A field programmable gate array based on-board computer for small satellites

Abstract

This thesis will focus on the detailed development and design of an embedded on-board computer (OBC) for small satellites based on high density digital Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) technology. The OBC Processor-Board is intended to be designed and developed as a Single Board Computer (SBC) that may be utilised for a variety of aerospace applications. The architecture of the OBC will be developed around the FPGA as the main processor. Investigating with comparison of pervious OBC processors alongside the commonly used microcontroller as the main processor. This will include the overview of the hardware implementation of complex algorithms to the advantage of the OBC. It is anticipated that the Single Board Computer can be used as a configurable on-board computer with high flexibility allowing in-orbit reconfiguration. Modern FPGAs are designed with embedded processing systems integrated inside the core allowing monotonous performance task to execute more easily with flexibility. One single printed circuit board with the computing power that will handle all the challenging requirements for performance and functionality of the payload data handling.