Ridgetop Group's innnovations are making it possible to detect impending failures in on-board, functioning satellite electronics, enabling satellite operators to take corrective measures when possible. This technology can also analyze the causes of failures so that corrections can be made in future satellites.

To improve satellite system lifetime, Ridgetop has combined effective electronic prognostic fault signature sensing techniques with powerful PHM software tools that integrate actual fault-trending analysis from satellite payload health data. Combining advanced algorithms and modeling expertise with Ridgetop’s patented Sentinel SJ BIST EPU™ (electronic prognostics unit), patent-pending Sentinel RingDown™ EPU, and nanoDFM™ sensor technology has resulted in a demonstrated foundation for developing a payload integrated health management system (IHMS) with considerable benefits for satellite operators.

Previously, the state of the art did not fully support the detection, collection, and remediation of real-time faults in space-based platforms by satellite operators, so no knowledge was harvested from actual platform failure mechanisms. Point-of-failure feedback could not be applied by payload designers or satellite operators to improve lifecycle weak links for replacement platforms or lengthen mission effectiveness of space-based platforms.

Prognostics were initially developed as extensions to diagnostics (predictive diagnostics) for mechanical applications, and were adopted for helicopters and other complex mechanical systems-within-systems such as the health and usage monitoring systems (HUMS).

In recent years, funding from various government agencies has supported the development of advanced techniques to “prognostics-enable” electronic systems. This methodology requires the integration of damage detection, processing, and interfacing technologies in complex systems. Critical control systems, power systems, actuators, and digital CPU boards are examples of these kinds of systems where electronic prognostics have been applied.

Prognostics, or predictive diagnostics, allow users to detect the onset of degradation on the monitored electronic module. Through this advance warning of impending wear-out, mitigation can be facilitated through an IHMS. During deployment, prognostics can also support dynamic switching to backup systems, adopt load-shedding schemes, or other closed-loop measures to extend mission envelope and assure mission success.

In addition to extending the useable life of a satellite, there are other significant financial benefits associated with adopting prognostics. According to NAVAIR studies of their airborne systems, projected savings are estimated at 6% to 10% for support equipment, and 46% to 52% savings in manpower necessary to support deployed systems. In the commercial telecom sector, a recent analysis indicated that a return on investment (ROI) of 33% was calculated for OEM power systems that are prognostics-enabled.

Due to complexity and physical compactness, satellite payloads are difficult to inspect in the best of circumstances, and unscheduled or unnecessary maintenance is not an option.

After deployment, payloads can suffer from connection fatigue, pixel degradation, contamination, stuck focus motors or actuator mechanisms, or even frozen components. Radiation damage from solar events creates additional challenges in maintaining operational readiness. Faulty space-borne components and actuators cannot easily be removed and replaced for maintenance.

However, Ridgetop’s innovations will extend capabilities for collecting and analyzing streams of health-related measurements that were previously unavailable, collected directly from the satellite payloads. In-situ electronic prognostics for payload subsystems, as opposed to less accurate statistical data-based mean time between failures (MTBF) approaches, is crucial for this objective to develop a sound theoretical basis for satellite self-awareness programs.

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