Design of a Compact Space Search Coil Magnetometer

Abstract

Search coil magnetometers (SCMs) are widely used in space science missions to measure time-varying magnetic fields. However, conventional SCM designs often increase sensor mass and electronic power consumption in order to meet mission-specific sensitivity requirements. This study presents the design and ground-based test results of a space search coil magnetometer (SSCM) concept aimed at reducing sensor mass and electronic power consumption while maintaining practical system operability for platform-constrained missions. Mass reduction was achieved by adopting a rolling-sheet core configuration. In addition, printed circuit board (PCB)-based interconnections between segmented windings were implemented to improve the reproducibility of assembly and mechanical robustness without additional structural complexity. Power reduction was achieved by employing an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)-based sensor amplifier and a compact control electronic unit implemented as a modular stack with a 1U CubeSat standard board form factor. Performance tests confirmed the stable operation of the integrated sensor–electronics chain over the target measurement band. The system-level noise-equivalent magnetic induction (NEMI) measured under laboratory conditions was 33 fT/√Hz at 1 kHz. Environmental tests including vibration and thermal cycling were performed to further verify the structural safety and functional stability of the sensor assembly under space-relevant conditions. The proposed SSCM architecture provides a practical approach for implementing low-mass and low-power magnetic field instruments for platform-constrained space missions.