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A distributed microprocessor system for spacecraft control and data handlingThe specific requirements for spacecraft computing systems are considered. These requirements are partly related to the constraints of limited resources of power, weight, and volume. Another important factor is the requirement of extremely high reliability. These reliability requirements have led to introduction of automated redundancy techniques on board the spacecraft. The various redundant computers check each other and provide recovery procedures when a computer is found to have failed. Past and future capabilities are considered along with distributed processing requirements. System considerations are discussed, taking into account suboptimum computer throughput, sensitivity to software modifications, hierarchic timing, I/O granularity, restricted communications, synchronous functions, hierarchic control, and concurrent error detection. A description is presented of the Unified Data System (UDS), which consists of a set of standard microcomputers connected by several buses. Attention is also given to synchronization and timing, the executive control structure, the programming language, and the executive program.
Document ID
19790031636
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Rennels, D. A.
(California Institute of Technology, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena Calif., United States)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
November 1, 1977
Subject Category
Spacecraft Instrumentation
Meeting Information
Meeting: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and Electronic Representatives Association, Electronic Show and Convention
Location: Chicago, IL
Start Date: November 8, 1977
End Date: November 10, 1977
Sponsors: Electronic Representatives Association, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Accession Number
79A15649
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS7-100
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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