Analysis on the Grounding Architecture of a Technology Demonstrator Vehicle

ABSTRACT

In launch vehicles, Inter system and intra system interfaces exist among various onboard avionic modules. In addition to that, the on-board systems are interfaced to ground checkout system also which is yet another complex system. Isolation of grounds is an important concept in launch vehicle avionics system integration and design. Understanding ground loops and chassis potential is essential for achieving accuracy in measurements and prevention of failure propagation. This paper is a study of the grounding architecture of a Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (TDV). For this purpose, simulation models of on-board and checkout systems have been generated in ORCAD PSPICE. An attempt is made to understand the causes of chassis potential and ground loops. Monitoring networks are analyzed to determine its robustness against ground potential lift. The paper also discusses the grounding-related issues faced during the testing TDV and the methods adopted to overcome them.

KEYWORDS:

• Electromagnetic compatibility
• Grounding

Additional information

Notes on contributors

P. Aziya Nizin

P Aziya Nizin received BTech in Avionics from Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology in the year 2013. She joined Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre as Scientist/Engineer in the same year. Currently, she is involved in the system design and electrical integration of launch vehicle avionic systems.

Antony P.P.

Antony P P is a graduate in electronics & communication engineering from College of Engineering, Trivandrum. Presently, he is working in the system engineering & vehicle integration group of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre. Email: [email protected]

R. G. Harikumar Warrier

R G Harikumar Warrier graduated in Electronics and communication engineering from the College of Engineering, Trivandrum, in the year 1985. He joined Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in the year 1988 as Electrical Integration Engineer. His significant contributions includes system engineering, design and realization of ISRO's launch vehicles namely, PSLV, GSLV MK II, GSLV MK III & experimental mission of reusable launch vehicle. Email: [email protected]

Shooja A.

Shooja A graduated in applied electronics and instrumentation from College of Engineering, Trivandrum in 1986. He joined Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC). the same year as Electrical Integration Engineer. His significant contributions are in the field of system engineering, avionics system integration and testing of ISRO's launch vehicles namely ASLV, PSLV, GSLV and LVM3. Email: [email protected]