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APC HiRel has worked with British
technology company QinetiQ to supply
power supply modules for the ExoMars
Trace Gas Orbiter launched.
The Lander, a test bed for
technologies being used in future
space programmes, features VPT SV
Series hybrid isolated power supplies
and filters, specified for their high
reliability and ability to withstand the
mission’s radiation levels and harsh
operating environment.
VPT Dc-Dc power supplies were
supplied for the UHF transceiver for the Lander and will
also be fitted to the Rover for the 2018 mission.
It was critical that both power supplies and filters met
Class K, the top level of screening and test for hybrids,
frequently used for space missions to ensure the very
highest level of reliability.
Class K typically requires parts to be “burned in” for up to
160 hours at elevated temperatures, exposure to shock
and vibration tests, and require pre-cap inspections.
Most importantly under the DLA (Defence Logistics
Agency) approved radiation plan, MIL PRF 38534 Appendix
G, characterization and testing is performed at the critical
semiconductor component piece-part level (radiation lot
acceptance testing) from traceable semiconductor lots.
APC provides power for ExoMars launch
automotive brands. The digitally-driven Aerosol
Jet based 3DP process provides full design flexibility,
with quick iteration and minimum lead-time for last-minute
changes. After successfully implementing Aerosol Jet
in prototype environments, LITE-ON expanded its usage
and has now deployed multiple production machines in
Guangzhou, China, operating 24×7 printing conformal
electronics onto millions of consumer devices. Since the
3DP process requires no plating or special resins, logistics
are simplified and production costs are lowered.
The open architecture of the Aerosol Jet hardware allows
configurations to be optimized for specific production needs.
The implementation at LITE-ON leverages a series of Aerosol
Jet print modules spread across multiple 5-axis motion
This marks a fresh alternative from
traditional suppliers where radiation
testing has to be carried out after
assembly.
VPT SV Series power supply modules
are one of the first to supply product
with DLA radiation component
testing, making them more cost and
time efficient.
The ExoMars programme is a
collaboration between the European
and Russian Space Agencies. The Orbiter was launched
this morning from Kazakhstan on a seven-month mission
to monitor temperatures and trace gases on the red
planet.
One of its primary goals is to discover the existence and
sources of methane on the planet, providing further
information about whether life has ever existed on
Mars. The Orbiter measures 3.5m by 2m by 2m and has
17.5m of solar arrays. The launch mass for the Proton-M/
Breeze-M launch vehicle totals 4332kg (including fuel and
the Schiaparelli launch vehicle).
A second Rover mission will follow in 2018, also using VPT
SV Series Dc-Dc power supply modules.
platforms, configured to handle common smartphone and
tablet form factors. Each machine is able to print a wide
range of common electronics materials, at a rate of millions
of units per year, enabling next generation applications in
consumer electronics, automotive, aerospace, and smart
IoT devices. Click herefor video.
“LITE-ON has been an incredible strategic customer for
Optomec. Their dedication and commitment was critical to
proving the viability of Aerosol Jet technology in a real world
24/7 production setting,” said Mr. Dave Ramahi, Optomec
President and CEO. “With its unique and in-depth process
knowledge in Aerosol Jet printing, Optomec is pleased to
recognize LITE-ON as a “Center of Excellence” for High
Volume Production of 3D Printed Electronics.”
12 l New-Tech Magazine Europe