NanoSSOC A60 Technical Specifications 2

nanoSSOC-A60
Technical Specification,
Interfaces & Operation
Page: 1 of 15
Version: 1.06
May 2016
nanoSSOC-A60
Sun Sensor for Nano-Satellites
Analog interface
Technical Specification, Interfaces & Operation
Specifications
Two orthogonal axes sun sensor
Wide field of view (FOV): 60
High accuracy in FOV: < 0.5
Precision: < 0.1
Power supply: 3.3V (5V under request)
Reduced size: 27.4 14 5.9 mm
Low weight: 3,7 g
Temperature range: -30 to +85 C
Qualification
> 100 kRad Total Ionizing Dose
Space-grade components
Space qualified internal 4Q sensor
Applications
Low cost satellite attitude determination
Accurate Sun position determination
Satellite solar panel positioning
Attitude Failure Alarm
Satellite positioning in specific trajectory points
Balloons and UAVs control
Nano Sun Sensor on a Chip (nanoSSOC)

is a two-axis low cost sun sensor for high
accurate
sun-tracking
and
attitude
determination. This device measures the
incident light and provides 4 analog
outputs which can be processed to obtain
both azimuth and elevation angles.
nanoSSOC sun sensor is based on MEMS
fabrication processes to achieve high
integrated sensing structures.
Every sensor is individually characterized
and calibrated. The use of materials as
aluminum 6082 minimizes the ageing of
the device under high energy particle
radiation.
nanoSSOC-A60 has minimum size, weight
and power consumption to be the perfect
ADCS solution for nano-satellite platforms
like Cubesats.
Solar MEMS Technologies S.L. | Phone: +34-954460113 | www.solar-mems.com | [email protected]

Parque Empresarial Aerpolis. C/ Early Ovington 24, nave 1, 41309, La Rinconada (Sevilla), SPAIN
nanoSSOC-A60
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Contents
Figures ............................................................................................................................................ 3
Tables .............................................................................................................................................. 3
1.
INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................... 4
2.
2.1.
2.2.
DESIGN REVIEW .................................................................................................................. 4

Technology ............................................................................................................................ 4
Qualification & Flight heritage................................................................................................. 4
3.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ............................................................................................ 5
4.
4.1.
4.2.
4.3.
4.4.
4.5.
4.6.
4.7.
4.8.
MECHANICAL ....................................................................................................................... 6
Material and Surface Treatments ........................................................................................... 6
Labeling ................................................................................................................................. 6
Reference system .................................................................................................................. 6
Mass ...................................................................................................................................... 6
Dimensions ............................................................................................................................ 7
Fastening ............................................................................................................................... 7
Remove Before Flight Items ................................................................................................... 8
Connector gluing .................................................................................................................... 8
5.
5.1.
5.2.
5.3.
5.4.
THERMAL ............................................................................................................................. 9
Material Characteristics .......................................................................................................... 9
Contact Area .......................................................................................................................... 9
Unit Temperature Range ........................................................................................................ 9
Power Dissipation .................................................................................................................. 9
6.
6.1.
6.2.
6.3.
6.4.
ELECTRICAL ...................................................................................................................... 10
Power supply ....................................................................................................................... 10
Inrush current ....................................................................................................................... 10
Connector and harness ........................................................................................................ 10
Pin Description ..................................................................................................................... 11
7.
7.1.
7.2.
7.3.
OPTICAL ............................................................................................................................. 12
Calibration ............................................................................................................................ 12
Spectral Responsivity ........................................................................................................... 13
Look-up Table ...................................................................................................................... 13
8.
PACKING, HANDLING AND STORAGE ............................................................................. 14
9.
WARRANTY ........................................................................................................................ 15

nanoSSOC-A60
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Figures
Fig 1. nanoSSOC-A60 sun sensor device ........................................................................................................... 4
Fig 2. Labeling ..................................................................................................................................................... 6
Fig 3. Angles reference ....................................................................................................................................... 6
Fig 4. Dimensions ................................................................................................................................................ 7
Fig 5. Cubesat bracket example .......................................................................................................................... 7
Fig 6. Inrush current........................................................................................................................................... 10
Fig 7. Connector pin numbering ........................................................................................................................ 11
Fig 8. Photodiodes voltages obtained from the sun sensor calibration ............................................................. 12
Fig 9. nanoSSOC-A60 calibration function ........................................................................................................ 12
Fig 10. Spectral Responsivity. ........................................................................................................................... 13
Tables
Table 1. General specifications ........................................................................................................................... 5
Table 2. Electrical Characteristics ..................................................................................................................... 10
Table 3. Pin description ..................................................................................................................................... 11
Responsibility exemption:
Solar MEMS has checked the concordance of this document with the described software and hardware.
However, as it is impossible to exclude deviations, Solar MEMS is not liable for full concordance. Solar
MEMS reviews this document periodically. If necessary, possible corrections will be included in the next
version.
Solar MEMS is not liable for the correct operation of the system if the user does not follow the instructions of
this document or use replacement parts that are not covered by this guarantee.

