Reconfigurable system-on-chip data processing units for space imaging instruments
Björn Fiethe, H. Michalik, Christian Dierker, Bjorn Osterloh, Gang Zhou · Design, Automation, and Test in Europe · 2007
Individual Data Processing Units (DPUs) are commonly used for operational control and specific data processing of scientific space instruments. To overcome the limitations of traditional rad-hard or fully commercial design approaches, a System-on-Chip (SoC) solution based on state-of-the-art FPGA is introduced. This design has been successfully demonstrated in space on Venus Express. From this, a reconfigurable DPU design for future advanced imaging sensors is derived using embedded processing cores. In addition, a SoC design variant is presented based on recently available FPGA technology with integrated hardwired processor, which is capable to support also high end payload applications.