A Wide Dynamic Range Switching Current Regulator for Cost Efficient Magnetic Attitude Control of Nanosatellites

CubeSats are an increasingly popular platform for performing scientific research in space at a low cost. Traditional propulsive or reaction wheel based attitude control systems are complex, expensive, and require a large percentage of the nanosatellite’s volume. In this project, a low cost, low volume magnetic attitude control actuator is presented for CubeSats. The overall design is explored, with a focus on the switch mode wide dynamic range current regulator, which is built using discrete components. Results are presented, including efficiencies in excess of 95%, current set point error of less than 1%, fast and damped step responses, and output voltage ripple below 50 mV peak-to-peak. The cost and volume of the controller compare favorably to available commercial magnetic attitude controllers.Ope