Transponder, signal processing device, signal processing method, and signal processing program

Abstract

To realize a transponder having single event tolerance using a consumer grade transceiver IC.SOLUTION: A transponder includes a consumer grade transceiver integrated circuit including reception means for converting a reception signal to received baseband signal and transmission means for converting a transmission baseband signal to a transmission signal, and transmission / reception monitoring means, having tolerance against single event effect, for monitoring occurrence of single event effect at transmission / reception of the transceiver integrated circuit and resets a power supply which supplies power supply current to the transceiver integrated circuit if occurrence of single event effect at transmission or reception is detected.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for realizing a transponder having resistance to radiation using general consumer products. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, an attempt called NewSpace, which uses general consumer products to manufacture high-performance satellites at low cost, is spreading worldwide. This attempt not only opens the door to space utilization to non-large corporations, but also enables new forms of business, such as forming LEO (Low Earth Orbit) constellations with many satellites and providing services that cover the entire globe. For this reason, this attempt is expected to continue to expand in the future. In addition, in order to respond to the diversification of satellite usage, the longer life of satellites, and the fluidity of satellite demand, there is an increasing demand for reconfiguration (reprogramming) of electronic devices, including transponders, in satellite orbit.

[0003] In terrestrial communications, transceiver ICs (Integrated Circuits), which integrate various RF (Radio Frequency) components and discrete semiconductor components, are becoming more and more common. Although transceiver ICs are general consumer products, they are highly reliable because they are used for infrastructure applications such as mobile base stations and short-range wireless.

[0004] Electronic equipment installed on satellites and rockets can suffer various types of damage when exposed to space radiation. A well-known typical type of damage caused by radiation is the single event effect (hereafter simply referred to as "single event"), which occurs when heavy particle radiation enters a semiconductor junction, causing various types of damage. This single event effect can cause temporary or permanent damage to electronic circuits (soft errors, hard errors (latch-up), etc.), so electronic equipment installed on satellites and rockets is often designed with special components (components for space use).

[0005] However, there are two problems with using such space-based components: (1) Space-use parts are approximately 10 to 1,000 times more expensive than general commercial parts. (2) Due to the nature of space-borne components, which require high reliability and radiation resistance, their designs tend to be conservative and are inferior in terms of functionality and integration compared to general consumer components of the same generation.

[0006] Due to the above problems, the electronic devices installed on satellites and rockets become expensive and large, which leads to the problem that the satellites and rockets also become expensive and large. As a result, a large amount of capital is required to operate satellites and rockets, and most space utilization has been limited to large companies.

[0007] Additionally, most space-based components are not designed to be reconfigurable and cannot accommodate reconfiguration requirements.

[0008] The above problems can be solved by using commercial off-the-shelf components in space-based electronic equipment. However, commercial off-the-shelf components do not take into account resistance to single event effects (single event resistance), and therefore cannot be used in electronic equipment that is particularly vulnerable to radiation or requires high reliability. In particular, many electronic components used in RF equipment such as transponders are vulnerable to radiation, which is a major hurdle in reducing costs and improving functionality.

[0009] Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a technology for realizing an electronic device having single event resistance using general consumer parts. The single event compensation circuit of Patent Document 1 includes a power supply monitoring circuit and a synchronization signal monitoring circuit that detect the occurrence of a single event in a semiconductor device used in a radiation environment. The power supply monitoring circuit constantly monitors the power supply voltage supplied to an IC chip such as a CPU built into the semiconductor device. The synchronization signal monitoring circuit monitors a synchronization signal sent from an IC chip built into the semiconductor device. The single event compensation circuit turns the power supply to the semiconductor device on and off when a single event occurs. As a result of the above configuration, the single event compensation circuit of Patent Document 1 restores the function of the semiconductor device lost due to a single event by resetting an IC chip such as a CPU mounted on the semiconductor device when a single event occurs.

[0010] Another example of a technique for realizing an electronic device having single-event resistance using general consumer parts is disclosed in Patent Document 2. The microcomputer in Patent Document 2 includes a CPU, a memory, and multiple other components. The microcomputer includes one or more storage devices with a backup function, which have a register, an MRAM, and a comparison means. The MRAM is written with the same data as the data written to the register. The comparison means compares the data output from the register and the MRAM periodically, and outputs the comparison result. If the comparison result output by the comparison means indicates that the data output from the register and the MRAM are different, the microcomputer presumes that an error has occurred in any or all of the multiple components, and performs a predetermined error processing. As a result of the above configuration, the microcomputer in Patent Document 2 performs error processing for an error that has occurred in the components.

