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LiPPERT's Cool SpaceRunner-LX800: On Its Way Into Space
Stanford‘s AA236C Interface Team has selected the ruggedized PC/104-Plus module to build a satellite for the CubeView mission. The primary instrument of the satellite’s payload is an 11 megapixel camera, connected via USB 2.0 to the embedded computer module. This is, however, not its only purpose: There are four more scientific experiments on board. Among these is a detector to study micrometeorite impacts on the satellite. Another one are several flash memory chips with more or less radiation shielding being constantly tested to analyze the space environment’s effects on flash storage devices. The CubeView’s software application is a rather large and complex system. Designed as a “black box”, it receives commands and acts accordingly. Basically, the main loop is a TCP/IP server listening to the bus; the payload handlers run on a port of the main processor in their own, independent processes. This structure allows individual control of the payload components and encourages modular development. The application software is able to create thumbnails of captured images and send them to the ground station controller. There, only the interesting images are selected and thus, only relevant high resolution pictures need to be transmitted, which mitigates transfer rate problems. This complex application requires a capable processing unit running a sophisticated operating system. The used Debian Linux OS provides all functionality needed to operate the system described, and the Cool SpaceRunner-LX800 with its 500 MHz clock and 2 GB on-board SSD accommodates it nicely. Professor Dr. Andrew E. Kalman, leader of the CubeSat team, said about using a PC/104 board in the project: "From the early days of the CubeSat, people have talked about flying PC/104. But most PC/104 cards have connectors that extend past the nominal 90x96mm PC/104 footprint. That's unacceptable in a CubeSat, as the inside volume is constrained by a roughly 97 x 97mm square. Lippert's approach to breakout connectors (vertical, on 0.100" pitch spacing) makes it possible to make connections from the CSR-LX800 to other parts of the system, without exceeding the 90x96mm footprint." So the Cool SpaceRunner-LX800 became the second x86 based single board computer used in CubeSat. The previously used microcontrollers simply could not provide the required computing environment and processing power, while consuming a mere 5 to 8 watts for the whole computer system. The satellite is scheduled for operation in early 2011. Click here for more information and to order the LiPPERT Cool SpaceRunner-LX800 from WDL Systems. LiPPERT Embedded Computers GmbH, established as LiPPERT Automationstechnik in 1987, is one of the world's leading suppliers of Embedded PC's (embedded X86 boards). LiPPERT specializes in designing and building ultra-compact Embedded PCs, with customer applications in the areas of communications, electronic gaming, medical devices, industrial computers and multi-media technologies. WDL Systems is The Embedded Products Source. In business since 1990, WDL Systems, LLC distributes a full line of Embedded Single Board Computers, including COM, mITX, Nano and Pico ITX, and a full range of PC/104, PC/104-Plus and PCI/104 Embedded CPU Boards and many add on and peripheral boards including FPGA boards, Serial boards, Power supplies, Digital I/O boards and industrial PC/104 Enclosures. Additional products includes, Flash Solutions, Embedded Modems, Embedded PC’s (including the eBox), Embedded Software, Alphanumeric Displays, Frame Grabbers, and more. Visit www.wdlsystems.com for online ordering and product information. Email: sales@wdlsystems.com |
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