Vandenberg, Wayne

Satellites are high complexity devices that require sophisticated test equipment and procedures. Solar Array Simulators are specialized DC power sources designed specifically to emulate the dynamic I-V output characteristics of a real photovoltaic array. This article describes the unique characteristics that should guide the choice of the SAS. The sections of this article describe the characteristics of a solar array, the emulation techniques used by the Agilent E4360 SAS, and considerations for systems integration.