[0011] Yet another example of a technique for realizing an electronic device having single event resistance using general consumer parts is disclosed in Patent Document 3. In the electronic device of Patent Document 3, a power switch 8 is inserted in the power line only to IC1 having low latch-up resistance. In addition, between IC1 having low latch-up resistance and other IC2 and IC3, gate units 9 and 10 that can selectively take a first state that enables signal transmission between the ICs and a second state that electrically insulates the ICs are inserted. Then, the electronic device monitors the occurrence of an overcurrent to IC1 using a current detection resistor 4 and an overcurrent detection circuit 5, and when an overcurrent occurs, the switch control unit 6 turns off the power switch 8 and the gate control unit 11 puts the gate units 9 and 10 into the second state. Next, after a predetermined time has passed, the switch control unit 6 turns on the power switch 8, and after another predetermined time has passed, the gate control unit 11 puts the gate units 9 and 10 into the first state. As a result of the above configuration, the electronic device of Patent Document 3 restarts the integrated circuit in which latch-up has occurred without affecting other integrated circuits in which latch-up has not occurred. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0012] [Patent Document 1] JP 2006-350425 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2011-237928 A [Patent Document 3] JP 2001-103659 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0013] When implementing a transponder having single event tolerance using general off-the-shelf components, it is desirable to be able to use a transceiver IC that is a general off-the-shelf component. In a transceiver IC that is a general off-the-shelf component, the single event effect occurs in a transmitter / receiver unit built into the transceiver IC. However, the techniques described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 have a problem in that they do not take into consideration the tolerance to the occurrence of the single event effect in the transmitter / receiver unit of the transceiver IC.

[0014] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and has as its main object to realize a transponder having single event tolerance by using a general consumer transceiver IC. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] In one aspect of the present invention, a transponder includes a consumer transceiver integrated circuit including receiving means for converting a received signal into a received baseband signal and transmitting means for converting a transmitted baseband signal into a transmitted signal, and transmission / reception monitoring means having immunity to single event effects that monitors the occurrence of a single event effect in transmission or reception of the transceiver integrated circuit and resets a power supply that supplies a power supply current to the transceiver integrated circuit when the occurrence of a single event effect in transmission or reception is detected.

[0016] In one aspect of the present invention, a signal processing device includes a transmission / reception monitoring means having resistance to single event effects, which monitors the occurrence of a single event effect in transmission or reception of a general-purpose consumer transceiver integrated circuit, the transceiver integrated circuit including a receiving means for converting a received signal into a received baseband signal, and a transmitting means for converting a transmitted baseband signal into a transmitted signal, and resets a power supply that supplies a power supply current to the transceiver integrated circuit when the occurrence of a single event effect in transmission or reception is detected.

[0017] In one aspect of the present invention, a signal processing method monitors the occurrence of a single event effect in transmission or reception of a consumer transceiver integrated circuit using a signal processing device that is resistant to single event effects, and resets a power supply that supplies power supply current to the transceiver integrated circuit when the occurrence of a single event effect in transmission or reception is detected.

[0018] In one aspect of the present invention, a signal processing program causes a computer equipped with a signal processing device that is resistant to single event effects to execute a transmission / reception monitoring process that monitors the occurrence of a single event effect in transmission or reception of a general-purpose consumer transceiver integrated circuit, and resets a power supply that supplies a power supply current to the transceiver integrated circuit when the occurrence of a single event effect in transmission or reception is detected. Effect of the Invention

[0019] According to the present invention, it is possible to realize a transponder having single event tolerance by using a general-purpose consumer transceiver IC. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a transponder according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a modified example of the transponder in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a transponder according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing an operation of a transmission unit in a second embodiment of the present invention when a SEFI (Single Event Functional Interrupt) occurs. [Diagram 5] 13 is a flowchart showing an operation of a receiving section in a second embodiment of the present invention when a SEFI occurs. [Figure 6]10 is a flowchart showing an operation of a single event latch-up (SEL) protection process in a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 13 is a graph showing an example of the operation of the SEL protection process (SEL generation and reset state) in the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 11 is a flowchart showing an operation when a single event upset (SEU) occurs in a register according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration capable of realizing a signal processing device in each embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. (First embodiment) A first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0022] The configuration of this embodiment will be described.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a transponder according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] The transponder 100 in this embodiment includes a transceiver integrated circuit 110 and a signal processing unit 120 (signal processing device).

[0025] The transceiver integrated circuit 110 is a general-purpose transceiver IC. The transceiver integrated circuit 110 includes a receiving unit 221 and a transmitting unit 231. In FIG. 1, the receiving unit 221 and the transmitting unit 231 are typically represented by an amplifier and a multiplier connected to a PLL (Phase Locked Loop). The PLL outputs a frequency signal to be multiplied by the multiplier. The transceiver integrated circuit 110 is well known to those skilled in the art, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0026] The receiving unit 221 receives a received signal, converts it into a received baseband signal, and outputs it.

[0027] The transmitter 231 receives a transmission baseband signal as input, converts it into a transmission signal, and outputs it.

