The Power Control and Distribution Unit

Abstract

A Power Control and Distribution Unit (PCDU), traditionally performs the power regulation, control and distribution activities in a satellit. Furthermore, the PCDU is responsible for monitoring and protecting the satellite power bus. Thus, the PCDU is one of the key components on board the satellite together with the OBC. For the overall Combined Data and Power Management Infrastructure (CDPI), additional functionalities were implemented in the PCDU design for system failure handling and reconfiguration. This chapter describes oth the specific PCDU functionality which enable this CDPI concept as well as the standard PCDU functions.