5. Typical Applications
The capabilities of the SpaceWire-RTC device are not limited to support the CAN bus in
the instrument controller unit (ICU), but also allows it to be used in an on-board com-
puter (OBC).
The AT7913E SpaceWire RTC is perfectly suited for application requiring cost optimiza-
tions as it can be used in both payload and avionics.
5.1
5.2
AT7913E in ICU
AT7913E in OBC
The SpaceWire-RTC device can be integrated in the instrument controller Unit (ICU)
that acts as the payload data processor and mainly receives payload data from instru-
ments and produces processed data to be down linked. The main data communication
is performed via the SpaceWire network. The ICU is however controlled and monitored
via the CAN network from the On-Board Computer (OBC).
The CAN controller in the SpaceWire-RTC device acts as a remote terminal that is
being managed by the OBC. Alternatively, the SpaceWire-RTC device can be integrated
in the On-Board Computer (OBC). Since the OBC acts as the network manager on the
CAN network, the CAN controller carters capability such as node management and time
distribution. The OBC also communicates or manages the SpaceWire network via
SpaceWire links.
5.3
AT7913E on payload
The main application of the SpaceWire-RTC device is however in instruments or individ-
ual experiments of the payload. It provides an abundance of interfaces, each with a high
degree of programmability and configurability. It is able to acquire analogue and digital
data, generated by connected peripherals and to generate discrete commands towards
the same peripherals.
14
AT7913E
7833F–AERO–01/10
ATMEL [ ATMEL ]
