instruments, cameras, sensors, or communication antennas that need precise pointing to gather data or communicate effectively. The magnetorquer system assists in adjusting the satellite’s orientation to point these payloads toward specific targets or directions.
Earth Observation:
CubeSats equipped with magnetorquers can be used for Earth observation missions. By controlling the satellite’s orientation, they can capture images and data from different angles and perspectives, aiding in environmental monitoring, disaster management, and resource tracking.
The magnetorquer system can orient the CubeSat’s communication antennas toward Earth-based ground stations, enhancing the quality and reliability of data transmission.
Technology Demonstration:
CubeSat missions equipped with magnetorquers can serve as technology demonstration platforms for testing attitude control algorithms, sensor integration, and other related technologies before being scaled up for larger satellites.
Space Science:
CubeSats with magnetorquers can participate in space science experiments. For example, they can be used to study the Earth’s magnetic field, interactions with the solar wind, or other space phenomena.
Educational Outreach:
CubeSats are popular educational tools for universities and schools. The magnetorquer system can be used to teach students about space engineering, physics, and practical satellite operations.
In missions involving multiple CubeSats, magnetorquers can be employed to control the relative orientation and separation distance between satellites, enabling formation flying for coordinated observations or other purposes.
Magnetic Field Mapping:
CubeSats with magnetorquers can be used to map the magnetic field of Earth or other celestial bodies, providing valuable data for scientific research.
Technology Validation:
The magnetorquer system’s performance can be evaluated in real space conditions, providing valuable data for validating the technology’s effectiveness and accuracy in controlling satellite attitude.
While limited in capability, CubeSats with magnetorquers have been considered for interplanetary missions as part of larger spacecraft. They can contribute to mission objectives such as communication relay, monitoring, or technology testing in space environments beyond Earth orbit.
Constellations:
In constellations of CubeSats, magnetorquers can help manage the orientation of individual satellites within the larger group, maintaining the desired distribution and alignment for mission objectives.
Overall, the CubeSat Magnetorquer PCB board plays a vital role in enabling diverse mission objectives for CubeSats, contributing to scientific research, technology advancement, education, and exploration of space.
The CubeSat Magnetorquer PCB board offers several benefits that make it a valuable component for CubeSat missions:
The magnetorquer system provides a relatively simple and cost-effective method for attitude control in CubeSats. It doesn’t require the use of complex thrusters or reaction wheels, making it suitable for small-scale missions with limited resources.
The PCB and magnetorquer coils can be designed to fit within the small form factor of CubeSats, allowing for efficient use of space within the satellite.
Magnetorquers are power-efficient compared to other attitude control methods. The PCB can be designed to optimize power usage, which is particularly important for CubeSats with limited power budgets.
Magnetorquer systems have relatively few moving parts, reducing the risk of mechanical failures. This makes them reliable and requires less maintenance over the course of a mission.
Unlike thrusters or reaction wheels, magnetorquers generate very little vibration when activated, which can be advantageous for sensitive scientific instruments or payloads onboard.
Magnetorquers are generally more cost-effective to develop, manufacture, and integrate compared to more complex attitude control systems. This affordability can enable a wider range of organizations and institutions to participate in space missions.
The design of the PCB can be tailored to the specific mission requirements. Different coil configurations and control algorithms can be implemented to meet the unique needs of different missions.
In some cases, multiple magnetorquer PCBs can be incorporated into a CubeSat for redundancy. If one PCB or coil malfunctions, the others can still provide partial or full attitude control.
The magnetorquer system can serve as a technology demonstration platform for testing and validating attitude control techniques and components before they are implemented in larger, more complex satellites.
Overall, the CubeSat Magnetorquer PCB board offers a practical and reliable solution for basic attitude control in CubeSat missions, making it a valuable tool for educational, research, and practical space applications.
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I am Peter Gong. I have been working in PCB and PCBA industry for 15+ years now. I have been a part of the PCB revolution with my dedication to circuit board technologies and creative ideas. I write in FX PCB to impart my knowledge on PCB and PCBA for all circuit board lovers, manufacturers, and users.