nanoSSOC-A60
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1. INTRODUCTION
This user manual presents a brief description for a correct use of the sun sensor called
nanoSSOC-A60 and provides information about the operating principle, design, interfaces, and operations of
the device. Instructions and recommendations are also included for operator handling and other relevant
activities with the sun sensor.
Fig 1. nanoSSOC-A60 sun sensor device
Besides this specification document, the sun sensor is delivered with a certificate of conformance. For
further assistance in design, interfacing, or sensor operation, Solar MEMS Technologies can offer a dedicated
quotation for product support based on each customer specific requirements.
2. DESIGN REVIEW
2.1.
Technology
nanoSSOC-A60 uses four silicon photodiodes monolithically integrated, including a transparent glass
on the same silicon die to act as a shield to prevent space radiation damage. nanoSSOC device fabrication
combines microelectronics technology with a high efficiency solar cell fabrication process, leading to small
area and low weight device. All materials used in the silicon sensor fabrication process are compatible with
space requirements in terms of thermal and vibration resistance, and low degasification.
The printed circuit board with the electronics and the solar sensor is packaged in an anodized and
alodined aluminum box to attenuate the influence of the outer-space radiation effect. The layout of the
electronic components has been determined according to its functionality and maximizing their protection
against high energy particle radiation. Electronics assembly has been done considering the special
requirements demanded by space applications.
2.2.
Qualification & Flight heritage
nanoSSOC-A60 sensing element has been developed following the same proprietary MEMS
technology than other SSOC devices from Solar MEMS Technologies: SSOC-D60 and SSOC-A60. Its flight
heritage includes around 30 SSOC units in more than 10 missions, orbiting since 2009.
All electronic components inside nanoSSOC-A60 are space-grade, except for the internal COTS
microcontroller, which has flight heritage and has been tested showing a correct working up to 30 kRad TID.
SSOC technology has been qualified in the frame of different tests, including radiation (absorbed dose
and proton beam), random vibration, shock response, outgassing, thermal and EMC. For a detailed
description of qualification test campaign and proof of heritage, please contact with Solar MEMS.

nanoSSOC-A60
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3. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Parameter
Value
Comments
Sensor type
2 axes
Orthogonal.
Field of view (FOV)
60
Angular size of the view cone
Accuracy
< 0.5
3 error
Precision
< 0.1
Supply voltage
3.3 V
Angles reading
Electrical
Average consumption
< 0.1 mA
Average consumption
< 2 mA
5V under request
Dark
2
Light: 1360 W/m , AM0
Thermal
Temperature range
- 30 to +85 C
Mechanical
Dimensions (L W H)
Weight
Mount holes
Connector
Housing
27.4 14 5.9 mm
3,7 g
M2.5 x2
DF13A-10DP-1.25V(55)
Aluminum 6082
From Hirose
Alodine 1200S (ECSS-Q-70-71)
Black anodized (ECSS-Q-ST-70-03C)
Qualification
Total ionizing dose
Beam energy
> 100 kRad

6 MeV
Random vibration
14,1g @ 20-2000 Hz
Shock
3000 g @ 1-100 ms
Gamma radiation
Proton beam
Table 1. General specifications

nanoSSOC-A60
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4. MECHANICAL
4.1. Material and Surface Treatments
nanoSSOC-A60 case is made of 6082 aluminum to attenuate the influence of the outer-space radiation.
It is black-anodized according to the ECSS-Q-ST-70-03C (MIL-A-8625 type II class 2, hard black anodize),
excepting the contact surface which is subjected to alodine 1200S for space applications (ECSS-Q-70-71). It
includes a staircase-shaped aperture to collect the light with an angle of 120 (60).
4.2.
Labeling
For traceability purposes, each nanoSSOC-A60 sun sensor has a unique serial number, which is
milled on its case. The serial number follows this format: NAXXXX, where XXXX is a number between 0000
and 9999. It can be seen in the following picture:
Fig 2. Labeling
4.3.
Reference system
With XA, YA, ZA coordinate system as the sensor angles references, the angle and angle specify
the angular position of the incident sun ray inside the field of view of nanoSSOC-A60 (Fig 3). Both angles are
provided in degrees.
Fig 3. Angles reference
4.4.
Mass
nanoSSOC-A60 mass is 3.7g

