Modular Linear-Drive Cryocooler Electronics

Abstract

The Modular Advanced Cryocooler Electronics (MACE) system developed at Iris Technology Corporation combines configurable, high-power motor drives with precision telemetry capability in a design that is amenable to radiation hardening. A Telemetry Aggregation Unit (TAU) located near the cryocooler minimizes attenuation and contamination of sensitive cryocooler feedback by digitizing sensor data locally for transmission back to the controller, while multiple 500 W drive channels in the Main Control Unit (MCU) supply power waveforms at up to 95% efficiency. The modular design concept allows for adding drive cards in the event that additional channels are required or removing drive cards to reduce size, weight, and power. The TAU incorporates up to 14 external sensors with an aggregate data rate of up to 800,000 samples per second, dynamically allocated to any combination of telemetry by the control software. A low cost version of the electronics can be realized by populating with commercial components, or by utilizing an alternate control scheme to reduce the cost of radiation-hard controller components. A brassboard demonstration was performed at Raytheon in which the High Capacity RSP2 (HC-RSP2) cryocooler was driven, with temperature and vibration control loops closed at high power and low cryogenic temperatures. This paper discusses the MACE development, testing, and lessons learned.