Practical electromagnetic compatibility studies of a CubeSat

Abstract

Purpose

Incorporating electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) in the design life of traditional satellites is entrenched in the satellite industry. However, EMC treatment of CubeSats has not been widely pursued, for various possible reasons. CubeSats are a young technology platform initially intended for students and researchers at universities to create awareness and excitement amongst them for space technology. This and other factors limited the need for stringent EMC planning. As CubeSats mature in complexity, the success of future missions will rely on incorporating proper EMC designs in their development. This paper aims to address the experimental investigation of known EMC culprits within a CubeSat’s context.

Design/methodology/approach

Electromagnetic interference suppression effectiveness of cable trays in CubeSats, as well as crosstalk in high-speed/frequency data links, is investigated, using the PC/104 connector stack. Some recommendations for improving the EMC and, therefore, enhancing satellite mission success are provided.

Findings

It was found that, if physically feasible in the CubeSat, cable trays are significant radiation suppressors. A further investigation into crosstalk between pins of the PC/104 connector stack showed that grounding a pin in between two signal pins leads to a significant reduction in the coupled signal.

Originality/value

This paper addresses EMC within the context of a CubeSat and outlines experiments done resulting in cost-effective methods of reducing interference by using already available material (such as unused signal pins available in the PC/104 connector).

Citation

Sibanda, M. and van Zyl, R.R. (2016), "Practical electromagnetic compatibility studies of a CubeSat", Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, Vol. 14 No. 4, pp. 770-780. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEDT-04-2014-0025