CubeSat Test Solutions — Test Smarter, In‑House (1U–3U)

Boost efficiency, reduce cost and mitigate risk with PCB Piezotronics. Hermetically sealed low‑outgassing accelerometers and cables, three‑component force sensors, and 1U–3U fixtures/shakers enable reliable, accurate, repeatable in‑house vibration testing for space‑ready performance.

Why it matters

• Run acceptance/qualification and development tests in‑house, shorten lead‑times, and cut external lab costs.
• Protect flight hardware by controlling input force (Force‑Limited Vibration) rather than acceleration alone.
• Preserve TVAC chamber cleanliness and data fidelity with low‑outgassing, hermetic signal chains.

System overview

1. CubeSat fixture: Modal‑Pod™ Model 2000X15 mounts 1U/2U/3U in vertical or horizontal orientation; designed to interface directly with the Model 2500E platform shaker.
2. Shaker: Model 2500E platform shaker (500 lbf pk sine) with optional head expander/horizontal table for orientation flexibility.
3. Sensors: Low‑outgassing triaxial accelerometers (ICP® and charge) with low‑outgassing cables; optional ground‑isolated variants for EMC/TVAC.
4. Force‑limiting: Three‑component quartz force rings/links (260 Series) at the interface to limit loads to flight‑representative levels.

Core components for CubeSat Testing

Low outgassing accelerometers and cables

Three‑component force sensors

260 Series force sensors are available in both ICP® and charge versions. They require a defined preload for correct operation and are designed to enable Force-Limited Vibration (FLV) testing, ensuring safe and accurate measurement of dynamic forces.

Fixtures & shakers

• Modal‑Pod™ 2000X15: standardised CubeSat mounting for 1U/2U/3U. (https://www.pcb.com/products?m=2000×15 )
• Model 2500E shaker: 6‑inch platform, up to 500 lbf pk sine; compatible with head expanders and horizontal tables.

Typical workflow

• Acceptance/Qualification (sine & random): Mount on 2000X15 + 2500E; use 3‑axis force ring(s) for FLV and triax accelerometers on structure.
• TVAC vibration: Deploy low‑outgassing accelerometers and cables with hermetic feed‑throughs to maintain chamber cleanliness and stable calibration.
• Sub‑assemblies/boards: Use smaller shakers or the same 2500E with head expander/horizontal table as needed.

Key benefits for CubeSat teams

• Reduce over‑test risk with force‑limiting
• Repeatable set‑ups via standard 1U–3U fixturing
• Low‑noise measurements for micro‑vibration
• Clean TVAC operation (materials selected for low TML/CVCM)
• Rapid changeover between vertical/horizontal tests

Request a visit from a local engineer

Let’s review your assets and objectives on-site: book an onsite meeting and application review.