Commercial Space
Transducers

It lets you select individual components that meet radiation hardness requirements on a part-by-part basis, choosing each op-amp, voltage regulator and transformer driver independently rather than accepting the radiation performance of a complete integrated subassembly that may be rated to a lower threshold or not available in a rad-hard version at all. When a specific Grade 1 rad-hard component is unavailable, we substitute a functionally equivalent heritage part and re-qualify against the same standard, preserving both your radiation specification and delivery schedule.

The switching frequency determines where switching noise energy appears in the frequency spectrum. A converter switching at 30–40 kHz produces harmonics that span through VHF and beyond, where spacecraft communication systems operate. A converter switching at 250–450 kHz concentrates noise energy in a narrower band far above the measurement signal, and gives your design team flexibility to choose a specific frequency that avoids your vehicle’s communication notch frequencies. This is particularly important when the transducer is physically close to antenna assemblies or RF-sensitive receivers.

Qualification by similarity means demonstrating that a component meets your program’s test requirements by reference to existing test data from a sufficiently similar design and test configuration, rather than conducting a new independent test campaign. It is accepted by NASA and most prime contractors when the test conditions in the existing data envelope the program requirements. We make our standard vibration, shock, thermal and EMI test packages available so your engineering and program assurance teams can assess similarity upfront and present the case to your customer before committing to additional test costs.

Because the transducer electronics are built from discrete components, each specified individually against EEE-INST-002, any part that becomes long-lead can be evaluated for substitution against the heritage database. We identify functionally and electrically equivalent components that meet the same grade requirements, confirm radiation performance and qualify the substitution. This process requires only the delta analysis relevant to the changed part, not a full re-qualification of the transducer, and moves faster than redesigning around a new integrated subassembly.

The universal space flight transducer family covers the pressure ranges most common in spacecraft fluid systems, from low-range attitude thruster manifolds to high-pressure propellant tank applications. Absolute, gauge, and sealed gauge references are available. Electrical interface, connector selection and pressure wetted materials can be configured to your program requirements. Share your application pressure range, media compatibility, mechanical envelope and electrical interface early in the procurement process and we’ll confirm a configuration against the standard product baseline before any NRE discussion is necessary.

MIL-STD-461 EMI testing is part of the standard test data package for the universal space flight transducer design. Which test limits and categories apply depends on your installation and program requirements. We provide the test data; your team determines which applicable limit lines it needs to satisfy. Where a specific test or limit line isn’t covered in the existing package, we can perform supplemental testing to close the gap.