GPI MIL and Space Offerings

• In short, we have better product, delivered sooner, and at a lower cost than other firms 

• Understand that the basic operating principles and performance (e.g. accuracy and resolution) are the same across all of GPI’s encoder segments: semiconductor, MIL, medical, photonics, space, and general manufacturing; for space, however, the component costs and engineering support in terms of analyses and reviews make up the cost difference 

• That said, there are two basic configurations to choose from for MIL and space encoders: enclosed or modular

• Popular modular flight designs use a standardized read head design that allows customers to rapidly test encoders with flight pedigree at virtually any diameter, resolution, and accuracy

• Modular space encoder applications include cubesats, constellation satellites, filter wheel encoders, and rate sensors.

Commercial encoders for use in MIL applications

The encoder series below have all been screened and used in MIL applications to temperatures as low as -55C

GPI also produces custom encoders for MIL applications; please contact GPI sales at Encoders@gurley.com or 800-759-1844 for more details   

Space Encoders 

GPI offers standard and custom space encoder solutions for rotary and linear motion.

There are two basic configurations to choose from for space encoders: enclosed or modular.

• Enclosed space encoders come their own bearings and enclosure; hence, they are easier to install and are already shielded towards radiation

• Modular space encoders require either a) the customer install the components themselves (we can show you how) or b) GPI to install the components onto a customer supplied bearing or spindle, thereby locking in performance towards flight; each head comes equipped with a high degree of shielding 

  Modular space encoder applications include cubesats, constellation satellites, filter wheel encoders, and rate sensors

• Popular modular flight designs use a standardized read head design (below) that allows customers to rapidly test encoders with flight pedigree at virtually any diameter, resolution, and accuracy

• GPI verifies all assemblies and sub-assemblies on one of its many NIST traceable high-accuracy encoder test stands and GPI can provide verification software to ensure system accuracy at the customer’s facility 

Analyses and Infrastructure

GPI has in-house experience and capabilities to quickly review and complete your design:

• Single point failures and Critical Items List (CIL)

• Failure Modes and Effects & Criticality Analysis

• Reliability Analysis 

• Worst Case Circuit Analysis (even to the TOR) 

• Survivability, Radiation, and Single Event Effects

• FPGA Test Bench and Code Module Coverage

• Thermal & Shock/Vibe/Dynamics with assistance from customer

GPI’s MIL and space infrastructure mirrors that of our customer’s flow downs 100% (really!) thereby guaranteeing mission assurance:

• ISO certified and all of our MIL/space documentation is to AS9100; no exceptions 

• J-STD space and NASA certified for hand soldering, conformal coating, inspections, etc.

• Project- or design-specific build and test procedures ensure 100% compliance to customer requirements 

Cost and Design Flexibility 

• GPI’s design and cost flexibility supports missions of any type or risk assessment, e.g. NASA A, B, C or D missions

• Testing can be performed at GPI either whole or in part, e.g. component level ESS versus sub-assembly or final assembly level testing 

• Finally, GPI has proven that installing and testing encoder assemblies in Troy on customer supplied bearings or spindles is less expensive than the customer doing the same at their own facility – and with GPI proving performance on one of our many accuracy test stands

For more information please contact GPI at m.gordinier@gurley.com or call (518) 266-7714