Nano Power Conditioning Distribution Unit

The ÅAC Microtec Nano PCDU (Power Conditioning and Distribution Unit) for nanosatellites is the result of a joint development project between ÅAC Microtec, the US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), and Swedish Defense Materiel Administration (FMV). The unit was designed for the SPARC-1 6U CubeSat, but it also supports other spacecraft form-factors (e.g. 2U, 3U and larger satellites). The flexible and modular PCDU is designed for mission life up to five years in LEO and implements both power conditioning and distribution of the regulated 12 V battery bus and auxiliary 5 V and 3.3 V outputs. The rigorous testing and extended qualification campaign compliments an innovative design approach that combines COTS and radiation hardened components and optimizes the reliability and performance characteristics of the system.