Interconnection
Nicomatic’s CMM Series 2mm pitch micro-connectors have been used on solar paddles on communications satellites, on the camera for an earth observations satellite, in a cryogenic low-noise amplifier for radio astronomy and even on an Auto Abort system.
What role do standards play? Access to space is changing and opening up to private enterprises. Do you consider NewSpace as the future standard or do you stick to an ESA standard? The answers might differ between a start- up company and a larger, established one. The NewSpace
approach lowers barriers to entry and provides cheaper access to space to provide more useable data for scientists – SpaceX, Blue Origin, Planet’s “Dove” satellites are the most well-known examples. The European Space Agency, on the other hand, has a strong commitment to supporting the European Cooperation for Space Standardisation (ECSS), an initiative established in 1994 that developed a single set of user-friendly standards for all European space activities. It applies common standards for project management, design, development, testing and qualification of hardware and software. A standard should never be a deadlock on a project or be the first goal. We first find the solution that is adapted to a specific
What do they want to achieve? What are the expectations?
Does a connector have to be newly developed for each space mission? Over the years at Nicomatic we have developed many innovative solutions for outer space applications and having that as a track record plus our technological bricks know-how means that every new project is undertaken from a deeper knowledge base every time. This, plus the experience of our innovative engineers provides a firm foundation for all the space projects we work on.
technical requirement. Then we test it in our laboratory to qualify it, and it can then be confirmed in the client’s environment or confirmed through an independent and accredited lab. If, for example, LAT 1 & 2 tests need to be fulfilled, if we believe in the design we do, this aspect comes in another step to validate a natural test. Today, we generally start with a Space Grade self-declaration of conformity, and if this is not enough, we can discuss with our customers one-to-one to expand that topic.
A Space-Grade component with internal assessment might be enough in most cases, even using a MIL standard part may be compatible but not in all designs. A space standard is sometimes essential, but sometimes it can serve as the basis from which to take some and not all aspects. At Nicomatic we design and manufacture to deliver an innovative solution that fits the customers’ criteria, whether that is a fully custom solution or one developed using combinations from our modular series in an innovative design “for never realised or tested solutions for the unknown phenomena of outer space”.
Custom solutions
Custom solutions are a Nicomatic speciality and we have an established reputation
as a manufacturer of ruggedised custom solutions. Our expertise is often called on due to several factors, not least of which is a typical custom design to production cycle of 12 weeks and no minimum order quantity. We love challenges and “outside of the box thinking”. For space applications, custom designs for this type of harsh environment usage naturally enters in our scope of passion and interest. Potential customers with a challenging design can meet with a local Nicomatic engineer to discuss the requirement who will work with them, suggesting solutions the customer may not have thought of. It is also possible to send Nicomatic sales engineers and field applications engineers a sketch or description of the requirements, plus three must-have features, and within a maximum of 72 hours receive an expert view on the feasibility of the project.
How are the components tested? With regards to testing, depending on the end-user requirements, components can be internally tested. Nicomatic has its own test laboratory and 40 years’ experience in aeronautic, defence and space applications. Or they can be tested by an external body as completely qualified versus a norm and standard, which is the longest and most expensive method.
A full certification like the ESA one takes time and has a significant cost, as each single part must be tested. So, if you have worked out a complete set of solutions, from a space harness, specific FFC or different types of connectors, the cost could be of several hundred thousand Euros.
Can you give some recent examples of Nicomatic space projects? Nicomatic has been successful in the Heritage Program on various applications, including: ● Camera for earth observation satellite ● Cryogenic low noise amplifier for radio astronomy
● Solar paddles for communication satellite ● Spectrometer for a scientific program ● On board data handling for magnetospares ● Robotic arm ● Auto abort system ● Satellite video module ● Thrust vector control for steering launcher ● Controller of ground station ● ACS Atmospheric Chemistry Suite In conclusion, as we say at Nicomatic, “Creativity is in our DNA” and we love to use it to solve the challenges of space applications.
The DMM Series MIL-DTL-83513G compliant micro-connectors are a space-proven series, offering over five million configurations as well as custom options.
www.cieonline.co.uk https://www.nicomatic.com/ Components in Electronics December/January 2023 41
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