Cedrat Technologies, innovation in mechatronics

Piezo actuators are commonly used within Fast Steering Mirrors (FSM) for active stabilization, pointing and tracking functions. Such compact mechanisms are requested for Free-Space Optics and Deep Space Optical Communication since they are embedded and offer fast (up to 1kHz) and precise (µRad) tip tilt motion (up to +/-2°). The use of large amplified actuator within mirror telescope is new and become relevant since it displays enough power, reliability and do not fall apart when a failure occurs: steady state design with high stiffness 64N/µm. The purpose of this paper is to present the development and the qualification of the world largest Amplified Piezo Actuator ever integrated in a telescope tip-tilt mirror of more than 2 meters diameter.

Micro-switches are frequently used in Space mechanisms to provide telemetry or to provide positive indication of the achievement of a desired position or function such as open, close, ready-to-latch, latched, end of travel, reference position, and for different mechanism applications. Current switches that rely on electro-mechanical technology are not very reliable and are sensitive to mounting orientation, to thermal gradients, and have a limited number of operational cycles, which is a problem for long life application, launch vibrations and shocks loads.

In this publication CEDRAT TECHNOLOGIES (CTEC) presents the design and test results of the P-FSM150S Pointing Ahead Mechanism (PAM) and M-FSM45 Fast Steering Mirror (FSM) Engineering Models, developed under ARTES project TELCO-B for future FSO constellations. The specific cost-efficient hardware design is presented, dedicated to very large quantities to be manufactured, together with the performance test results over a preliminary batch of EM’s production.

This paper focuses on the design of the bistable energy harvester based on a patented solution invented by the SYMME / USMB laboratory and using Amplified Piezoelectric Actuator (APA®) technology. A preliminary prototype is developed considering the lifetime and mechanical limitations. Experimental results are also given for swept sine and random vibration.

New space giant constellations based on Free-Space Optical Communication (FSO) are a new challenge from many perspectives. Considering the mandatory cost efficiency, with repeatability of performances, and reliability with no defect at customer integration, requires an upheaval in space production and acceptance test methods, when the quantities are beyond several thousands of units. Starting from the former PYSCHE PAM30 flight project heritage for Deep Space Optical Communication (DSOC), CEDRAT TECHNOLOGIES (CTEC) presents the new design and test results of the P-FSM150S Fast Steering Mirror (FSM) Engineering Models, developed under ARTES project TELCO-B for future FSO constellations.

Piezoelectric motors offer many advantages for applications in numerous industrial sectors. The requirements for which these solutions are developed are focused on their main advantages such as non-magnetic and radiation compatibility, high force/volume ratio, good unpowered stall force and low power consumption. Such applications are typically concerned by exotic working conditions on which the piezoelectric motors still need to improve regarding the technological readiness level.

The MICA linear actuator technology (Moving Iron Controllable Actuator) is being continuously improved at CEDRAT TECHNOLOGIES (CTEC) for applications needing high controllable stroke, force, and power. The MICA20CS Proof Mas Actuator is a new actuator model, which is now completing the CTEC Proof Mass Actuator family together with the MICA300CM.