QuadSat-PnPâ„¢ uses a very advanced self-configuring power subsystem compatible with Plug-and-Play and bus redundancy. The power subsystem combines data and power with Latch-Up Current Limiting (LCL) protection of downstream users.

Figure 1 illustrates how payloads and subsystems are rapidly integrated through standardized Plug-and-Play (PnP) blocks for power and data. The bottom tray holds the PnP manager (either a Ã…AC RTU v2.0â„¢ or a RTU "lite"â„¢) and the Main Power Distribution Unit (MPDU). The second tray, illustrated at the top holds a Distributed Power Control Unit (DPCU) which distributes data according to PnP protocol and power. Depending on the Bus type, the DPCU would be a DCPU-144 (SPA-1), DPCU-U14 (SPA-U), or DPCU-S (SPA-S). The DPCU is automatically detected by the PnP manager and configured in such way that the PnP manager can switch on/off the payloads connected to the DPCU. Each payload or subsystem is required to have a RTU device or to have a PnP/SPAready compatible IP included. The PnP Manager can automatically detect tripped LCLs in the DPCU and take appropriate actions.

Figure 1. Illustration of Plug-and-Play (PnP) integration using Ã…AC Distributed Power Control Units (DPCU) and devices from RTU family.

Ã…AC Microtec also support Virtual Satellite Integration (VSI) which allows users to assemble spacecraft over large distances without having to distribute engineering models of the full vehicle or to distribute updated software. This is acheived through a tool called Ã…AC Virtual Satellite Integration Equipment "SPISE" which virtualizes the PnP harness and provides both power and PnP data transported over ethernet using TCP/IP or UDP packets. This allows virtual integration over internet or intranets.

Figure 2 illustrates VSI between a QuadSat-PnPâ„¢ tray with a PnP manager and a general payload or subsystem tray. The SPISE tool provides the power for the payload or subsystem while data is transported over ethernet.

Figure 2. Illustration of QuadSat-PnPâ„¢ Virtual Satellite Integration (VSI) using Ã…AC "SPISE" tool.