ZIN provides a broad range of mechanical engineering, design and analysis functions, including acceleration measurement/abatement, pressure vessel design, critical structures, structural dynamics and design analysis with finite element and difference tools such as NX NASTRAN, FEMAP, SEA, SINDA and others. System and man in the loop simulation models have been developed utilizing MatLAB, MSC ADAMS and other computational software. Kinematic and Dynamic analyses are also performed to evaluate and verify real-world behavior of designs without the need for physical prototypes.

Designs include multiple PPU topologies. The ZIN NEXT-C PPU operates from a wide input 80 to 160-Volt high-power bus. The unit includes six power supplies. Four power supplies (beam, accelerator, discharge, and neutralizer keeper) are needed for steady state operation, while two cathode heater power supplies (neutralizer and discharge) are utilized during thruster startup.

ZIN provides space-rated, mission-critical electronics and avionics systems to IPC Class 3A and Space Addendum requirements. ZIN provides PCB Coupons & Micro-sections Analyzed with In-House Certified Component Engineers. ZIN has facility wide ESD controlled and certified facilities with staff trained to NASA-STD-8739 and IPC J-STD-001FS. Production at ZIN is through our QMS controlled work order system.

ZIN’s solution includes a Smart Structural Module (SSM) controller that connects to up to eight Triaxial Accelerometer Assemblies (TAAs) using a two-wire RS-485 data bus and a two-wire power bus.

ZINN Power Distribution Units (PDUs) are space-grade, radiation-hardened designs built to power critical missions. As an example, on NASA’s Commercial Resupply 2 program, ZIN provides all power system elements for the Dream Chaser vehicle. ZIN has developed PDUs that power both high-voltage systems (flight actuators, thrust vector controllers, satellite power busses) as well as low-voltage systems (avionics, flight computers, and communications). The PDUs control power flow from multiple sources, with features such as on/off switching, source prioritization, active MOSFET OR-ing, and load sharing. Our PDU designs can operate on voltage busses from 28-270V, and currents up to 500A.

ZIN’s TRL-9 AMS is the first device accurate enough to provide closed-loop thrust control to allow flight of multiple satellites in formation.