[0028] The signal processing unit 120 has single event resistance. The signal processing unit 120 is configured using an IC having single event resistance, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The signal processing unit 120 receives a reception baseband signal from the receiving unit 221 of the transceiver integrated circuit 110 and demodulates it as reception data. Then, the signal processing unit 120 outputs the demodulated reception data (DATA out) to the outside. In addition, the signal processing unit 120 modulates transmission data (DATA in) input from the outside and outputs it to the transmitting unit 231 of the transceiver integrated circuit 110 as a transmission baseband signal. The signal processing unit 120 includes a transmission / reception monitoring unit 361.

[0029] The transmission / reception monitor 361 monitors the occurrence of a single event effect in transmission or reception of the transceiver integrated circuit 110. When the transmission / reception monitor 361 detects the occurrence of a single event effect in transmission or reception, it resets the power supply that supplies a power supply current to the transceiver integrated circuit 110 (turns the power supply current off once and then turns it on).

[0030] The transmission / reception monitor 361, for example, receives a received baseband signal and demodulates it as received data. The transmission / reception monitor 361 then monitors the occurrence of a single event effect in reception by monitoring frame synchronization in the demodulated received data. That is, the transmission / reception monitor 361 determines that a single event effect in reception has occurred when frame synchronization in the received data is lost. The transmission / reception monitor 361 normally outputs the demodulated received data to the outside. An example of processing for a single event effect in transmission will be described in Modification 1, which will be described later.

[0031] As described above, in the transponder 100 of the present embodiment, when the transmission / reception monitor 361 detects the occurrence of a single event effect in transmission or reception, it resets the power supply that supplies a power supply current to the general consumer transceiver integrated circuit 110. As a result, the transceiver integrated circuit 110 is restarted, and there is a high possibility that the influence of the single event effect in transmission or reception is eliminated. The transmission / reception monitor 361 is included in the signal processing unit 120 having single event resistance. Therefore, the transponder 100 of the present embodiment has an advantage that a transponder having single event resistance can be realized by using a general consumer transceiver IC. In the present embodiment, when the transmission / reception monitor 361 monitors frame synchronization in the demodulated reception data, it further has an advantage that it is possible to respond to the occurrence of a single event effect in the receiving unit 221 of the transceiver integrated circuit 110.

[0032] A modification of this embodiment will be described.

[0033] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a modified example of the transponder in the first embodiment of the present invention. In the first modified example, the transmission / reception monitoring unit (described later) in Fig. 2 will be mainly described. In the second and third modified examples, the register monitoring unit (described later) in Fig. 2 will be mainly described. In the fourth and fifth modified examples, the power supply current monitoring unit (described later) in Fig. 2 will be mainly described. (First Modification) A first modification of this embodiment will be described below. In this modification, processing is performed for a single event effect in transmission.

[0034] The transponder 102 in this modification includes a transceiver integrated circuit 112 , a signal processing unit 122 , and an RF coupler 152 .

[0035] The transceiver integrated circuit 112 is a general-purpose transceiver IC. The transceiver integrated circuit 112 includes receiving units 221 and 222 and a transmitting unit 231. In FIG. 2, the receiving units 221 and 222 and the transmitting unit 231 are typically represented by an amplifier and a multiplier connected to a PLL. The PLL outputs a frequency signal to be multiplied by the multiplier. The PLL synchronizes the frequency and phase of the frequency signal to be output with the frequency and phase of the carrier wave received by the receiving unit 221.

[0036] The receiving unit 222 has the same function as the receiving unit 221, but is an extra receiving unit that is not used for converting a received signal into a received baseband signal. The receiving unit 222 inputs a monitor received signal, converts it into a monitor received baseband signal, and outputs it.

[0037] The RF coupler 152 returns a portion of the power of the transmission signal to the redundant receiver 222 as a monitor reception signal.

[0038] The signal processing unit 122 has single event resistance. The signal processing unit 122 is configured using an IC such as an FPGA or ASIC having single event resistance. The signal processing unit 122 inputs a reception baseband signal from the receiving unit 221 of the transceiver integrated circuit 112 and demodulates it as reception data. Then, the signal processing unit 122 outputs the demodulated reception data (DATA out) to the outside. In addition, the signal processing unit 122 modulates transmission data (DATA in) input from the outside and outputs it to the transmitting unit 231 of the transceiver integrated circuit 112 as a transmission baseband signal. The signal processing unit 122 includes a transmission / reception monitoring unit 362.

[0039] The transmission / reception monitor 362 monitors the occurrence of a single event effect in transmission or reception of the transceiver integrated circuit 112. Then, when the transmission / reception monitor 362 detects the occurrence of a single event effect in transmission or reception, it resets the power supply that supplies a power supply current to the transceiver integrated circuit 112.

