OBC
High reliability, low-power flight computer with integrated AOCS interface and controller for low Earth orbit spacecraft
Available exclusively as part of our spacecraft system solutions.
Please contact us for more information.
The OBC is a flight-proven, high-reliability onboard computer (OBC) designed for low Earth orbit microsatellites. It conforms to the Eurocard 3U form factor and includes standard interfaces essential for most satellite sensors and actuators. With substantial processing power and memory, it can run a complete satellite software suite, including high-fidelity AOCS with FDIR.
The OBC can operate independently or as part of a redundant pair for enhanced reliability. It also includes an independent microcontroller dedicated to magnetic control, capable of performing satellite detumbling and basic AOCS operations.
OBC Core Specifications
OBC Technical Specifications
Operating Temperature
-10 °C to +50 °C
Form Factor
EuroCard 3U
Dimensions
160 x 117 x 30.5 mm
Mass
0.35 kg
Design Life
Up to 8 years LEO
Supply Voltage
Single input 24–32 V
Power Consumption
5 W
Latch-Up Detection Circuitry
All internal power supplies
All power outputs
Output Power Supplies
12 V, 5 V and 3.3 V
Health Monitoring
Internal voltages & currents
Internal temperatures
Output voltages & currents
Onboard Flight Software
Operating System
Linux 4.14 build for Xiphos Q7S
Interfaces
CCSDS TCTM
CCSDS File Delivery Protocol
Direct Command Terminal
Mission Scripts
Lua scripts with systemd for scheduling
State Management
Bespoke Satellite Controller,
Applications & FDIR
Drivers
Bespoke Sensors & Actuators
CTRS, GNSS, RW, ST, FOG,
PROP, DTX, FSS
Functionality Highlights
- High-reliability dual core ARM-A9 able to run full satellite software suite, including high-fidelity AOCS with FDIR
- Stand-alone or dual-redundant operation
- Standard interfaces necessary for most satellite sensors and actuators
- Independent microcontroller for magnetic control able to perform satellite detumbling and basic AOCS functions
Main OBC Processor
Processor
Dual Core ARM-A9 (766 MHz)
Memory (SDRAM)
Dual 256 MB
Non-Volatile Memory (Flash)
Dual 32 GB (SD Card)
Dual 128 MB Flash
Reliability
Robust boot (4 boot areas)
Data scrubbing, Health
monitoring, Watchdog
RAM ECC
In-Flight Reprogrammable
Yes
Communication Interfaces
2× CAN, 2× SpaceWire *
14× RS422, 2× RS485
DCL (Direct Command Line)
External Temperature Interfaces
12× Thermisor
One-wire
Magnetic Interface Controller
Processor
Hard 166-MHz 32-Bit
ARM Cortex-M3
FPGA with 12k LEs
Memory (SDRAM)
64 KB
Non-Volatile Memory (Flash)
256 KB
Reliability
Robust Boot (2 boot areas)
EU Immune Zero FIT
Watchdog
Non-Volatile Memory (Flash)
256 KB
In-Flight Reprogrammable
Yes
Communication Interfaces
2× CAN, 2× RS485
Magnotorqer Driver
3× 5V H-bridge
Magnotometer Inputs
5× 0-5V (12bits ADC)
