Satellites normally operate in a high energy plasma environment which may not homogenously charge the surface of their structural parts or radiating systems. This may lead to high voltages and cause Electro Static Discharges (ESD).

ESD can compromise the satellite mission by penetrating into shells and upsetting or permanently damaging sensitive electronic subsystems.

A step by step path towards risk control in the earlier design phases

IDS Space Laboratory supports satellite integrators in the control of the risks due to ESD through a well assessed procedure based on modelling and expertise. The significant steps of the procedure are highlighted in the following:

• CAD modelling and meshing of the satellite (including external cables)
• Calculation of the currents induced by ESD (3D full-wave modelling); visual inspection of evolution over time of the induced currents to better understand the physics of the phenomenon.
• Modelling of the coupling mechanisms between the currents on the shield and the core of the cables (P-SPICE and TLM models); single & double core, single & multi shielded cables.

• Calculation of over-voltages and over-currents (time-domain) at sensitive electronic subsystem interfaces

•  Risk mitigation: hardening, filtering, cable shield modification…
  

ESD testing for “final certification”

IDS also provides consultancy (Definition of Requirements and Test Plans) and executes ESD susceptibility testing at satellite level. Radiated and conducted ESD set-ups are available.
Special set-ups (multi-probes and Capacitive Direct Injection, CDI) have been designed to perform ever more representative on-earth tests of the in-flight discharge phenomena.