[0040] The transmission / reception monitor 362, for example, modulates the transmission data and outputs it as a transmission baseband signal to the transmitter 231 of the transceiver integrated circuit 112. The transmission / reception monitor 362 then inputs the monitor reception baseband signal, demodulates it as monitor reception data, and monitors the occurrence of a single event effect in transmission by comparing the transmission data with the monitor reception data. That is, the transmission / reception monitor 362 determines that a single event effect has occurred in transmission when the transmission data and the monitor reception data do not match.

[0041] The transmission / reception monitor 362 may further receive a received baseband signal and demodulate it as received data. The transmission / reception monitor 362 then monitors the occurrence of a single event effect in reception by monitoring frame synchronization in the demodulated received data. That is, the transmission / reception monitor 362 determines that a single event effect in reception has occurred when frame synchronization in the received data is lost. The transmission / reception monitor 362 normally outputs the demodulated received data to the outside.

[0042] This modification has an advantage in particular in that it can handle the occurrence of a single event effect in the transmitting unit 231 of the transceiver integrated circuit 112. In addition, this modification has an advantage in particular in that it can handle the occurrence of a single event effect in the receiving unit 221 of the transceiver integrated circuit 112 when the transmission / reception monitor 362 monitors frame synchronization in the demodulated received data. (Second Modification) A second modification based on the first modification of this embodiment will be described.

[0043] The transponder 102 in this modified example will be described with reference to Fig. 2 again. In Fig. 2, a microprocessor (not shown) that controls the entire transceiver integrated circuit 112 is represented diagrammatically by a register 210 that is inside the microprocessor and is used for holding calculations and execution states.

[0044] In the transponder 102 of this modification, the transceiver integrated circuit 112 further includes a register 210 and the signal processing unit 122 further includes a register monitoring unit 363 in addition to the configuration of the first modification.

[0045] Register 210 is located within a microprocessor (not shown) that controls the entire transceiver integrated circuit 112 (including receiving sections 221, 222 and transmitting section 231), and is used for holding calculations and execution states. The register monitoring unit 363 is resistant to the single event effect. The register monitoring unit 363 stores a register value in the register 210 of the transceiver integrated circuit 112. Then, the register monitoring unit 363 reloads the stored register value into the register 210 in accordance with an instruction from the transmission / reception monitoring unit 362 that has detected the occurrence of a single event effect in transmission / reception. That is, when the transmission / reception monitoring unit 362 detects the occurrence of a single event effect in transmission / reception, it attempts to recover from the single event effect by reloading the register value before resetting the power supply that supplies a power supply current to the transceiver integrated circuit 110.

[0046] When the transmission / reception monitoring unit 362 detects the occurrence of a single event effect during transmission or reception, it attempts to recover from the single event effect during transmission or reception by reloading the register value stored in the register monitoring unit 363 into the register 210 before resetting the power supply.

[0047] In addition to the effects of the first variant described above, this variant has the effect of potentially recovering from a single event effect in transmission or reception by reloading the register value stored in the register monitoring unit 363 into the register 210 without resetting the power supply.

[0048] This modification may be implemented in combination with this embodiment. (Third Modification) A third modified example based on the second modified example of this embodiment will be described.

[0049] The transponder 102 in this modified example will be described with reference to FIG.

[0050] In the transponder 102 in this modification, in addition to the configuration of the second modification, the register monitoring unit 363 monitors the occurrence of a single event effect in the register 210. That is, in this modification, in addition to monitoring the single event effect in transmission and reception, the occurrence of a single event effect in the register 210 is also monitored.

[0051] The register monitoring unit 363 determines that a single event effect has occurred in the register 210 when the register value of the register 210 is different from the stored register value at a timing when the register value is not rewritten by the processor of the transceiver integrated circuit 112. The register monitoring unit 363 then monitors the occurrence of a single event effect in the register 210, and reloads the stored register value into the register 210 when the occurrence of a single event effect in the register 210 is detected.

[0052] In addition to the effects of the second modification described above, this modification has the effect of being able to handle the occurrence of a single event effect in register 210 of transceiver integrated circuit 112.

[0053] This modification may be implemented in combination with this embodiment or the first modification. (Fourth Modification) A fourth modification of this embodiment will be described.

[0054] The transponder 102 in this modified example will be described with reference to FIG.

[0055] In the transponder 102 of this modification, the signal processing unit 122 further includes a power supply current monitoring unit 364 in addition to the configuration of this embodiment.

[0056] The power supply current monitoring unit 364 is resistant to the single event effect. The power supply current monitoring unit 364 monitors the power supply current, and resets the power supply when a discontinuous fluctuation occurs in the power supply current. That is, in this modification, in addition to monitoring the single event effect in transmission and reception, the occurrence of the single event effect in the power supply current is also monitored.

[0057] In addition to the effects of the present embodiment described above, this modification has the effect of being able to handle the case where a discontinuous fluctuation occurs in the power supply current due to the occurrence of a single event effect.

