Title :
An embedded microcontroller for spacecraft applications
Author :
Marshall, Joseph R. ; Robertson, Jeff
Author_Institution :
BAE Syst., Manassas, VA
Abstract :
Originally conceived for fault tolerance control of its associated general purpose processor, the embedded microcontroller (EMC) present in BAE Systems Power PCI Bridge application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) has evolved into a processing workhorse finding applications spanning memory controllers, I/O processors as well as continuing to support the RAD750reg PowerPCreg processor. Development tools have also evolved from a simple assembler to a full development environment including compiler and simulator integrated with the PowerPC tools supporting the RAD750. This paper describes the evolution of the EMC within the Power PCI Bridge, development of its support tools and some of its applications as both a capable assistant to the RAD750 as well as a standalone processing element. Power and performance improvements are highlighted. Comparison to other processor cores that might be used in space is also shown. Discussion of future enhancements will also be mentioned
Keywords :
aerospace instrumentation; application specific integrated circuits; embedded systems; microcontrollers; BAE Systems Power PCI Bridge; I/O processors; PowerPC; RAD750; application specific integrated circuit; compiler; embedded microcontroller; fault tolerance control; general purpose processor; simulator; spacecraft applications; spanning memory controllers; workhorse finding; Application specific integrated circuits; Bridge circuits; Central Processing Unit; Control systems; Electromagnetic compatibility; Engines; Microcontrollers; Space vehicles; Switches; Workstations;
Conference_Titel :
Aerospace Conference, 2006 IEEE
Conference_Location :
Big Sky, MT
Print_ISBN :
0-7803-9545-X
DOI :
10.1109/AERO.2006.1655953
