SUMMARYAerospace remote-sensing payloads are continuing to advance to higher speeds and increasing the demands of on-board intra-satellite networks. These payloads include synchronous continuous mode and asynchronous event-driven sensor data requiring real-time transfer with deterministic latency to capture sensor data. The networked satellite payloads include combinations of: uplinks, downlinks, sensors, processors, formatters, storage devices (recorders), and payload controller. Advanced systems planned for development in the next few years require data rates of 1-10 Gbps. An effective aerospace data-handling network must supply real-time data that is fault tolerant and able to withstand the rigorous conditions of launch as well as the harsh space environment. The IEEE1393-1999 Standard for spaceborne fibre-optic data bus (SFODB) has established the design requirements for the interconnection of these on-board aerospace subsystems. Programs involving NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, the Air Force Research Laboratories, Space Photonics Incorporated, the University of Arkansas, and others, are in the process of developing components necessary for the implementation of the SFODB. SFODB utilizes fibre-optic components for subsystem interconnect and eliminates cable-to-cable and box-to-box EMI, significant reductions in size, weight, and power are among the achievable characteristics that are desirable for aerospace applications. This paper discusses SFODB characteristics and the status of implementation programs.
The Spaceborne Fiber Optic Data Bus (SFODB) is the next generation in on-board data handling networks. It will do for high speed payloads what SAE 1773 has done for on-board command and telemetry systems. That is, it will significantly reduce the cost of payload development, integration and test through interface standardization. As defined in IEEE 1393, SFODB is a 1 Gb/s, fiber optic network specifically designed to support the real-time, on-board data handling requirements of remote sensing spacecraft. The network is highly reliable, fault tolerant, and capable of withstanding the rigors of launch and the harsh space environment. SFODB achieves this operational and environmental performance while maintaining the small size, light weight, and low power necessary for spaceborne applications. SFODB was developed jointly by DoD and NASA GSFC to meet the on-board data handling needs of Remote Sensing satellites. This jointly funded project produced a complete set of flight transmitters, receivers and protocol ASICs; a complete Development & Evaluation System; and, the IEEE 1393 standard.
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