A.2.2.5 Sensor Selection
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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 common 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 group 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 [1] [2] [3] [4]
Sensor type
Thermal
Pressure
Flow
Force
Part number
TS3-85
2000260
26616
FSS1500NSR
Manufacturer
Cantherm
Measurement Specialties Inc.
Gems Sensors, Inc.
Honeywell
Sensing
and
Control
Unit price
$10.29
$104.06
$154.95
$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 spacerated sensors.
Author: Nicole Bryan
A.2.2.5 Sensor Selection
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Table A.2.2.5.2 Space-rated sensors [3]
Sensor type
Thermal
Part number
S311-641/04
Pressure
PPTR
Manufacturer
Unit price
Honeywell Sensing and $800
Control
Honeywell Sensing and
$970
Control
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.
References:
1
"Liquid Level and Interface Sensors." Fluid Components International LLC [online], 2006.
URL: http://www.fluidcomponents.com/Aerospace/Products/LiquidLevel/A_ProdLiquid.asp [cited 26 February
2008].
2
"Sensors by Measurement Specialties." Measurement Specialties, Inc. [online], 2007.
URL: http://www.meas-spec.com/myMeas/default/index.asp [cited 26 February 2008].
3
"Space Applications." Honeywell Aerospace [online], 2007.
URL: http://www.honeywell.com/sites/aero/Space_Solutions.htm [cited 26 February 2008].
“Cantherm Thermal Sensoring Products.” Cantherm-Canadian Thermostats and Control Devices, Inc [online],
2008. URL: http://www.cantherm.com/products/control_thermostats/index.html [cited 26 March 2008].
4
Author: Nicole Bryan