In-flight reconfigurable electronics for integral imager prototype

This paper describes the unprecedented implementation of “in-flight” reconfigurable on-board data handling electronics using reprogrammable FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) technology. The electronics design was realized for a prototype of the Imager for the INTEGRAL mission that is an ESA “Horizon 2000” long term plan, now in the second selection cycle (M2). The Imager prototype was developed by an international collaboration, and was flown successfully on a balloon from Fort-Sumner, New-Mexico in October 93. The purpose of this reconfigurable electronics was to demonstrate a new engineering approach that would reduce the cost of mass and power of the payload. The accomplishment of using a flexible structure in an instrument prototype combined with the demonstration of high performance during hostile environmental flight conditions is presented