[0058] This modification may be implemented in combination with this embodiment or any of the above first to third modifications. (Fifth Modification) A fifth modified example based on the fourth modified example of this embodiment will be described.

[0059] The transponder 102 in this modified example will be described with reference to FIG.

[0060] The power supply current monitor 364 in this modification has resistance to the single event effect. The power supply current monitor 364 monitors the power supply current, and resets the power supply when an overcurrent occurs in the power supply current.

[0061] In addition to the effects of the fourth modification described above, this modification has the effect of being able to cope with the occurrence of an overcurrent in the power supply current due to the occurrence of a single event effect.

[0062] This modification may be implemented in combination with this embodiment or any of the above first to third modifications. Second embodiment A second embodiment of the present invention based on the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. The transponder in this embodiment includes circuitry for detecting and recovering from a single event.

[0063] The configuration of this embodiment will be described.

[0064] 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a transponder according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The transponder 105 according to this embodiment can be mounted on a satellite, a rocket, etc. The transponder 105 includes a transceiver IC 112, a signal processing unit 125, a current sensor 135, an ON / OFF circuit 145, an RF coupler 152, and a frequency conversion unit 165.

[0065] The transceiver IC 112 is a general-purpose consumer transceiver IC. The transceiver IC 112 is a highly integrated IC and can replace many RF components. The transceiver IC 112 includes a register 210, receivers 221 and 222, and a transmitter 231. In FIG. 3, the receivers 221 and 222, and the transmitter 231 are typically represented by an amplifier and a multiplier connected to a PLL. The PLL outputs a frequency signal to be multiplied by the multiplier. The PLL synchronizes the frequency and phase of the output frequency signal with the frequency and phase of the carrier wave received by the receiver 221. In FIG. 3, a microprocessor (not shown) that controls the entire transceiver integrated circuit 112 (including the receivers 221 and 222, and the transmitter 231) is typically represented by a register 210 that is located inside the microprocessor and is used for calculation and holding an execution state.

[0066] The register 210 is located inside a microprocessor (not shown) that controls the entire transceiver IC 112, and is used for holding calculations and execution states.

[0067] The receiving unit 221 converts a received signal input from the outside via the frequency conversion unit 165 into a baseband signal, and outputs the received signal converted into the baseband signal to the demodulation unit 326 .

[0068] The signal processing unit 125 is configured using an IC such as an FPGA or an ASIC having single event resistance. The signal processing unit 125 includes a register monitoring unit 315, demodulation units 326 and 327, a modulation unit 336, a comparison unit 345, a frame synchronization unit 355, and a control unit 365.

[0069] The frequency conversion unit 165 converts the received RF signal from a carrier frequency to an intermediate frequency, and outputs the converted signal to the receiving unit 221 of the transceiver IC 112. The frequency conversion unit 165 also converts an IF (Intermediate Frequency) signal to be transmitted from an intermediate frequency to a carrier frequency, and outputs the converted signal to the outside.

[0070] The current sensor 135 monitors the power supply current of the transceiver IC 112. The current sensor 135 is used for SEL detection.

[0071] The ON / OFF circuit 145 turns on after turning off the power supply current of the transceiver IC 112. The ON / OFF circuit 145 is used for recovery from SEFI and SEL.

[0072] RF coupler 152 splits off a portion of the power of the IF signal to be transmitted and outputs it to receiver 222 (excess receiver channel) of transceiver IC 112. This output is used for detecting SEFI in transmitter 231. That is, signal processing unit 125 determines that SEFI has occurred in transmitter 231 if the transmission data and the transmission data looped back by RF coupler 152 do not match.

[0073] The demodulation unit 326 demodulates the baseband signal input from the receiving unit 221, and outputs the demodulated received data to the outside via the frame synchronization unit 355.

[0074] The modulation section 336 modulates the transmission data input from the outside, and outputs the modulated transmission data to the transmission section 231.

[0075] The transmitter 231 converts the modulated transmission data input from the modulator 336 into an intermediate frequency, and outputs the transmission signal converted into the intermediate frequency to the frequency converter 165 .

[0076] In order to detect SEFI in the receiving unit 221, the frame synchronization unit 355 inputs the received data from the demodulation unit 326 and determines whether or not frame synchronization is maintained.

[0077] The receiving unit 222 converts the transmission signal folded back by the RF coupler 152 into a baseband signal, and outputs the folded back transmission signal converted into the baseband signal to the demodulation unit 327. The receiving unit 222 is a surplus receiving channel that is not used for converting a reception signal input from outside via the frequency conversion unit 165 into a baseband signal.

[0078] The demodulation unit 327 demodulates the baseband signal input from the receiving unit 222 , and outputs the demodulated received data to the comparison unit 345 .

[0079] The comparison unit 345 compares the transmission data with the demodulated reception data input from the demodulation unit 327 , and outputs the comparison result to the control unit 365 .

