Date of Award
5-2026
Degree Type
Report
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Committee Chair(s)
Jacob Gunther
Committee
Jacob Gunther
Committee
Chris Winstead
Committee
Don Cripps
Abstract
The Multi-Slit Solar Explorer, or MUSE, is a NASA mission that will take images of the Sun to study solar flares and the solar corona. The mission will provide insight into the mechanisms behind space weather. The mission consists of two cameras: the Spectrograph (SG), and the Context Imager (CI). The Utah State University Space Dynamics Laboratory is providing both cameras for the mission.
This report describes a part of the design and verification process for a central component on these cameras known as the Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). These FPGAs are programmed to acquire, handle, and send images captured from the camera’s sensors.
These FPGAs have additional functions. For example, the FPGA controls a heater to ensure the camera does not get too cold. Additionally, the FPGA continually monitors a critical component in the camera to make sure it continues working even in the presence of the radiation of space.
Pieces of the design are checked using tools that mathematically prove correct operation. This report describes how this process, known as formal verification, was applied in the MUSE FPGA design.
Recommended Citation
Johnson, Jordan M., "Design and Verification of the Multi-Slit Solar Explorer Camera Field Programmable Gate Arrays" (2026). All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present. 143.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/gradreports2023/143
Included in
Computer and Systems Architecture Commons, Digital Circuits Commons, Instrumentation Commons, The Sun and the Solar System Commons, VLSI and Circuits, Embedded and Hardware Systems Commons
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