Project: Load Switch & Current Monitor PCB

Event: University of Toronto Aerospace Team (UTAT) – 3U CubeSat

Result: Successful fabrication, assembly, and hardware validation

Objective: To design, assemble, and validate a power distribution board capable of intelligently toggling satellite voltage rails while providing real-time telemetry on current, voltage, and power consumption.

Project Description:

• System Architecture & PMBus Integration: The board interfaces with the satellite's on-board computer via the PMBus protocol. This architecture enables precision-controlled switching of individual voltage rails and continuous monitoring of critical power metrics across each dedicated bus to ensure system reliability in orbit.

• Altium Design & Schematic Architecture: The schematic capture and PCB layout were executed in Altium Designer, heavily utilizing advanced hierarchical features. Multi-channel design blocks and the repeat keyword were implemented to efficiently parameterize and replicate identical sub-circuits. The design also leveraged assembly variants for different hardware iterations, bus topologies for multi-signal routing, and layout rooms to streamline physical component placement.

• Testing & Validation: Following fabrication and physical assembly, the board underwent rigorous hardware testing. The PMBus communication lines, load toggling capabilities, and telemetry accuracy were fully validated under simulated load conditions, confirming the system's readiness for integration into the satellite.