Power & Radio Frequency

The PRF working group focuses on the development and evaluation of advanced technologies and methods in the fields of communication and energy supply. The goal is to create electronic components and subsystems that are not only modular and reconfigurable, but also efficient. We use both commercial and radiation-hard components to achieve a balance between cost and reliability. Our research is complemented by qualification campaigns and in-orbit demonstrations to validate and establish the technologies for use in future space missions.

Fields of research

  • Modular and configurable components: Development of components and subsystems that can be adapted to different missions and spacecraft types. The aim is to increase efficiency and adaptability in energy supply and communication.
  • Gallium arsenide technologies: Focus on improving the performance of power systems through the use of advanced semiconductor materials that enable higher efficiency and better performance under extreme conditions.
  • Reconfigurable communication: Development of flexible communication systems that can perform different functions under software control to improve adaptability and interoperability.
  • High-performance and low-cost hardware in space: Investigation and deployment of cost-effective, high-performance hardware components for use in space to reduce the overall cost of space missions.
  • Optimization of cable harnesses: Development of tools and methods to reduce the complexity and improve the reliability of cable harness structures in spacecraft.
  • Wireless technologies and networks: Researching the application and integration of wireless communication technologies in spacecraft to simplify system architecture and increase flexibility and scalability.

Additional competences

  • EMC & Radiation Testing: Performance of tests to assess the electromagnetic compatibility and radiation resistance of components
  • Subsystem Engineering: Development and integration of subsystems, taking into account cross-system requirements.

Supplementary services

  • Consulting: Expert advice and support in the development of space components and systems.
  • Review Support: Providing expert knowledge to review and evaluate project documentation and designs.

Fields of work & goals

Development of modular and reconfigurable components and subsystems

  • For nano & small satellites: Creating flexible solutions that can be quickly adapted to different mission requirements and satellite sizes.

Development and optimization of innovative components

  • GSDR (Generic Software Defined Radio): Advances in the adaptability and efficiency of communication systems through software control.
  • BEECDU (Bespoke Electrical Energy Conditioning and Distribution Unit): The BEECDU represents a customized solution for power conditioning and distribution in space missions.
  • Use of high-performance and low-cost hardware in space: use of cost-efficient technologies that are nevertheless powerful and reliable.

Support for radiation test campaigns

  • Conducting and supporting radiation tests: Ensuring that the components can withstand the harsh conditions in space.

Optimization of cable harnesses

  • Harness Tool for Harness Management (HarDes): Development of specialized SW tools to simplify harness management.
  • DataOverPower: Integration of data transmission via power lines to reduce the need for separate data cables.

Establishment of wireless technologies and networks

  • Wireless I/Fs: Development and implementation of wireless interfaces for communication within spacecraft.
  • Use of UWB (Ultra-Wideband) and LLDN (Low Latency Deterministic Networks) via InspaWSN: Promotion of UWB for communication and localization as well as the development of protocol stacks for in-spacecraft wireless sensor networks.
  • Standardization: Collaboration on standardization to promote acceptance and application in the space sector.

Contact

Dr. Frank Dannemann

Department Head
German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Insitute of Space Systems
Avionic Systems
Robert-Hooke-Straße 7, 28359 Bremen