Keysight Delivers New Solar Array Simulator Solution for Satellite Power Systems

Rhea-AI Summary

Keysight Technologies has launched the MP4300A Series Modular Solar Array Simulator (SAS), designed to emulate satellite photovoltaic arrays and replicate conditions faced in space. The 6-kW modular power supply offers rapid I-V curve changes and supports high power density in a compact form, reducing capital expenditures. With two classes of SAS modules and a modular platform, it allows for flexible testing configurations. This solution is aimed at enhancing the efficiency and reliability of power management systems in space applications.

Positive

• Launch of MP4300A SAS enhances testing capabilities for spacecraft power management systems.
• High power density of 6 kW in 2U rack space reduces capital expenditures.
• Modular design allows for flexible configurations with two classes of modules.
• Quick recovery time for I-V curve changes simulates rapidly changing conditions.

Negative

• None.

• Gives engineers a test solution that emulates the behavior of satellite photovoltaic arrays with high fidelity across all conditions encountered in space
• Modular power supply supports fast current-voltage (I-V) curve changes with a quick recovery time that mimics rapidly changing conditions in space
• Industry-leading power density reduces capital expenditures

 

SANTA ROSA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Keysight Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: KEYS), a leading technology company that delivers advanced design and validation solutions to help accelerate innovation to connect and secure the world, announced the new MP4300A Series Modular Solar Array Simulator (SAS) to emulate the behavior of photovoltaic (PV) segments. The SAS solution simulates all conditions a craft or satellite will encounter in space with high fidelity.

The new Keysight MP4300A Series Modular Solar Array Simulator emulates the behavior of satellite photovoltaic arrays with high fidelity across all conditions encountered in space. (Photo: Business Wire)

Launching solar-powered spacecraft or satellites is incredibly expensive, with little possibility of recovery or repair. These vehicles must have efficient and reliable power management systems, which often cannot be tested by using actual solar panels to provide power. Engineers must have a test solution that can verify a spacecraft’s power management system through high fidelity PV emulation.

Keysight’s new MP4300A SAS addresses this challenge with a 6-kW modular power supply, supporting fast current-voltage (I-V) curve changes with a quick recovery time that mimics rapidly changing conditions in space.

The MP4300A SAS offers the following key benefits:

• Industry-leading power density of 6 kW in 2U of rack space, which can reduce capital expenditures.
• A modular SAS platform, the first in the industry.
• Reduced thermal challenges due to the MP4300’s high power density, 2-quadrant capabilities, and the hardware’s regenerative power technology.
• Flexible power and performance options allowing the six modules to be switched out as test requirements change. Offers two classes of 1kW SAS modules:
  • MP4361A 160V/10A auto-ranging module.
  • MP4362A 130V/8A module.
• Support for rapid deployment of SAS systems with demanding performance requirements by allowing control of up to six channels through a single I/O port with a familiar programmatic interface.

Greg Patschke, General Manager of Keysight’s Aerospace Defense and Government Solutions group, said: “Analyzing power generation is an important part of the satellite design and validation process. With the MP4300 series, Keysight gives engineers the solution they need to accurately emulate conditions in space and accelerate the testing of new PV array designs, speeding time-to-market, and reducing the risk of failure after deployment.”

Additional information about Keysight's new MP4300A Series Modular Solar Array Simulator is available at: https://www.keysight.com/us/en/products/dc-power-supplies/dc-power-solutions/mp4300-series-solar-array-simulator-system.html

About Keysight Technologies

Keysight delivers advanced design and validation solutions that help accelerate innovation to connect and secure the world. Keysight’s dedication to speed and precision extends to software-driven insights and analytics that bring tomorrow’s technology products to market faster across the development lifecycle, in design simulation, prototype validation, automated software testing, manufacturing analysis, and network performance optimization and visibility in enterprise, service provider and cloud environments. Our customers span the worldwide communications and industrial ecosystems, aerospace and defense, automotive, energy, semiconductor and general electronics markets. Keysight generated revenues of $5.4B in fiscal year 2022. For more information about Keysight Technologies (NYSE: KEYS), visit us at www.keysight.com.

Additional information about Keysight Technologies is available in the newsroom at https://www.keysight.com/go/news and on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221201005754/en/

Geri Lynne LaCombe, Americas/Europe

+1 303 662 4748

geri_lacombe@keysight.com

Fusako Dohi, Asia

+81 42 660-2162

fusako_dohi@keysight.com

Source: Keysight Technologies, Inc.

FAQ

What is the MP4300A Series Modular Solar Array Simulator by Keysight?

The MP4300A Series Modular Solar Array Simulator is a 6-kW modular power supply designed to emulate satellite photovoltaic arrays, supporting rapid current-voltage changes and simulating space conditions.

How does the MP4300A SAS reduce costs for space applications?

Its industry-leading power density in a compact form reduces capital expenditures by optimizing space usage in testing setups.

What are the key features of the MP4300A Series SAS?

Features include rapid I-V curve changes, a modular design for flexible configurations, two classes of power modules, and high efficiency in testing power management systems.

What benefits does the new solar array simulator provide to engineers?

The simulator allows engineers to accurately emulate space conditions, enhancing the testing of new photovoltaic array designs and reducing the time to market.

When was the MP4300A Series Modular Solar Array Simulator announced?

The MP4300A Series Modular Solar Array Simulator was announced on December 1, 2022.