This Sun Sensor module is designed for fine sun vector detection on a CubeSat using position-sensitive detectors (PSDs). The sensor includes low-noise amplification, real-time processing via an ultra-low-power STM32 microcontroller, and SPI communication to the OBC or EPS.
🛰️ Part of a modular CubeSat system for attitude determination and control (ADCS) experiments and embedded systems learning.
- 🌞 High-resolution, dual-axis sun vector sensing
- 🔍 Low-noise op-amp signal path
- ⚡ Ultra-low-power STM32 MCU for in-orbit efficiency
- 🔌 SPI-compatible with other CubeSat systems
- 🔒 Tri-state buffer to avoid SPI bus contention
- 🧩 Compact design for integration into small stacks
-
Hamamatsu S5990-01
- Dual-axis position-sensitive photodiodes (PSDs)
- Analog voltage output proportional to light centroid
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TLV9004Q1
- Quad-channel low-offset operational amplifiers
- Used to amplify and condition the PSD outputs
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STM32L031
- Ultra-low-power ARM Cortex-M0+ MCU
- Handles sensor data acquisition, conversion, and SPI communication
-
SPI Interface
- Communicates with the main CubeSat controller (e.g., OBC)
- Uses SN74LVC1G125DBVT buffer to manage the MISO line (high-impedance when inactive)
-
Connector
- Compact Molex connector for external interface to the CubeSat stack (power + SPI)
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
S5990-01 (x2) |
Sun vector detection via PSD |
TLV9004Q (x2) |
Signal amplification and filtering |
STM32L031 |
Data acquisition and digital SPI conversion |
SN74LVC1G125 |
Tri-state buffer for SPI MISO line control |
503763-0691 |
Interface connector for power + SPI signals |
- 🛠 Altium Designer – Schematic and PCB Layout
- 🔌 STM32CubeIDE – Embedded development
- 🔌 STM32CubeMX – Peripheral and clock config
- 📦 GitHub – VersVersion control , documentation and project showcase
Hitesh Bhoyar
📍 Embedded Systems | CubeSat Design | Low Power Electronics
GitHub →
For educational use. Feel free to fork, reuse, or reach out if you are exploring embedded systems!
📦 Visit the main repository for other subsystems.
Part of the CubeSat Master Project
Licensed under the MIT License