Multiplexing image detector method for digital sun sensors with arc-second class accuracy and large FOV.

To improve the accuracy of digital sun sensors (DSS) to the level of arc-second while maintaining a large field of view (FOV), a multiplexing image detector method was proposed. Based on a single multiplexing detector, a dedicated mask with different groups of encoding apertures was utilized to divide the whole FOV into several sub-FOVs, every of which would cover the whole detector. In this paper, we present a novel method to analyze and optimize the diffraction effect and the parameters of the aperture patterns in the dedicated mask, including the aperture size, focal length, FOV, as well as the clearance between adjacent apertures. Based on the simulation, a dedicated mask with 13 × 13 various groups of apertures was designed and fabricated; furthermore a prototype of DSS with a single multiplexing detector and 13 × 13 sub-FOVs was built and test. The results indicated that the DSS prototype could reach the accuracy of 5 arc-second (3σ) within a 105° × 105° FOV. Using this method, the sun sensor still keeps the original features of low power consumption, small size and high dynamic range when it realizes both high accuracy and large FOV.

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