Cedrat Technologies, innovation in mechatronics

Free-Space Optics (FSO) for optical communication request new compact low-power high-stroke high-bandwidth Fast Steering Mirrors (FSM). To address this need, CEDRAT TECHNOLOGIES has developed a Magnetically-actuated Fast Steering Mirror called M-FSM, taking heritage of its MICA™ actuators. This FSM offers Rx Ry strokes larger than +/- 2° with a 250Hz bandwidth when tilting a 31mm diam mirror. Requested power is minimized leading to low heating. Vibration tests have been performed to define first limits and conditions for the M-FSM to bear external vibrations. Large bandwidth closed loop control is achieved using integrated eddy current sensor and a state feedback-based controller.

Many applications and more specifically space projects show need for a stable sub-micrometre positioning actuator. In order to meet this need, Cedrat Technologies has designed the new FSPA brand. This linear stepping actuator offers sub-micrometric positioning resolution along 5mm stroke combined with high actuation force (>100N) and the ability to hold its position without power. The IASI-NG instrument is one of the key payload on-board METOP-SG which is a new meteorological satellite for Europe. The instrument is based on a Mertz interferometer and requires a very precise positioning of an optical blade used to separate the interferometer’s branches. A dedicated version of the FSPA, the Beam Splitter Mechanisms Actuator (BSMA) is then developed to achieve this nanometric positioning which is a key parameter for the overall instrument performance. This paper firsts present the internals of both FSPA and BSMA actuators. Major design differences and their respective impact on the resulting performances are detailed. Results from the acceptance and qualification test campaigns are also presented.

A reed valve compressor technology for future science spacecraft application, is being developed by CEDRAT TECHNOLOGIES (CTEC), based on the very compact and high-power MICA300CM actuator (Moving Iron Controllable Actuator). The present publication details the compressor breadboard design and test results, manufactured in the frame of an ESA Technological Research Program (TRP), for the testing of a Zero Boil Off Hydrogen storage demonstrator. The test results presented have been realized at compressor level with Helium gas at CTEC facilities, and the full 20K Hydrogen storage demonstrator is soon to be tested.

Modular Stepping Piezoelectric Actuators (MSPA) are inertial motors working under the stick-slip principle [1]. The advantages of rotary MSPA are unlimited stroke, torque at rest, high resolution, nonmagnetic and vacuum compatibility. This paper presents the new MSPA developments regarding rotary motion at Cedrat Technologies for macro and micro sizes MSPA. These progresses follow the previous technical investigations around noise reduction, miniaturization at low voltage and the integration of MSPA modules [2]. In this paper two rotary piezo motors are presented: The first one is a macro size MSPA based on APA40SM. It is developed to work under nuclear environment: operational temperature up to 70 degrees, vacuum, 5 Tesla magnetic field and high radiation fields (3,5 kGy/hour gamma radiation power and 500 Mn/(cm².second) neutron radiation power). The second is a micro size MSPA based on APA30uXS. This motor is used for embedded application such as nonmagnetic shutter.

High Power Synthetic Jet Actuator (SJA) based on compact piezoelectric actuators, have been developed and tested by CEDRAT TECHNOLOGIES (CTEC) and ONERA, under French National funding RAPID from DGA. This publication presents the modelling approach with early breadboarding results, the final design chosen for integration onto an aircraft airfoil mock-up, the performance test results on the SJA device prior integration, and the final aerodynamic performance test demonstration achieved at ONERA wind tunnel test facility.

In many in-situ instruments information about the mass of the sample could aid in the interpretation of the data and portioning instruments might require an accurate sizing of the sample mass before dispensing the sample. In addition, on potential sample return missions a method to directly assess the captured sample size would be required to determine if the sampler could return or needs to continue attempting to acquire sample.

The purpose of this paper is to present the development of a novel tip-tilt mechanism, with integrated optics, designed for the JPL Deep Space Optical Communication (DSOC) module of the upcoming Psyche mission (2022 launch). This paper presents the design, assembly and tests of the produced models. Regarding the design phase, an emphasis was put on the mirror calculations to ensure that the required flatness would be maintained after integration, and that the part would withstand the thermal/mechanical environment. The actual optical measurements performed after assembly are also presented. The qualification results for a new alpha-case removal process for titanium parts are presented. Tests results are especially interesting regarding the temperature behavior of the mechanism, impact on the stroke, and strain gage sensor feedback.