Implementation of COTS components for CubeSat applications

This paper describes the design and testing of the power and communication subsystems for a 2U-dass CubeSat. CubeSats have become popular for low cost and short lifetime experiments. A CubeSat requires a robust power system architecture, as well as an efficient communication topology to maintain the data link. CubeSats are powered by solar energy, and utilize batteries of a high charge density, usually Li-Ion, to store the extra energy. Newer technology in COTS allows highly efficient switching regulators with integrated switches to be used for reducing the footprint and minimizing heat dissipation. The availability of highly integrated transceiver modules eases system design with respect to communications.