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A scientific study of the problems of digital engineering for space flight systems,
with a view to their practical solution.

 

DSP (Demanding Space-Based Processing!): The Path Behind and The Road Ahead

Dr SM Parkes
Applied Computing, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 4HN, Scotland, UK
Tel: 44 1382 345194, Fax: 44 1382 345509, Email: sparkes@computing.dundee.ac.uk

Abstract

There are a growing number of applications for digital signal and image processing in space. Often these applications are demanding in terms of the processing power required and in the complexity of the algorithms that must be implemented. DSP (Digital Signal Processing) devices offer a blend of high performance and flexibility which is ideal for many of these demanding applications.

This paper provides a brief introduction to digital signal processors and to their application in space. It then reviews the research and development activities leading to the the TSC21020E radiation tolerant, 32-bit, floating-point, DSP processor. Related research on multi-processor architectures and highly integrated DSP processor systems using multi-chip module technology is also reviewed. Two processing systems designed around the TSC21020E DSP processor for on-board signal and image processing applications are described.

The paper goes on to summarize the current situation with regard to the use of DSP processors in space and then gives thought to future research and development activities. Future activities include developments to support efficient and effective use of the TSC21020E and standardization of highspeed data handling interfaces. Finally, views about the next generation of DSP processors for space applications are given.

Table of Contents

    1. Introduction
      1. What is a Digital Signal Processing?
      2. What is a DSP Processor?
      3. What are the Applications?
        1. Vision Based Systems
        2. SAR Processing
        3. Radar Altimeter
    2. The Path Behind
      1. The First DSP
      2. A Floating-Point DSP for Space
      3. Integrated Architectures
      4. Integrated DSP’s
      5. DSP Software Tools
      6. Current DSP Systems
        1. MMS Star-DSP
        2. DSS Mosaic020
    3. The Road Ahead
      1. DSP Applications
        1. Demonstration Systems
        2. Support Devices
        3. Data Link Standard
        4. Software
      2. Next Generation
        1. Parallel DSP’s
        2. Multi-Core DSP’s
        3. VLIW DSP’s
      3. DSP’s in Space: The Next Generation?
    4. Conclusion
      1. Summary
      2. The Next Steps
    5. Acknowledgements
    6. References

List of Figures

Figure 1. Block Diagram of DSP Processor

Figure 2. Radar Altimeter Block Diagram

Figure 3. Block Diagram of TSC21020E Radiation Tolerant DSP Processor

Figure 4. Photograph of the Quasar-DSP Multi-Chip Module

Figure 5. Block Diagram of the Star-DSP

Figure 6. Photograph of the Star-DSP Board in the Visual Telemetry Unit

Figure 7. Block Diagram of Mosaic020

Figure 8. Photograph of the Mosaic020 DSP Board

Figure 9. Block Diagram of ADSP21060 SHARC

Figure 10. Block Diagram of ADSP21160 Hammerhead SHARC

Figure 11. Block Diagram of the TMS320C6x VLIW DSP Processor

Conclusions

This paper examined the application of programmable DSP technology to demanding space-based processing problems. It gave an overview of the development path that led to the TSC21020, a radiation tolerant 32-bit floating-point DSP processor and gave a glimpse of the road that is now open ahead to flight applications, supporting developments and a future DSP processor for use in space.

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Last Revised January 09, 2002
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