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Power Control Assembly (PCA)

Invocon’s Power Control Assembly (PCA) provides complete power control for small launch vehicles in a robust miniature package. The PCA manages two 28V power sources across four configurable power output channels, seamlessly switching between an external power control system and an onboard battery while supporting battery charging to simplify pre-launch vehicle maintenance. The PCA is designed to accommodate both Invocon’s Smart Rechargeable Battery and standard rechargeable batteries.

Key Specifications

Specification
Value
Input Voltage
22.5 – 33.6 VDC
Output Current (28V channels combined)
12 A
Output Current (5V / 12V auxiliary)
2.0 A
Power Outputs
2x switched 28V, 1x un-switched 28V, 1x auxiliary 5V or 12V
Connectors
D-Sub (Battery, UMBI/Lanyard, Telemetry, Unswitched/Aux, Switched/Status)
Size (L x W x H)
4.85" x 4.4" x 1.4" (excluding connectors)
Weight
1.5 lbs
Case Material
6061 aluminum, Alodine coated
Operating Temperature
-24 to 71°C

Key Features

  • Dropout-Free Internal/External Power Switching

    Designed specifically to prevent power dropouts when transitioning between internal battery and external ground power, protecting sensitive avionics loads.

  • Configurable Auxiliary Output

    5V or 12V auxiliary output configurable for source (switched or un-switched 28V channel) and voltage level to match payload requirements.

  • Over-Voltage Protection

    One switched 28V output includes configurable over-voltage protection for protection of sensitive downstream loads.

  • Standard Sequencing Semantics

    Supports All Fire, No Fire, Power Backup 1, and Power Backup 2 sequencing for compatibility with standard small launch vehicle avionics architectures.

  • Battery Charging Support

    Integrated battery charging support simplifies pre-launch vehicle maintenance by enabling battery top-off without removing the assembly.

  • UMBI/Lanyard Interface

    UMBI and lanyard connections support standard ground handling and launch sequencing operations.

Typical Applications

  • Small Launch Vehicle Avionics Power

    Provides centralized power switching and distribution for all onboard avionics during ground operations and flight.

  • Pre-Launch Battery Maintenance

    Manages battery charging and health monitoring to ensure sufficient mission power prior to launch.

  • Internal/External Power Transition

    Handles the critical umbilical-pull transition from external ground power to internal battery power without interruption.

  • Payload Power Distribution

    Supplies regulated 5V or 12V auxiliary power to payload electronics requiring lower voltage rails.

Available Configurations

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