Model-based resonance frequency tracking
Micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) is a promising approach to miniaturize aerospace components, resulting in reduction of the payload mass and decrease in the power requirements. Additionally, miniaturized sensors and actuators provide means for extending the capabilities of small satellites and cubesats. Resonant MEMS, the working principle of which relies on the resonant characteristics of vibrating structures, have been proposed for a wide range of sensors (magnetometers [1], accelerometers [2], gyroscopes [3] or atomic oxygen sensing [4]) and actuators (power electronics [5]).
Resonant devices operate more efficient, namely at the highest sensitivity for sensors or the maximum power output for actuators, when driven close to resonance. During normal operation, resonance shifts are common and may come from changes in load, environmental factors or aging of the device. In the case of sensors, resonance shifts may be part of the normal operation of the device; the resonance frequency of the vibrating structure alters in response to the measuring quantity. Therefore, numerical algorithms that track the resonance shift of vibrating structures in real time, allow to improve the sensitivity, transient response and efficiency of such devices.
Project overview
The aim of the current project is to develop a model-based resonance tracking algorithm, extending the widely used but model-free phased-locked loop (PLL) and self-sustained oscillation (SSO) methods. We focus on deriving a simplified mathematical description of vibrating systems, which incorporates resonance shifts in a natural way. The simplified model will serve as the basis for the design of resonance tracking algorithm. We seek to assess the effectiveness of the developed algorithm using theoretical analysis and numerical simulations.
References
- Lamy, Hervé, Innocent Niyonzima, Pierre Rochus, Véronique Rochus. 2010. “A xylophone bar magnetometer for micro/picosatellites.” Acta Astronautica 67 : 793-809
- Aikele, M., K. Bauer, W. Ficker, F. Neubauer, U. Prechtel, J. Schalk, and H Seidel. 2001. “Resonant accelerometer with self-test.” Sensors and Actuators A: Physical 92 (1): 161–167
- Raman, Johan, Edmon Cretu, Pieter Rombouts, and Ludo Weyten. 2009. “A closed-loop digitally controlled MEMS gyroscope with unconstrained sigma-delta force-feedback.” IEEE Sensors 9 (3): 297–305
- Gorreta, Sergi, Joan Pons-Nin, Gema López, Eduard Figueras, Roger Jové-Casulleras, Carles Araguz, Pol Via, Adriano Camps, and Manuel Domínguez-Pumar. 2016. “A CubeSAT payload for in-situ monitoring of pentacene degradation due to atomic oxygen etching in LEO.” Acta Astronautica 126 : 456-462
- Singh, Amit K., Pritam Das, and S.K. Panda. 2014. “High voltage high frequency resonant DC-DC converter for electric propulsion for micro and nanosatellites.” In 36th International Telecommunications Energy Conference (INTELEC) : 1 - 5