The Elgar Power Special Test Equipment (PSTE) provides programmable DC power, and programmable loading, to the electrical systems of satellites for system functional testing.
There are several key benefits of the PSTE. First, it is a complete turnkey system that is capable of operating locally through a simple GUI interface or remotely via a host computer as a single Ethernet address. The spacecraft engineer who defines the spacecraft power bus limits, cabling scheme, mode simultaneity matrix, and system behavior based upon limit conditions implements the real intelligence of the system. From this definition, operating procedures can be generated to allow spacecraft technicians to operate the system, system protections are implemented that perform cable detection and mode verification, automated spacecraft fixture identification and related mode capability, and more.
Second, the PSTE is intended to negate the need for purchasing new power test equipment with each new spacecraft. With a review of current and future needs and industry trends, power resources can be sized to provide the optimal blend of flexibility and price.
The system also monitors and provides protection for the satellite electrical power systems against any damage by programming error or by system failure.
