In a companion paper in this session, the performance characteristics and Flight Qualification environmental test result for the Compact Cryocooler Control Electronics (C3E) are described. This paper describes a variant of the C3E, one optimized for slightly higher power applications and/or applications requiring additional mission assurance features. While applicable to essentially any Stirling or pulse tube cryocooler in the 50W and lower power class, this version of the C3E is being developed for and in collaboration with Northrop Grumman to provide flight electronics for the MicroCooler Pulse Tube Cryocooler (MicroCooler). This version has therefore been dubbed the “C3E-PT.” The C3E-PT extends on the success of the C3E by increasing the power handling capability to above 50 WAC for bus voltages as low as 22 VDC to take better advantage of the available cooling power from the MicroCooler. In addition, features have been added to protect the cryocooler in the event of a C3E-PT or bus transient, say due to a single event upset (SEU). New capabilities include provision for a knock sensor and clock synchronization between multiple C3E-PTs. Details of these new features and progress in the development effort are discussed.
KEYWORDS: Cryocoolers, Control systems, Temperature metrology, Temperature control, Design, Vacuum, Tunable filters, Compliance, Accelerometers, Satellites
Increasing interest in flying infrared sensor payloads on small satellites is driving the need for small scale, low input power (say, < 40W) cryocooler systems. Numerous tactical Stirling cryocooler models are available in this power range from a number of established manufacturers. In addition, Lockheed Martin has developed a miniature pulse tube cryocooler well-suited to meet the aggressive performance and packaging requirements for a small satellite infrared payload. Up until now, the space industry has lacked suitably matched small, radiation tolerant cryocooler control electronics to drive such cryocoolers. West Coast Solutions, in collaboration with Creare, has recently completed the design, build, test, and environmental qualification of a new product dubbed the Compact Cryocooler Control Electronics (C3E), which has been architected from the bottom up with a focus of minimizing packaging volume. The result is a new generation of small satellite cryocooler electronics weighing less than 400 grams. In addition to the environmental qualification testing, integrated thermal vacuum testing was performed with the C3E and the Micro1-2 Lockheed Martin Microcryocooler. A design overview of C3E, performance and qualification testing of the C3E, and the results from the integrated C3E - Microcryocooler test are presented.
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