nanoSSOC-A60
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4.5. Dimensions
nanoSSOC dimensions are 43 x 14 x 5,9 mm (With the connector protruding 1,9mm). The following
figure shows all the relevant dimensions of nanoSSOC-A60. All dimensions are in mm.
Fig 4. Dimensions
4.6. Fastening
nanoSSOC-A60 has two M2.5 threaded mounting holes. As can be seen in Fig 4, the distance between
the centers of the two holes is 22.400.02 mm. For fastening the sensor at the two precision holes and assure
the alignment, it is recommended the use of M2.5 threaded countersunk screws. Recommended minimum
and maximum torque levels are 0.65 Nm and 0.86 Nm respectively. The choice of recommended fasteners as
well as torque levels ensures appropriate sensor alignment.
nanoSSOC-A60 can be fastened directly to the satellite or using an adaptor. Solar MEMS can provide
an adaptor specially designed for placing a nanoSSOC-A60 between two units of most commons Cubesat
structures. It can be seen in Fig 5.
Custom brackets can be designed and manufactured by Solar MEMS under request.
Fig 5. Cubesat bracket example

nanoSSOC-A60
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4.7. Remove Before Flight Items

nanoSSOC-A60 precision can be affected by dust particles. For that reason they have a protective
kapton film that must be kept during integration operations. For normal operation of the sensor it must be
removed.
4.8. Connector gluing

nanoSSOC-A60 has been subjected to vibration test with successful and during this test the connector
was unglued to test it reliability. However, once finished all the integration tasks and just before launch, it is
recommended to assure the connector by gluing it with some space approved epoxy.
Another recommendation is to insert in the connector all the terminals even if they are not going to be
used. It ensures the maximum strength in the connector mechanical connection.

nanoSSOC-A60
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5. THERMAL
5.1. Material Characteristics
The aluminum housing has been black-anodized according to the ECSS-Q-ST-70-03C. Black anodized
emission and refraction coefficients are the following:
0.935
0.855
5.2. Contact Area

2
Contact area of nanoSSOC-A60 is 297 mm on top-side and 130 mm on bottom-side. Direct contact
areas are the main dissipation way for the unit.
5.3. Unit Temperature Range

nanoSSOC-A60 temperature range is -30C to +85C.
5.4. Power Dissipation

The unit power dissipation is <7mW.

nanoSSOC-A60
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6. ELECTRICAL
6.1.
Power supply
nanoSSOC-A60 electrical characteristics are summarized in the following table. Electrical behavior of
the sensor has been measured using AM0 filter with solar light spectrum of 1360 W/m2 at ambient
temperature and normal incidence.
Symbol
VDD
Parameter
Supply voltage
Absolute Maximums
Recommended
Current consumption
Min
Typical
Max
Unit
3.00
3.25
-
3.3*
2
3.60
3.35
-
V
V
mA
Table 2. Electrical Characteristics
*nanoSSOC-A60 sun sensors accuracy is guaranteed in the 3.00V to 3.60V range. However, supply
voltage should be precisely tuned to 3.3V to achieve the best sensor performance. 5V version under request.
6.2.
Inrush current
In the following figure it can be seen the inrush current plot of nanoSSOC-A60.
Fig 6. Inrush current
6.3. Connector and harness

nanoSSOC-A60 uses a micro-connector with 10 contacts installed on the bottom of the sensor. This
connector is a DF13A-10DP-1.25V(55), 2-row male connector straight with fixing, suitable for space
applications and with flight heritage (refer to manufacturer for more information).
The connector for platform side is a Hirose DF13-10DS-1.25C, 2-row female connector crimp gauge.
It is recommended to use a space-grade adhesive to secure the fixed connectors.

nanoSSOC-A60
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Solar MEMS delivers interface cable under request. We recommend the use of a cable harness
composed of AWG-26 to AWG-30 wire gauge for the individual wires, and a cable length shorter than 1.5 m.
Grounding shall be at one point only. The sensor has no direct connection between the negative
supply and the chassis (electrically isolated).
6.4. Pin Description

