Satellite Multifunctional Controller Reducing Testing Effort
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high implementation and testing effort required for redundant components in satellite control and safety systems, such as the onboard computer (OBC) and power control and distribution unit (PCDU), due to their critical nature and complex reconfiguration needs, necessitates a solution that reduces design and testing complexity.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional controller that combines the reconfiguration unit and PCDU controller into a single chip, enabling integrated control and power distribution functions, reducing the need for separate components and simplifying system tests.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If redundant components are implemented in OBC and PCDU to ensure satellite safety and avoid total failure, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and testing effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the PCDU controller and reconfiguration unit into a single integrated controller. This merging reduces the number of separate components while maintaining all necessary functions for power distribution and redundancy management, thereby reducing device complexity without compromising satellite safety
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated controller performs multiple functions: it controls power distribution to satellite components and simultaneously manages reconfiguration of OBC components. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated controllers, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability through comprehensive control capabilities
2Reliability
If separate reconfiguration unit and PCDU controller are used with cross-coupled components, then reliability and fault tolerance are improved, but manufacturing and testing effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the reconfiguration unit and PCDU controller into one component, the patent reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled. This single integrated controller can be produced as a unified ASIC or FPGA module, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and implementation effort compared to separate components
3Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for control and power distribution, then functional redundancy is improved, but testing effort and verification costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of control and power distribution functions into a single controller reduces the number of interfaces and interaction points that need to be tested. While functional redundancy is maintained through the controller's capabilities, the testing effort is reduced because there are fewer separate components and their interactions to verify
Data Source
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AI summary
The multifunctional controller (10) has a hardware that includes reconfiguration functions (12) to reconfigure components of an onboard computer, or for turning off electrical loads of a satellite in an event of a malfunction. The hardware including control functions is configured to control distribution of energy to satellite components. An input (20) is configured to trigger the hardware with reconfiguration functions upon receiving corresponding commands. The input receives commands from decoder modules for hardware reconfiguration of the onboard computer. An independent claim is included for a device for commanding a satellite and controlling its energy supply.