Low Cost, High Efficiency Power Conditioning Unit For Unattended Ground Sensors

SPI has a unique combination of experience in power electronics that will benefit the development of the PCU for Internetted Unattended Ground Sensors (IUGS). We specialize in the development of highly reliable, efficient, compact systems. We have extensive experience in the development of space-use DC-DC converter systems and PCUs for space electric propulsion systems. In dealing with low cost, high volume manufacturing, we have successfully developed and manufactured a converter/limiter for thermoelectric generator. This product outperformed our competitors with its technical performance as well as its low cost. We propose to use our experience to develope a PCU for IUGS that will cost less than $100 for a commercial grade product. This product will be reliable, maintenance free, and output short-circuit protected. If necessary, a power optimization circuit will be incorporated to maximize the power drawn from the sources. In Phase I, we will work with the DARPA technical monitor and other technical staff to study and define the requirements of the PCU. A full scale breadboard unit with built in Phase I to demonstrate the feasibility of the technical approach as well as to provide basis for manufacturing cost estimation. ANTICIPATED BENEFITS: The PCU developed in this program will meet the exact requirements of the DARPA IUGS and therefore will directly benefit the development of the IUGS. Since the power requirement of the sensors and the characteristics of the power sources are very similar to other remote sensors for military or commercial uses, we project a broad range of applications and high volume use of the low cost PCU.