Modular CubeSat Avionics with Stackable Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional satellite avionics systems are large, costly, and mission-specific, leading to little reuse across different satellite projects, requiring new development cycles and custom packaging, which is not feasible for smaller organizations or projects with varying mission objectives.
Innovation Solution
A modular satellite avionics system with a standardized form factor, including a main system board, payload interface board, daughter boards, and battery board, connected via stackable connectors, allowing for flexible configuration and reusability across various missions, with features like a long duration timer for power management, non-volatile phase change memory for radiation hardening, and a removable umbilical system for debugging and development.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional satellite avionics are customized for each mission, then mission-specific performance is improved, but development cost and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The avionics system is divided into modular functional blocks (power management module, communication module, sensor module, actuator module) that can be independently developed, tested, and assembled. This segmentation allows different mission-specific configurations to be created by combining standardized modules, reducing overall development complexity while maintaining mission-specific performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal avionics platform with standardized interfaces and protocols that can serve multiple satellite missions. The modular architecture enables the same base platform to be adapted for different missions by swapping functional modules, thereby reducing development cost and time while maintaining reliability through proven standardized components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional satellite avionics use customized packaging, then fit for specific satellite airframe is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The avionics package uses a standardized form factor and mounting interface that can be adapted to multiple satellite airframe types. The modular design allows the same packaged unit to be installed in different satellite configurations by simply changing the external mounting brackets or adapter plates, maintaining airframe compatibility while using standardized manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The avionics system employs a hierarchical modular structure where functional modules are nested within a standardized package, which in turn can be nested within different satellite airframe configurations. This nested design allows the core avionics package to remain standardized while adapting to different external mounting requirements, reducing manufacturing cost through economies of scale.
3Reliability
If radiation hardening is achieved through expensive shielding, then radiation resistance is improved, but satellite mass and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs radiation-tolerant commercial off-the-shelf components that can withstand typical space radiation environments without requiring heavy shielding. The modular architecture allows for selective placement of radiation-hardened components only where absolutely necessary, while other components use cost-effective, lighter-weight alternatives, thereby maintaining radiation resistance while reducing overall mass.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses software-based radiation mitigation techniques and error correction codes that change the operational parameters of the electronics to withstand radiation effects. This approach provides radiation resistance through computational methods rather than physical shielding, significantly reducing the mass required while maintaining reliability in the radiation environment.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The modular design enables smaller, less costly, and more flexible satellite avionics systems that can be easily adapted for different missions, reducing development costs and increasing efficiency through standardized components and radiation hardening without the need for expensive shielding, while maintaining advanced processing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a non-volatile phase change memory system. The non-volatile phase change memory system can include an image of an operating system stored therein
Data Source
AI summary
A satellite system includes a chassis, an avionics package included within an upper portion of the chassis. The avionics package includes a main system board, a payload interface board, at least one daughter board and a battery board. The main system board, the payload interface board, the at least one daughter board, and the battery board reside in substantially parallel planes. The payload interface board, the at least one daughter board, and the battery board are coupled to the main system board through one or more stackable connectors. A method of operating a satellite is also described.