Fast And Reliable Power Measurements In The Satellite Industry

The adoption of new, higher frequency bands and accuracy requirements demands highly precise, reliable power measurements. To attain this level of precision, power measurements must be taken directly on the DUT inside a thermal vacuum chamber to avoid losses and reflections.

The power sensors not only have to function in a high vacuum but also must be able to withstand temperature fluctuations without contaminating the thermal vacuum chamber (TVAC) through outgassing. This is critical because materials have different outgassing rates and must be selected carefully to keep the vacuum chamber free of contaminants.

The materials used in TVAC sensors are screened against NASA and ESA outgassing databases to ensure they are vacuum compatible. Materials identified as potentially critical or that are not in the database are then tested individually.