[0080] The control unit 365 controls the entire transponder 105 .

[0081] The register monitoring unit 315 constantly monitors the register value of the register 210 in order to detect and recover from an SEU in the register 210 of the transceiver IC 112. The register monitoring unit 315 saves the register value of the register 210, and immediately reloads the saved register value into the register 210 when an SEU occurs in the register 210.

[0082] The operation of this embodiment will be described.

[0083] The function of the transponder 105 as a transponder is similar to that of a general transponder, so an overview will be given below. First, the operation during reception will be described.

[0084] The frequency conversion unit 165 converts the received RF signal into an IF signal, and outputs the IF signal to the transceiver IC 112 .

[0085] The transceiver IC 112 converts the input IF signal into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the signal processing unit 125 .

[0086] The signal processing unit 125 demodulates the input baseband signal and outputs the received data to the outside.

[0087] Next, the operation during transmission will be described.

[0088] The signal processing unit 125 modulates the input transmission data into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the transceiver IC 112 .

[0089] The transceiver IC 112 converts the input baseband signal into an IF signal, and outputs the IF signal to the frequency conversion section 165 .

[0090] The frequency conversion unit 165 converts the IF signal into an RF signal, and outputs the RF signal to the outside.

[0091] The single event tolerance function operates as follows. Note that since the operation differs depending on the type of single event, the operation will be explained for each type of single event.

[0092] ●SEFI: The transponder 105 operates as follows with respect to the SEFI in the transmission unit 231.

[0093] First, the receiver 222, which is an excess receiver channel of the transceiver IC 112, receives an IF signal obtained by modulating the transmission data and folding it back at the RF coupler 152. The receiver 222 then converts the received IF signal into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the demodulator 327. The demodulator 327 demodulates the received baseband signal, and outputs the demodulated reception data to the comparator 345. The comparator 345 compares the transmission data with the reception data, and outputs the comparison result to the controller 365.

[0094] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation (reset operation) when a SEFI occurs in a transmission section in the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0095] The control unit 365 determines whether the received data matches the transmitted data (step S510).

[0096] If the transmitting unit 231 of the transceiver IC 112 is operating normally, the received data and the transmitted data match (Yes in step S520), and the control unit 365 returns to the process of step S510.

[0097] On the other hand, if a SEFI occurs in transmission unit 231, the received data and the transmitted data do not match (No in step S520). If the received data and the transmitted data do not match (No in step S520), control unit 365 determines that a SEFI has occurred and performs a reset operation.

[0098] In the reset operation, first, the register 210 that controls the transceiver IC 112 is refreshed (step S530).

[0099] Next, the control unit 365 determines again whether the received data and the transmitted data match (step S540).

[0100] If the data comparison result still does not match (No in step S550), control unit 365 causes ON / OFF circuit 145 to turn the power of transceiver IC 112 off and then on to reset it (step S560).

[0101] The control unit 365 returns to the process of step S510.

[0102] The transponder 105 operates as follows with respect to the SEFI in the receiver 222.

[0103] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation (reset operation) when a SEFI occurs in a receiving section in the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0104] The control unit 365 determines whether frame synchronization has been achieved (step S610). If receiving unit 221 of transceiver IC 112 is operating normally, frame synchronization can be confirmed (Yes in step S620), and control unit 365 returns to the process of step S610.

[0105] If the frame synchronization unit 355 cannot confirm frame synchronization (No in step S620) even though a modulated RF signal is input to the receiving unit 221, the control unit 365 determines that a SEFI has occurred and performs a reset operation.

[0106] In the reset operation, first, the register 210 that controls the transceiver IC 112 is refreshed (step S630).

[0107] Next, the control unit 365 again determines whether frame synchronization has been achieved (step S640).

[0108] If frame synchronization is still not restored (No in step S650), control unit 365 resets transceiver IC 112 by turning the power off and then on using ON / OFF circuit 145 (step S660).

[0109] The control unit 365 returns to the process of step S610.

[0110] ●SEL: FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the SEL protection process in the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0111] The control unit 365 monitors the power supply current of the transceiver IC 112 by the current sensor 135 (step S710).

[0112] Next, the control unit 365 determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the power supply current (whether an overcurrent has flowed in the power supply current or whether there has been a discontinuous change in the power supply current) (step S720).

[0113] If no abnormality has occurred in the power supply current (No in step S720), the control unit 365 returns to the process of step S710.

[0114] If an abnormality in the power supply current occurs (Yes in step S720), control unit 365 resets the power supply by turning off and then on the power supply to transceiver IC 112 using ON / OFF circuit 145 (step S730), and returns to the process of step S710.

