PPU course in space propulsion
Online course of 300 hours in PPUs for space propulsion: 6 modules covering power processing unit architecture, power converters for propulsion, thermal design, EMC and reliability, digital control and PPU software, PPU integration and testing, and a PPU project for electric propulsion, with an assigned technical tutor.
PPU course in space propulsion — studying from Singapore
Fees for Singapore: S$1,140 (Singapore dollar), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Questions from Singapore
What language are the programmes taught in?
All programmes are taught in English.
Are SEIUM qualifications official degrees in Singapore?
No. SEIUM qualifications are private qualifications awarded by SEIUM Institute and are not official state degrees. Learners should check with the relevant professional bodies in Singapore about how any qualification is treated for their specific purpose.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Analyse the functional architecture of a power processing unit.
Design high-voltage converters suitable for electric thrusters.
Apply derating and reliability criteria for EEE components.
Assess the electromagnetic compatibility of the PPU with the satellite.
Define thruster control and protection sequences.
Plan the qualification tests of the unit.
Produce the preliminary design of a complete PPU.
Who it's for
- Space power electronics engineers.
- Electric propulsion engineers who need to understand the power chain.
- Satellite power systems engineers.
- Vacuum test engineers.
- EEE reliability engineers.
- On-board software engineers.
- Engineering or science graduates looking to join the space industry.
What you'll work with
- ECSS-E-ST-20C (space engineering – electrical and electronic)
- ECSS-E-ST-35-01C (liquid and electric propulsion for spacecraft)
- ECSS-Q-ST-30-11C (derating of EEE components)
- ECSS-E-ST-20-07C (electromagnetic compatibility)
- ECSS-E-ST-20-20C (electrical design and interface requirements for power supply)
- ECSS-Q-ST-60C (electrical, electronic and electromechanical (EEE) components)
- ECSS-E-ST-10-03C (space engineering – testing)
- LTspice
- PLECS
- PSIM
- MATLAB/Simulink
- Ansys Maxwell
6 modules
1.1Role of the PPU in an electric propulsion system1.2Interfaces with the satellite power bus1.3Anode, cathode and magnet coil voltage and current requirements1.4Regulated and unregulated buses1.5High-voltage topologies for ion grids1.6Auxiliary supplies for heater, keeper and ignition1.7Flow control unit and its power supply1.8Typical specific mass and efficiency1.9Telemetry of discharge currents and voltages1.10Workshop: functional tree of a PPU for a Hall thruster
2.1Full-bridge and push-pull converters2.2LLC resonant and soft-switching topologies2.3High-frequency transformers and isolation2.4Rectification and voltage multipliers2.5SiC and GaN semiconductors for space2.6Current-mode and voltage-mode control2.7Loop stability and phase margins2.8Arc management and discharge recovery2.9Switching losses and overall efficiency2.10Lab: simulation of an LLC converter in LTspice
3.1Loss dissipation and baseplate mounting3.2Derating of EEE components3.3Radiation effects in power electronics3.4Input filters and inrush current3.5Conducted and radiated emissions3.6Compatibility with sensitive payloads3.7FMECA and worst-case analysis3.8Redundancy and cross-strapping3.9Selection of components with flight heritage3.10Practical exercise: derating calculation for a power MOSFET
4.1Architecture with FPGA and microcontroller4.2Thruster switch-on and switch-off sequences4.3Discharge current control loops4.4Telemetry and telecommand to the on-board computer4.5Overcurrent and undervoltage protection4.6Failure mode management and FDIR4.7Current sensor calibration4.8Verification of on-board software4.9In-flight parameter updates4.10Case study: start-up sequence of a hollow cathode
5.1PPU–thruster coupling and discharge oscillations5.2Discharge filter and dynamic response5.3Functional tests in a vacuum chamber5.4Thermal vacuum tests and cycling5.5Vibration and shock tests5.6Electromagnetic compatibility tests5.7Life and ageing tests5.8Review of PPUs from missions such as SMART-1 and Starlink5.9Immunity tests against bus transients5.10Case study: analysis of oscillations in a coupled test
6.1PPU requirements specification6.2Selection of converter topology6.3Sizing of magnetics and semiconductors6.4Thermal model of the unit6.5EMC and filtering plan6.6Reliability and redundancy analysis6.7Verification and test plan6.8Mass and power budget6.9Report and presentation6.10Final project: final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
A 100% online programme on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within each intake, so you can combine it with your job.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is LTspice, PLECS, PSIM, MATLAB/Simulink and Ansys Maxwell, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures for simulating a high-voltage converter for ion grids, derating and worst-case analysis of a power stage, and characterising discharge oscillations in a coupled test. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final project.
Standards covered: ECSS-E-ST-20C, ECSS-E-ST-35-01C, ECSS-Q-ST-30-11C, ECSS-E-ST-20-07C, ECSS-E-ST-20-20C, ECSS-Q-ST-60C, ECSS-E-ST-10-03C
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior qualification is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme software.
- English sufficient to read technical standards.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 300 hours over 3 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.
You work with LTspice, PLECS, PSIM, MATLAB/Simulink, Ansys Maxwell, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.
A SEIUM Institute certificate, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the final project. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.
Yes. Modules passed are recognised in a higher programme in the same area (postgraduate diploma or master's). Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.
No prior qualification is required: you need an internet connection, a computer able to run the programme software and English sufficient to read technical standards.
Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.
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