Centimeter-level 2D ultra-small interdigital sensor for ESD detection of spacecraft.

The spacecraft in geosynchronous orbit interacts with the space plasma environment, which is prone to electrostatic discharge and affects the safe operation of the spacecraft. In order to realize simple, accurate and reliable electrostatic discharge detection in space environment, based on the energy spectrum characteristics of spacecraft electrostatic discharge electromagnetic radiation electromagnetic pulse and the electromagnetic pulse sensing principle of interdigital electrode, a centimeter-level two-dimensional planar ultra-small interdigital sensor with a size of only 4 cm × 3 cm × 0.01 cm is developed. The impedance matching circuit is established to greatly improve the transmission efficiency of electromagnetic pulse, which is 59.34 % higher than that before the matching circuit is added. Finally, a spacecraft vacuum electrostatic discharge simulation experiment platform is built to test the frequency response characteristics of the sensor. The results show that the frequency response characteristics of the electromagnetic pulse signal perceived by the sensor developed in this paper are consistent with the main frequency characteristics of the spacecraft electrostatic discharge radiation electromagnetic pulse energy spectrum, which can be used for spacecraft electrostatic discharge detection in space environment. [Display omitted] • The sensor is designed based on the ESD characteristics of spacecraft and the sensing principle of interdigital electrode. • By designing the impedance matching circuit, the transmission efficiency of the sensor is increased by 59.34 %. • A centimeter-level 2D ultra-small interdigital sensor with a size of only 4 cm × 3 cm × 0.01 cm was designed and developed. • The experimental results show that the developed sensor can be used for ESD detection of spacecraft in space environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]