A.2.2.5 Sensor Selection *
A.2.2.5 Sensor Selection
An important part of fulfilling system requirements and reducing the system failure rate includes the implementation of a variety of different sensors. We have identified pressure sensors, thermal sensors, force sensors, and flow sensors as being the four most important types. Each of these senses and transmits data, allowing for an accurate assessment of the overall health of the launch vehicle. While sensor prices and features are included in this section, control mechanisms for managing the systems they are used on were determined to be beyond the scope of this project.
The avionics team has decided to use non-space-rated sensors in the design of our launch vehicle due to the analysis and information presented in Section A.2.2.1. Table A.2.2.5.1 shows typical price values for these non-space-rated sensors.
Table A.2.2.5.1 Non-space-rated sensors
Sensor type / Part number / Manufacturer / Unit priceThermal / TS3-85 / Cantherm / $10.29
Pressure / 2000260 / Measurement Specialties Inc. / $104.06
Flow / 26616 / Gems Sensors, Inc. / $154.95
Force / FSS1500NSR / Honeywell Sensing and Control / $46.56
We have budgeted $789.65 to account for the sensors on our vehicle. Included in this estimate are 2 non-space-rated sensors of each type (thermal, pressure, flow, and force) and a safety factor of 1.25 to account for any inaccuracies.
For comparison, Table A.2.2.5.1 shows available pricing information for some typical space-rated sensors.
Table A.2.2.5.2 Space-rated sensors
Sensor type / Part number / Manufacturer / Unit priceThermal / S311-641/04 / Honeywell Sensing and Control / $800
Pressure / PPTR / Honeywell Sensing and Control / $970
Honeywell Sensing and Control is currently one of the largest manufacturers of space-rated avionics. Most other companies, however, note that they can manufacture a space-rated sensor if given complete specifications for the part. Price estimates for specialty parts are not included in this study due to the lack of attainable information.
*NEEDS REFERENCES!!!
Author: Nicole Bryan