PRU-ICSS Segmentation for EO/IR Sensor Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current guidance systems for munitions or rockets lack advanced sensors and detectors to effectively address evolving threats, necessitating upgrades or additions such as EO/IR sensors for enhanced targeting and navigation.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an EO/IR sensor with a guidance computer assembly (GCA) that includes a Programmable Real-Time Unit Industrial Communication SubSystem (PRU-ICSS) with two Programmable Real-Time Units (PRUs), enabling the processing and utilization of EO/IR data for improved guidance and targeting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If advanced sensors such as EO/IR are added to the guidance system, then measurement precision and targeting capability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guidance computer assembly is segmented into multiple PRU modules, with each PRU dedicated to processing data from specific sensors. This modular architecture allows the EO/IR sensor to be integrated without requiring complete system redesign, as the EO/IR processing is handled by a dedicated PRU module, thus improving measurement precision while managing device complexity through functional segmentation
Solution Approach 2:
The PRU-ICSS platform provides universal processing capability that can handle multiple sensor types including EO/IR, laser, and inertial sensors through a common architecture. This multi-functionality allows the same hardware platform to process diverse sensor inputs, improving targeting precision across different sensor modalities without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are integrated to address evolving threats, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic sensor activation where the guidance computer can selectively enable or disable specific PRU modules based on the operational scenario and detected threats. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt to evolving threats by activating only the necessary sensor processing capabilities, thereby improving adaptability while managing device complexity through selective operation
Solution Approach 2:
The PRU modules are nested within the PRU-ICSS architecture, which itself is integrated into the broader guidance computer assembly. This nested structure allows multiple sensors to be integrated in a hierarchical manner, with each PRU module containing specialized processing logic that is encapsulated within the larger system framework, thus improving adaptability while containing integration complexity within modular boundaries
Data Source
AI summary
A guidance system for a guided munition has an inertial measurement unit (IMU) or another type of first sensor on the guided munition, electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor on the guided munition, and a guidance computer assembly (GCA) having a Programmable Real-Time Unit Industrial Communication SubSystem (PRU-ICSS), wherein the PRU-ICSS is in operative communication with the IMU or another type of first sensor and the EO/IR. The PRU-ICSS has a first Programmable Real-Time Unit (PRU), wherein the first PRU is programmed to receive and process input data from the IMU or another type of first sensor on the guided munition, and the PRU-ICSS has a second PRU, wherein the second PRU is programmed to receive and process input data from the EO/IR sensor on the guided munition.