SolarDrive - SADA for Cubesats

SolarDrive is an end-to-end Solar Array Drive Assembly (SADA) developed for cubesats (3U to 16 U). SolarDrive can be used to mechanically and electrically interface with a deployed solar array with up to 3 panels (of 6U size) on each side.
 
Both deployed panels are rotated to point to the sun using a single stepper motor. An absolute encoder is used for closed-loop feedback of the stepper motor for precise control over array position. Electrical power generated by the connected solar panels is transferred using a custom twist capsule FPC.  Firmware and mechanical hard stops limit the rotational range to ±175° from the neutral position.
 
The two output power channels can be interfaced to the EPS. A microcontroller is used to control the motor and can be interfaced with an ADCS or OBC using UART or CAN. A separate I2C channel is used to communicate telemetry from the on-board and panel mounted sensors.