Abstract
This paper discusses the design of the Flight Computing System for PurdueSat – a 2-U CubeSat being developed at the School of Aeronautics & Astronautics, Purdue University. The satellite employs sophisticated attitude determination algorithms and autonomous attitude control using magnetorquers as the only actuators, which requires substantial computation at runtime. To meet these computational demands, we have developed a unique dualprocessor computing system that is capable of handling computationally intense algorithms, while still maintaining ultra-low levels of power consumption. These characteristics are achieved by the optimal combination of two highly energy-efficient computers – a Digital Signal Processor geared towards large matrix multiplications, and an ultralow power ‘host computer’ that can duty-cycle its counterpart and perform all the housekeeping functions onboard the satellite.
Presentation Slides
A Low-Power Dual-Processor Computing System for Advanced Nanosatellite Missions
This paper discusses the design of the Flight Computing System for PurdueSat – a 2-U CubeSat being developed at the School of Aeronautics & Astronautics, Purdue University. The satellite employs sophisticated attitude determination algorithms and autonomous attitude control using magnetorquers as the only actuators, which requires substantial computation at runtime. To meet these computational demands, we have developed a unique dualprocessor computing system that is capable of handling computationally intense algorithms, while still maintaining ultra-low levels of power consumption. These characteristics are achieved by the optimal combination of two highly energy-efficient computers – a Digital Signal Processor geared towards large matrix multiplications, and an ultralow power ‘host computer’ that can duty-cycle its counterpart and perform all the housekeeping functions onboard the satellite.