[0115] 7 is a graph showing an example of the operation of the SEL protection circuit in the second embodiment of the present invention (SEL occurrence and reset state). In FIG. 7, the horizontal axis indicates time, and the vertical axis indicates the magnitude of the power supply current. Here, an abnormality in the power supply current occurs at time t1, and the power supply is reset at time t2. Furthermore, an abnormality in the power supply current occurs at time t3, and the power supply is reset at time t4.

[0116] SEU: FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation of a register in the second embodiment of the present invention when an SEU occurs.

[0117] The control unit 365 constantly monitors the occurrence of an error (SEU) in the register 210 of the transceiver IC 112 by the register monitoring unit 315 (step S810). The register monitoring unit 315 stores the register value input to the register 210.

[0118] If no error has occurred in register 210 (the register value of register 210 matches the saved register value) (No in step S820), control unit 365 returns to the process of step S810.

[0119] If an error occurs in register 210 (the register value in register 210 does not match the saved register value) (Yes in step S820), the control unit 365 causes the register monitoring unit 315 to immediately reload the saved register value into register 210 (step S830) and returns to processing in step S841.

[0120] By performing the processes for each type of single event described above in parallel, the control unit 365 can instantly recover from a fault (SEFI, SEL, or SEU) caused by a single event, without damaging the transceiver IC 112, and while minimizing the interruption of the operation of the transponder 105.

[0121] As described above, the transponder 105 in this embodiment has the advantage that most of the RF components can be replaced with the general-purpose consumer transceiver IC 112 that does not have single event tolerance.

[0122] In addition, in the transponder 105 of this embodiment, if the transceiver IC 112 is a so-called SDR (Software Defined Radio) that can support most modulation and demodulation methods by rewriting registers, there is an advantage that it can also support reprogramming of the transceiver IC 112 (changing the modulation method, changing the bit rate, etc.).

[0123] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration capable of realizing a signal processing unit in each embodiment of the present invention.

[0124] The signal processing unit 901 includes a storage device 902, a software processing unit 903, an I / O (Input / Output) device 908, and a hardware processing unit 909, which are connected by an internal bus 906. The storage device 902 stores an operation program for the software processing unit 903 of the signal processing unit 901. The software processing unit 903 controls the entire signal processing unit 901, executes the operation program stored in the storage device 902, and executes the program of the signal processing unit 901 and transmits and receives data via the I / O device 908. The hardware processing unit 909 performs processing that is not performed by the software processing unit 903. Note that the internal configuration of the signal processing unit 901 described above is one example.

[0125] The signal processing unit 901 in each of the above-mentioned embodiments of the present invention may be realized by a dedicated device, but other than the operation of the hardware in which the I / O device 908 executes communication with the outside, it can also be realized by a computer (such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or a processor). In this case, the computer reads the software program stored in the storage device 902 into the software processing unit 903, and executes the read software program in the software processing unit 903. In the case of each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the software program only needs to have a description capable of implementing the functions of each of the signal processing units 120, 122, and 125 shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 3 as described above. However, it is also assumed that each of these units includes hardware as appropriate. In such a case, the software program (computer program) can be considered to constitute the present invention. Furthermore, a computer-readable storage medium in which the software program is stored can also be considered to constitute the present invention.

[0126] The present invention has been described above by way of example with reference to the above-mentioned embodiments and their modifications. However, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above-mentioned embodiments and their modifications. It is clear to those skilled in the art that various modifications or improvements can be made to the embodiments. In such cases, new embodiments with such modifications or improvements may also be included in the technical scope of the present invention. This is clear from the matters described in the claims. [Industrial Applicability]

[0127] The present invention can be used for transponders mounted on artificial satellites, rockets, etc., or installed in space, nuclear power-related facilities, high radiation areas, etc. The present invention can also be used for transponders mounted on moving objects, or transponders including semiconductor devices manufactured by miniaturized processes. [Explanation of symbols]

[0128] 100, 102, 105 Transponders 110, 112 Transceiver integrated circuit 120, 122, 125 Signal processing unit 152 RF Coupler 210 Register 221, 222 Receiving unit 231 Transmitter 361, 362 Transmission and reception monitoring unit 363 Register Monitoring Unit 364 Power supply current monitoring section

Claims

1. receiving means for converting a received signal into a received baseband signal; A transmitting means for converting a transmit baseband signal into a transmit signal. a consumer transceiver integrated circuit including: a transmission / reception monitoring means having resistance to a single event effect for monitoring an occurrence of a single event effect in transmission or reception of the transceiver integrated circuit and resetting a power supply supplying a power supply current to the transceiver integrated circuit when an occurrence of a single event effect in the transmission or reception is detected; The transponder wherein the transmission / reception monitoring means receives the received baseband signal, demodulates it as received data, and monitors frame synchronization in the demodulated received data, thereby monitoring the occurrence of a single event effect in the transmission or reception.