The pin numbering of connector is described in the following figure:
Fig 7. Connector pin numbering
The electrical signals of the sun sensor are detailed in the following table:
Pin
Signal
Description
Type
SSB-3
SSB-1
3V3
GND
GND
GND
GND
Chassis
SSB-4
SSB-2
Photodetector 3
Photodetector 1
Supply voltage
Ground
Ground
Ground
Ground
Connection to chassis
Photodetector 4
Photodetector 2
Analog output
Analog output
3.3V
Power
Power
Power
Power
Analog output
Analog output
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Table 3. Pin description

nanoSSOC-A60
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7. OPTICAL
7.1.
Calibration
In order to guarantee the best accuracy, every sun sensor is individually tested and characterized,
and a unique look-up table is included with each sensor. A ground calibration of the sensor is carried out to
compensate all manufacturing tolerances and misalignment respect to the sensor positional reference.
Calibration procedure consists in the use of a High-Accurate Angular Positioning System (HAAPS),
which is necessary to achieve high precision calibration curves. The HAAPS has been specifically developed
by Solar MEMS for this purpose. The calibration process is carried out with the standard AM0 irradiance
2
(1360 W/m ).
As an example of the calibration results, the surface resulting from the outputs corresponding to each
photodiode cell for each defined angular position in both orthogonal axes within the sensor field of vision is as
follows:
V4
V2
2.5
2.5
1.5
1.5
1
50
50
0
-50
-60
-20
-40
20
40
60
0
-50
-60
V1
-40
-20
20
40
60
V3
2.5
2.5
1.5
1.5
1
50
50
0
-50
-60
-20
-40
20
40
60
0
-50
-60
-40
-20
20
40
60
Fig 8. Photodiodes voltages obtained from the sun sensor calibration
Proprietary software characterizes and post-processes the response of the unit and generates the
corresponding calibration tables. Following figure illustrates an example of a sun sensor calibration function
obtained in the calibration process. Sensor calibration is performed at Solar MEMS Clean Room class ISO 8.
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
-0.2
-0.4
50
0
-50
-60
-40
-20
20
40
60
Fig 9. nanoSSOC-A60 calibration function

nanoSSOC-A60
7.2.
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Spectral Responsivity
nanoSSOC-A60 spectral responsivity range is from 380 nm to about 1200 nm. The light transmittance
of the Borofloat used for the window presents an optical transmittance approximately of 90% in the
380-1200 nm range. The electrical behavior of the sensor photodiodes has been measured using AM0 filter
with solar light spectrum of 1366 W/m2 at ambient temperature (25C) and normal incidence. The spectral
responsivity in the 380-1200nm range is show in the following picture.
Fig 10. Spectral Responsivity.
7.3.
Look-up Table
Each sun sensor delivered includes its own calibration data that Solar MEMS gives to the customer in
the following ways:
Spreadsheet file, including:

o Reference information.
o Raw data.
o Calculated sensor response curves.
Two C code files:
o Library that includes a function to calculate the angles according to the output
voltages. This function includes the full algorithm.
o Matrixes with raw data of the calibration of the sensor and other information to be
used by the library.

nanoSSOC-A60
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8. PACKING, HANDLING AND STORAGE

nanoSSOC-A60 packing to the end customer is carried out by skilled operators of Solar MEMS
Technologies in the clean room complex (class 10000, temp 23 2C). Operators involved with packing follow
the standard environment and handling precautions. Devices are individually packed in antistatic plastic bags
protected from ESD. These bags carry the serial number of each product, and are hermetically sealed. The
sealed bags are further packed in an appropriate box, surrounded by shock-absorbing soft foam, correctly
labeled and suitable for air and road transport. The delivery will be associated with the following documents:
-
Certificate of Conformity.
Test report with the calibration results.
Look-up table raw data in a spreadsheet file.
Library of C codes, including the raw data and the angle calculation algorithm.
Qualification Status document.
The unpacking of nanoSSOC-A60 shall take place in a controlled environment by skilled operators.
The items under treatment are delicate and high-reliability optical and electronic instruments, which require
handling with the most care.
Storage of the device may take place in an anti-static plastic bag. For long-term periods, it shall be
stored in a controlled cleanroom environment. The package shall be maintained in a controlled environment
with a temperature in the range of 15 to 25 C. The relative humidity shall be between 40% and 65%.
During device handling gloves shall be worn by the personnel, as well as the clothing required for the
environment. The operator shall be grounded by an electrically conductive wrist-strap to minimize the risk of
damage by electro-static discharges. The total allowable number of connects / disconnects on the connector
itself shall be limited to 50. The sensor window surface shall never be touched.
If in spite of the precautions nanoSSOC-A60 package requires cleaning, the operator can use dry
nitrogen gas to remove particle contamination. The maximum allowable pressure of the dry nitrogen gas flow
leaving the pistol is 1 bar. If blowing is insufficient, the particular surface may be wiped with a wetted nylon
woven cloth with isopropyl alcohol (IPA), or a cotton wool stick.

