RE: [amsat-bb] Flight Computers

["Rick Hambly \(W2GPS\)" <w2gps@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Mike,

> ... is it a given that the V53 will be used for the IHU?

Yes.

> If so, it seems that 3 is the best choice, based on the 
> rational if you are chosing known reliable hardware, you 
> might as well have known reliable software too.

You could be right, but there are good reasons for investigating
alternatives, especially open source alternatives.  On what basis did
you skip 2 (RTEMS)?  It is also being used on spacecraft.

> ... I'm not certain that the V53 isn't overkill and could 
> not be replaced by a far simpler IHU or even dedicated 
> state logic. That would make available a lot more power 
> for a general purpose communications processor running 
> whatever OS the most talent is available for.  

The V53 is not overkill.  AO-E is a much more complex satellite than you
seem to think. Look for my article in the next AMSAT Journal for an
introduction. We are hoping to also fly a payload processor that will be
an ARM based CPU, similar to AO-40's IHU-2.  That decision doesn't
require that we eliminate the V53.

> ...the TI OMAP processors (ARM + DSP) look very interesting.

I expect that we will use either the StrongARM or the XScale, both from
Intel, because that builds on our experience base. XScale also has and
internal DSP engine.

Rick
W2GPS

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