Introduction
The space industry has always been at the forefront of technological advancement, pushing the boundaries of what is possible and exploring the unknown. The key to this progress is the development and utilization of advanced sensors, which play a pivotal role in gathering critical data, enhancing safety, and enabling groundbreaking discoveries. Whether you're designing launch vehicles, orbiting modules, or commercial satellites, you can be sure that AMETEK SFMS has the capability to provide you with space-qualified sensors that are trusted by spaceflight companies across the globe. All our sensors for space applications undergo rigorous testing and certification to meet the demands of space travel. When it comes to critical space missions, failure is not an option.
Sensing for the Environment
Space is a harsh and unforgiving environment, and equipping spacecraft with sensors capable of monitoring various parameters is essential for ensuring mission success and crew safety. AMETEK Sensors and Fluid Management Systems space sensors are designed to provide accurate readings in the most demanding environments, capable of reaching outer orbit.
Thin Film Pressure Transducers
For more than two decades, AMETEK's thin film pressure transducers have been at the forefront of space exploration, earning a distinguished heritage in the industry. Renowned for their long-term reliability and exceptional stability, these pressure transducers have become the trademark choice for critical space applications.
AMETEK's success lies in its proprietary state-of-the-art technology based on a sputter-deposited thin film, piezoresistive strain gage sensor bridge. This four-arm Wheatstone Bridge, when activated with an excitation voltage, generates a differential voltage output proportional to the applied pressure. Moreover, temperature-sensitive resistors are integrated into the bridge circuit to ensure precise calibration of the pressure sensor across its required operating temperature range.
Satellites, spacecraft, and interplanetary probes have successfully employed AMETEK's thin film pressure transducers, withstanding the rigors of space environments for over thirty years. One of the key factors contributing to their continued success is the stability exhibited by these transducers, maintaining accuracy better than ±0.10% of full-scale output per year.
This technology ensures unmatched long-term stability, with a maximum annual drift of 0.1% and a cumulative drift not exceeding 1.0%. AMETEK pressure sensors, featuring highly stable MIL-R-39005 compensation resistors and Class S electronics, provide utmost reliability and stability. Additionally, all space qualified transducers undergo stringent screening, minimizing the risk of infant mortality, and no failures of AMETEK's space qualified transducers have caused satellite or launch vehicle losses or delays.
The modular design of AMETEK's thin film transducers allows for customizations to meet specific customer requirements. This means the mechanical pressure fitting and electrical interface can be tailored for each unique application, making AMETEK the preferred choice for a broad variety of space vehicles, including manned and unmanned missions.
SOI Pressure Transducers
Pressure measurement is an important aspect of many Aerospace applications, and the accuracy of such measurements is critical. Our transducers provide an innovative design that offers thermal compensation and analog output while maintaining a small and compact design. The transducers are based on proven SOI pressure sensing technology, which offers high accuracy and stability, making them a reliable choice.
For more information on our SOI Pressure Transducers go here.
Why choose AMETEK SFMS?
Rich Heritage: AMETEK has a strong track record in providing pressure transducers to major launch vehicles in commercial service, including Atlas, Delta, Centaur, Titan, and Ariane.
Proven Performance: The thin-film technology used in the transducers allows them to operate across a wide temperature range, from cryogenic temperatures (-411°F) to very high temperatures (+500°F), with a stringent total error band of ±0.4% Full Scale Output from -250°F to +350°F. These units have demonstrated exceptional long-term stability, remaining functional in communication satellites for over 20 years, and have a Mean Time Between Failure exceeding 350,000 hours.
Extensive Testing and Analysis: The pressure transducers undergo rigorous testing and analysis, including compliance with MIL-STD-461 standards, radiation testing up to 100 kRad, pyrotechnic shock testing exceeding 1200 G, and vibration testing exceeding 75 grms. This ensures their reliability in challenging space environments.
Customization Available: AMETEK offers customization options for their pressure transducers, allowing them to be tailored to specific customer requirements and applications.
Conclusion
The space industry is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and the advancements in sensor technology have been instrumental in shaping its trajectory. From monitoring environmental conditions to aiding navigation, enabling remote sensing, and ensuring the safety of astronauts, sensors have become indispensable tools for space exploration. As technology continues to advance, the development of more sophisticated and capable sensors will undoubtedly unlock new frontiers and fuel our curiosity to explore the cosmos further. The future of space exploration lies in the hands of these remarkable sensors, guiding us towards groundbreaking discoveries and expanding our understanding of the universe.
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