Fin Actuation Systems

fin_actuation_systemMBDA designs and optimizes Fin Actuation Systems with respect to thermal behaviour, environmental conditions, available power supplies and available space envelopes. The complete development cycle is mastered in house and various simulation models are employed to analyse the requirements for new actuation systems and to minimize the risks of development.

System characteristics

  • Designed for high reliability in military applications
  • Optimized testability by extensive self-test functions
  • Designed for low maintenance effort and long life cycle
  • Use of brushless motors
  • Use of contactless angular measurement systems
  • Fully digital control loops
  • Optimized drive trains with various gearing principles
  • Full development cycle mastered in house
  • Experience with high power density systems
  • Proven competitive development cost
  • Low risk due to re-use of qualified components

Drive trains & gears

MBDA has experience with multiple gearing principles. For a new application the optimum gearing principle and transmission ratio is selected with respect to backlash, accuracy, environmental, linearity and power supply requirements derived from system requirements.

Power electronics

Several classes of power electronics are available in the range of 50W up to 10kW. They can be used off-the-shelf or can be adapted for optimum space envelope use in a new system.

Signal processing boards

The signal processing boards use digital technology as far as appropriate; the analog-digital conversion of the angle sensor signals is performed here. The main architecture elements are state-of-the-art Digital Signal Processors (DSP), Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLD) and  Digital Analog Converters(DAC).

Integral structures

The integral structure holds all components and allows the system to be tested as a complete unit. It is designed to withstand the insertion of counter-torque of hinge moment and lateral forces. It acts as a heatsink for the dissipation heat of the motors and the power electronics. It is also used as an electromagnetic shield for the components of the actuation system.

Control algorithms & software

A cascaded controller is used to control position, velocity, acceleration and current within the system. The patented current control loop design allows optimized use of available power supplies. To achieve maximum control loop dynamics, very short sample times have been implemented.