Space Systems – Motor Drive

Ruggedized, high-precision brushless DC (BLDC) motors are critical for the wide range of robotics and automated instrumentation used in space missions. Reaction wheels, essential for satellite attitude control, rely on precise motor speed regulation to maintain orientation and enable repositioning in orbit.

Radiation-hardened GaN power devices and solutions enable the compact size, light weight, and precision control required by these systems, while maintaining reliable operation in harsh radiation environments.

By enabling higher switching frequencies with lower losses, GaN technology significantly improves motor drive performance, supporting the miniaturization and efficiency requirements of modern space platforms, including CubeSats and deep-space robotics.

Why GaN?

  • Improved precision
    Higher switching frequency and reduced dead-time distortion enable finer current control, improving positioning accuracy in reaction wheels and robotic systems
  • Smaller size / lower weight
    Reduced switching losses and higher frequency operation minimize passive components and enable more compact motor drive designs
  • Faster response
    High slew rates and fast switching transitions allow rapid torque and speed control, critical for dynamic satellite positioning
  • Lower torque ripple
    Improved current waveform quality reduces torque ripple, enhancing stability and reducing mechanical stress
  • Lower EMI
    Cleaner switching behavior and reduced parasitics help minimize electromagnetic interference, simplifying system integration