Physical Optics Corporation — Department of Defense SBIR Phase II: MDA14-015

Description

To address the Missile Defense Agencys (MDAs) need for advanced, reliable power transient protection methods for interceptor missile platforms, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) has developed a new Self healing Network for Transient Interrupt Elimination (SENTINEL) device. The SENTINEL solution is based on a modular power protection architecture that interfaces transparently with existing avionics units and platform buses. In Phase I, POC met all of the planned objectives and demonstrated SENTINEL feasibility. Specifically, we developed the system architecture based on high-energy-density supercapacitors selected through a comprehensive trade study. We designed firmware-enabled intelligent management of capacitor banks during the flight to achieve a high degree of reliability. We developed and tested a prototype that includes custom hardware and firmware to demonstrate the performance, small size, and prognostics. In Phase II, POC plans to develop a flight-test-ready SENTINEL design with extended capabilities and to fabricate and test a technology readiness level (TRL)-6 prototype to verify that the enhancements actually increase reliability and probability of success in mitigating transients. POC has support from a major MDA contractor that is willing to assist with Phase II SENTINEL prototype testing in a relevant environment for potential Phase III integration of SENTINEL into the MDAs platforms.