Sensor Power Supply
Instrument power conditioning is provided by the Sensor Electronics Power Supply (SEPS), which operates at 29 Vdc input to produce 15 isolated, highly regulated outputs for system operation. Redundancy is provided at the supply level via a separate power module within the SEPS assembly. Cooler power conditioning and control is provided in separate Cooler Control Electronics module (CCE), one CCE for each Cooler assembly. Communication to either cryocooler is provided through a serial bus interface to the AIRS controller.
Redundancy requirements coupled with the large number of focal plane outputs were key factors driving the overall electronics architecture. To minimize size, mass and power high-density component and packaging techniques were used throughout the design, including SMT components, custom hybrids, and a great reliance on FPGA technology. The development was made more difficult by the reduction in the industry's space qualified component product lines, which required the program to shoulder the burden of parts qualification in many instances.
In total, over 30,000 electronic components are used in AIRS, all of which meet MIL STD 975 Grade 2 or better requirements.
