Appliqué Sensor Interface Module: An Enabling Technology for Space Plug-and-Play Systems

Appliqué Sensor Interface Module: An Enabling Technology for Space Plug-and-Play Systems

One approach to addressing the aggressive demands of the Operationally Responsive Space mission has been the development of the Space Plug-and-Play Avionics (SPA) architecture. The SPA architecture enables the rapid development of space systems through the assembly of self-describing components. The automation inherent in the SPA concept makes it possible to build systems in a fraction of the time by reducing human-induced interface errors, one of the key factors resulting in costly developmental delays. One of the key enablers of this paradigm shift is the Appliqué Sensor Interface Module (ASIM). Just as a USB interface chip makes it possible to add modular “plugand- play” (PnP) components to a personal computer, the ASIM makes it possible to add modular PnP components (from thermometers to cameras and payload elements) to a responsive spacecraft. Two generations of ASIMs have been developed and demonstrated in the Responsive Space Testbed. The commercially available version supports hardware and software features such as a self-contained microprocessor, embedded electronic datasheet, a simple application programming interface, and a novel test bypass facility to simplify the testing of SPA-enabled components. The ASIMs are planned for use in several upcoming sounding rocket and space experiments. This paper will explain the role of the ASIM in the SPA architecture, the current status of the ASIM design, and the roadmap of future ASIM developments.