Switching shunt regulator and power supply arrangement using same, in particular for spacecraft applications

摘要

A Sequential Shunt Switching Regulation cell [S3R] adapted to connect a power source, such as a solar array panel (SAi), to a users bus (Vbus) under control of a signal (INCTRi). The cell (S3R) comprises a phase anticipator circuit (PAC) adapted to reduce the delay between the moment the control signal is received and the moment the power source is connected to the bus, modifying thereby the hysteresis due to parasitic capacitances of the cell and the solar array. Several such cells are included in a power supply arrangement including a power conditioning and distribution unit (PCDU) comprising also a mean error amplifier (MEA) adapted to detect the voltage (OUTS3R) at the user bus and to provide corresponding control signals to the cells. Owing to the phase anticipator circuits in the cells, double sectioning is avoided. In other words, a power source (SAi) is connected to the bus before the mean error amplifier requires the connection of a second one (SAj).