modular automated test equipment for propulsion and satellite subsystems based on ni compactdaq: a low-cost data acquisition approach
- Paper number
IAC-25,C4,IP,74,x103302
- Author
Dr. Abderrahim Nabi, Khalifa University of Science and Technology (KUST), United Arab Emirates
- Coauthor
Ms. Mariam Albreiki, Khalifa University of Science and Technology (KUST), United Arab Emirates
- Coauthor
Dr. Djamal DARFILAL, Khalifa University of Science and Technology (KUST), United Arab Emirates
- Coauthor
Ms. Fatima AlHammadi, Khalifa University of Science and Technology (KUST), United Arab Emirates
- Coauthor
Mr. ABDUL HAI, Khalifa University of Science and Technology (KUST), United Arab Emirates
- Coauthor
Dr. Elena Fantino, Khalifa University of Science and Technology (KUST), United Arab Emirates
- Coauthor
Dr. Sean Shan Min Swei, Khalifa University of Science and Technology (KUST), United Arab Emirates
- Year
2025
- Abstract
The diverse and complex nature of satellite propulsion test stands ideally requires modular and high-performance data acquisition systems, particularly those based on National Instruments PXI platforms. However, the significant cost of PXI-based solutions can limit their widespread usage by small companies and universities. This paper introduces a low-cost and modular automated test equipment (ATE) solution using NI CompactDAQ, suitable for various propulsion test stands and expandable to satellite subsystems testing, including environmental and vibration tests. The proposed ATE comprises two main elements: First, the CompactDAQ platform, selected for its flexibility and its support for a wide range of modules that satisfy our sensor and actuator requirements, including analog and digital inputs and outputs, thermocouples, voltage, current, strain, pressure, force measurements, and relay controls. Second, the core equipment includes measurement instruments, power supplies, and communication modules supporting serial and GPIB communication. LabVIEW software has been developed, enabling modular configuration and selection of sensors and actuators to address diverse testing scenarios. This work details the design and development of an automated test equipment for testing a 2U propulsion system that uses a novel Hydrogen Peroxide (HTP) monopropellant thruster, showcasing its capability to perform reliable and precise measurements and control during thruster firing.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-25,C4,IP,74,x103302.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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