Background

On the International Space Station (ISS), a Mass Memory Unit (MMU) stores data using PC Card Flash memory. In orbit, the ISS is unprotected from cosmic radiation, which regularly triggers errors in the Flash memory. The MMU must reliably correct these errors. Therefore, before launch into space, it had to be demonstrated that the MMU reliably detects and corrects these memory errors.

PCCard Emulator Detail

Project Overview

Client
EADS

Area
Data & High Performance

Solution
FPGA Emulator for testing error correction in space.

System Environment
Mass Memory Unit (MMU) of the ISS, PC Card Flash Memory, PC Card Interface, PCI Card in PC

ESA Technology Tree
Areas 8D-2 and 9C-2

SCS’s Contribution

SCS developed an emulator for EADS that specifically simulates the behavior of flash cards and radiation-induced error states, and records all processes in detail.

Error States Specifically Simulated

An FPGA specifically simulates the behavior of memory cards and various error states. All processes are recorded in detail for subsequent analysis.

Timing Precisely Replicated

The emulation had to correspond not only functionally but also temporally precisely to the behavior of the flash cards. For this purpose, SCS developed hardware close to the MMU with drivers and latch-up emulation, while the FPGA was operated on a PCI card in the PC.

Manufacturer-Specific Behavior Mapped

The PC Card standard, which has evolved over years, is inconsistent and partly manufacturer-specific. The FPGA offered the necessary flexibility to precisely map these differences in the emulation.

Tests Fully Controllable

The user interface gives EADS full control over the PC Card interface. Extensive test procedures could also be automated via scripts.

Mass Memory Unit fuer ISS gross

Result

With the PC Card Emulator, EADS was able to test the Mass Memory Unit in detail for memory errors and demonstrate its robustness against radiation-induced memory errors. The automated tests helped to meet the tight schedule and prepare the MMU for launch into space on time.

Services Used

FPGA Engineering

Electronic Hardware

Data & High Performance

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Your Contact Person

David Gschwend

High Performance Systems
+41 43 456 16 00

For questions regarding FPGA development, hardware test systems, and the precise simulation of technical interfaces.

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