Calculates torque-maximizing properties of a PCB magnetorquer given specific constraints. Outputs a KiCad text file with the optimized magnetorquer.
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Install scipy with
pip3 install scipy -
Modify the magnetorquer constraints in config.ini
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Run main.py and read the output.
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Copy the output in KiCad_spiral.txt just before the final closing parantheses of your *.kicad_pcb file
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Add through-vias connecting the different spiral layers in KiCad.
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The simplest way to control your magnetorquer with a microcontroller is to add a DRV8212DRLR to the circuit board.
The only scripts invoked for the above operations are
main.py, output_KiCad_square_spiral.py and helper_conversions.py.
The other scripts are simply part of my research to find the optimal magnetorquer design through experimentaiton.
You can learn more about my reserach process by running the study_*.py files.
They require the following additional dependencies: matplotlib, numpy. Run pip3 install matplotlib numpy
I may publish a scientific paper about this magnetorquer optimization process in the future. For now, you can read the code comments to get a rough idea of its operation.
I maded a related video that briefly introduces how I created a real PCB magnetorquer prototype for Husky Satellite Lab at UW.