Feasibility of the PowerPc 603ETM for a LEO satellite on-board computer

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:For space designs, just as for terrestrial applications, the appetite for more computingpower is virtually insatiable. Further, like portable applications, space use implies severepower constraints. Among currently available commercial processors, the PowerPC familyranks high in Million Instructions Per Second (MIPS) per watt, but its suitability for spaceapplications outside low-earth orbits (LEOs) may be limited by the radiation environment,particularly single ev nt effects (SEE).This thesis covers the feasibility of using the PowerPC 603e™ processor for LEO satelliteapplications. The PowerPC architecture is well established with an excellent roadmap,which makes for a baseline microprocessor with long-term availability and excellent softwaresupport. The evaluation board design leverages Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS)technologies, allowing early integration and test. It provides a clear path to upgrades andprovides a high performance platform to suit multiple missions.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University