2. receiving means for converting a received signal into a received baseband signal; A transmitting means for converting a transmit baseband signal into a transmit signal. a consumer transceiver integrated circuit including: a transmission / reception monitoring means having resistance to a single event effect, the means monitoring an occurrence of a single event effect in transmission or reception of the transceiver integrated circuit, and resetting a power supply supplying a power supply current to the transceiver integrated circuit when an occurrence of a single event effect in the transmission or reception is detected, the transceiver integrated circuit further comprises redundant receiving means for converting a monitor receive signal into a monitor receive baseband signal; the transponder further comprises an RF coupler for returning a portion of the power of the transmission signal to the redundant receiving means as the monitor reception signal; The transmission / reception monitoring means modulates transmission data and outputs it to the transceiver integrated circuit as the transmission baseband signal, inputs the monitor reception baseband signal and demodulates it as monitor reception data, and monitors the occurrence of a single event effect in the transmission or reception by comparing the transmission data with the monitor reception data.

3. the transceiver integrated circuit further comprises a register used to control the receiving means and the transmitting means; said transponder further comprising single event effect tolerant register monitoring means for storing register values ​​in said transceiver integrated circuit registers and for reloading said registers with said stored register values ​​upon detecting the occurrence of a single event effect; 3. The transponder according to claim 1, wherein when the transmission / reception monitoring means detects the occurrence of a single event effect in the transmission or reception, the transmission / reception monitoring means attempts to recover from the single event effect in the transmission or reception by reloading the register value stored in the register monitoring means into the register before resetting the power supply.

4. 4. The transponder according to claim 3, wherein said register monitoring means monitors the occurrence of a single event effect in said register, and reloads said register with the stored register value when the occurrence of a single event effect in said register is detected.

5. 5. The transponder according to claim 1, further comprising a power supply current monitoring means resistant to single event effects, for monitoring the power supply current and resetting the power supply when a discontinuous variation occurs in the power supply current.

6. 6. The transponder according to claim 5, wherein said power supply current monitoring means monitors said power supply current and resets said power supply when an overcurrent occurs in said power supply current.

7. 3. A signal processing device comprising the transmission / reception monitoring means included in the transponder according to claim 1.

8. Signal processing equipment that is resistant to single event effects Monitoring the occurrence of single event effects in the transmission or reception of a consumer transceiver integrated circuit; resetting a power supply that provides a power supply current to the transceiver integrated circuit upon detecting an occurrence of a single event effect in the transmission or reception; The signal processing method comprises: a signal processing device inputting a received baseband signal, demodulating it as received data, and monitoring frame synchronization in the demodulated received data, thereby monitoring the occurrence of a single event effect in the transmission or reception.

9. Signal processing equipment that is resistant to single event effects Monitoring the occurrence of single event effects in the transmission or reception of a consumer transceiver integrated circuit; A signal processing method for resetting a power supply that supplies a power supply current to the transceiver integrated circuit when an occurrence of a single event effect in the transmission or reception is detected, the method comprising: the transceiver integrated circuit further comprises redundant receiving means for converting a monitor receive signal into a monitor receive baseband signal; The signal processing device further includes an RF coupler that returns a portion of the power of the transmission signal to the redundant receiving means as the monitor reception signal; The signal processing method includes: a signal processing device that modulates transmission data and outputs it to the transceiver integrated circuit as a transmission baseband signal; inputs the monitor reception baseband signal and demodulates it as monitor reception data; and compares the transmission data with the monitor reception data, thereby monitoring the occurrence of a single event effect in the transmission or reception.

10. A computer including a signal processing device that is resistant to single event effects, Monitoring the occurrence of single event effects in the transmission or reception of a consumer transceiver integrated circuit; resetting a power supply that provides a power supply current to the transceiver integrated circuit upon detecting an occurrence of a single event effect in the transmission or reception; The computer executes a signal processing program that executes a transmission / reception monitoring process that inputs a received baseband signal, demodulates it into received data, and monitors frame synchronization in the demodulated received data to monitor the occurrence of a single event effect in the transmission or reception.

11. A computer including a signal processing device that is resistant to single event effects, Monitoring the occurrence of single event effects in the transmission or reception of a consumer transceiver integrated circuit; a signal processing program for executing a transmission / reception monitoring process for resetting a power supply that supplies a power supply current to the transceiver integrated circuit when an occurrence of a single event effect in the transmission or reception is detected, the transceiver integrated circuit further comprises redundant receiving means for converting a monitor receive signal into a monitor receive baseband signal; The signal processing device further includes an RF coupler that returns a portion of the power of the transmission signal to the redundant receiving means as the monitor reception signal; The transmission / reception monitoring process is a signal processing program that modulates transmission data and outputs it to the transceiver integrated circuit as a transmission baseband signal, inputs the monitor reception baseband signal, demodulates it as monitor reception data, and compares the transmission data with the monitor reception data, thereby monitoring the occurrence of a single event effect in the transmission or reception.

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