Reliable, Lightweight, Low Cost, and Volume Efficient Electrical Circuitry Development that Facilitates Integration and Checkout for the Space Trackin

To facilitate faster assembly and improve the reliability of STSS satellites, Williams-Pyro, Inc. (WPI) proposes to develop a Multifunctional Flex cable, "MultiFlex." MultiFlex reconfigures cabling to improve the way cables are used in aerospace systems. MultiFlex consists of integrated micro-interconnects shielded by simple, low-cost, multi-layer EMI shielding for high data rate (e.g., USB 2.0). MultiFlex will be integrated with VLSI electronics to allow low-bandwidth communications on existing power distribution networks, which reduces satellite cabling and minimizes satellite volume and mass. More importantly, MultiFlex will have a built-in test feature with health indicators (LEDs), which significantly reduces touch labor and time for cable check out during satellite integration. MultiFlex offers the following distinct advantages over existing cabling configurations: (1) Highly integrated, flexible, low volume and mass; (2) Low cost, reliable, easy to fabricate and install; (3) Built-in test capability with health indicators; and (4) Integrated power line communication (PLC) technology.