Semiphysical Simulation of Space Inertial Sensor Utilizing Carrier Amplitude Modulation

• Published in: IEEE sensors journal Vol. 25; no. 5; pp. 8407 - 8416
• Main Authors: Liu, Zhihao, Bai, Yanzheng, Hu, Ming, Li, Hongyin, Qu, Shaobo, Tang, Mi, Wang, Chengrui, Wu, Shuchao, Xie, Mengzhe, Yang, Xiaotian, Zhou, Zebing
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York IEEE 01.03.2025; The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE)
• Subjects: Actuation; Algorithms; Amplitude modulation; Background noise; Capacitance; Capacitive sensing; Capacitors; Carrier waves; Closed loops; Electrodes; electrostatic control; Electrostatics; Extraterrestrial measurements; Feedback control; Field programmable gate arrays; Frequency response; Functional testing; Gravitational waves; Inertial sensing devices; Inertial sensors; Integrated circuit modeling; Performance evaluation; performance test; Performance tests; Probes; Satellites; semiphysical simulation; Sensors; Simulation; space inertial sensor; Space vehicles; Step response; Testing
• ISSN: 1530-437X; 1558-1748
• DOI: 10.1109/JSEN.2025.3528520

High-precision space electrostatic inertial sensor is a key payload for applications such as satellite gravity measurement and space gravitational wave detection. Ground-based simulations and performance tests are essential for evaluating the in-orbit performance. Conventional testing uses torsion pendulum or high-voltage suspension to compensate the gravity of the test mass (TM). However, the test precision is limited by environmental noise on the ground. This article proposes a semiphysical simulation platform and an interface design with the capacitive sensing circuit and the electrostatic actuation circuit of the inertial sensor. Real-time simulation of the in-orbit state of the sensitive probe was implemented using field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). Algorithms for the model of TM dynamics, electrode capacitance, and electrostatic actuation have been developed. The interface with the capacitive sensing circuit was designed based on an amplitude-modulated carrier wave applied to a pair of differential capacitors. Calibration tests with the capacitive sensing circuit and the electrostatic actuation model were performed separately. The results indicate that the probe simulation program operates correctly, and the interface circuits are in good accordance with the designed function. Functional tests for the closed-loop system were also conducted, including the step response test and the amplitude-frequency response test. This work provides a novel approach for simulating the in-orbit state of the sensitive probe and testing the performance of high-precision space electrostatic inertial sensor.