nanoSSOC-A60
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Version: 1.06
May 2016
9. WARRANTY
Solar MEMS Technologies S.L. warrants nanoSSOC-A60 sun sensor to the original consumer
purchaser any product that is determined to be defective for the following terms will be repaired, or replaced.
The limited warranty is 2 years from the date of purchase:
The product in question must be sent to Solar MEMS Technologies S.L. (address is shown below)
within the warranty period and the original consumer purchaser must comply with the following
conditions to be eligible for repair or replacement under this warranty:
The product must not have been modified or altered in any way by an unauthorized source.
The product must have been installed in accordance with the installation instructions and
handled and stored following the technical specification interfaces & operation document
recommendations.
This limited warranty does not cover:
Damage due to improper installation.

Accidental or intentional damages.
Misuse, abuse, corrosion, or neglect.
Product impaired by severe conditions, such as excessive wind, ice, storms, lightning strikes
or other natural occurrences.
Damage due to improper packaging on return shipment.
Any and all labor charges for troubleshooting, removal or replacement of the product are not covered
by this warranty and will not be honored by Solar MEMS Technologies S.L.
Return shipping to Solar MEMS Technologies S.L. must be pre-paid by the original consumer
purchaser. Solar MEMS Technologies S.L. will pay the normal return shipping charges to original
consumer purchaser within the European Union countries only.
Address of Solar MEMS Technologies S.L.

Solar MEMS Technologies S.L.
Parque Empresarial Aerpolis
C/ Early Ovington 24, nave 1
C.P. 41309 La Rinconada (Sevilla) Spain
e-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.solar-mems.com
Phone: (+34) 954 460 113
Solar MEMS Technologies has a quality and environment management system

according to the ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards.
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nanoSSOC-A60

Nano Sun Sensor on a Chip (nanoSSOC)

Solar MEMS Technologies S.L. | Phone: +34-954460113 | www.solar-mems.com | [email protected]

DESIGN REVIEW .................................................................................................................. 4

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ............................................................................................ 5

PACKING, HANDLING AND STORAGE ............................................................................. 14

Solar MEMS Technologies S.L. | Phone: +34-954460113 | www.solar-mems.com | [email protected]

Solar MEMS Technologies S.L. | Phone: +34-954460113 | www.solar-mems.com | [email protected]

Fig 1. nanoSSOC-A60 sun sensor device

Qualification & Flight heritage

Solar MEMS Technologies S.L. | Phone: +34-954460113 | www.solar-mems.com | [email protected]

Field of view (FOV)

Angular size of the view cone

Light: 1360 W/m , AM0

> 100 kRad

Table 1. General specifications

Solar MEMS Technologies S.L. | Phone: +34-954460113 | www.solar-mems.com | [email protected]

Fig 3. Angles reference

Solar MEMS Technologies S.L. | Phone: +34-954460113 | www.solar-mems.com | [email protected]

Fig 5. Cubesat bracket example

Solar MEMS Technologies S.L. | Phone: +34-954460113 | www.solar-mems.com | [email protected]

4.7. Remove Before Flight Items

4.8. Connector gluing

Solar MEMS Technologies S.L. | Phone: +34-954460113 | www.solar-mems.com | [email protected]

5.2. Contact Area

5.3. Unit Temperature Range

5.4. Power Dissipation

Solar MEMS Technologies S.L. | Phone: +34-954460113 | www.solar-mems.com | [email protected]

Table 2. Electrical Characteristics

Fig 6. Inrush current

6.3. Connector and harness

Solar MEMS Technologies S.L. | Phone: +34-954460113 | www.solar-mems.com | [email protected]

6.4. Pin Description

Fig 7. Connector pin numbering

Table 3. Pin description

Solar MEMS Technologies S.L. | Phone: +34-954460113 | www.solar-mems.com | [email protected]

Fig 8. Photodiodes voltages obtained from the sun sensor calibration

Fig 9. nanoSSOC-A60 calibration function

Solar MEMS Technologies S.L. | Phone: +34-954460113 | www.solar-mems.com | [email protected]

Fig 10. Spectral Responsivity.

Spreadsheet file, including:

Solar MEMS Technologies S.L. | Phone: +34-954460113 | www.solar-mems.com | [email protected]

8. PACKING, HANDLING AND STORAGE

Solar MEMS Technologies S.L. | Phone: +34-954460113 | www.solar-mems.com | [email protected]

Damage due to improper installation.

Address of Solar MEMS Technologies S.L.

Solar MEMS Technologies has a quality and environment management system

Solar MEMS Technologies S.L. | Phone: +34-954460113 | www.solar-mems.com | [email protected]

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