PAGE CONTENTS
Objectives
Phase-2 of this programme covered the evolution of the TTC product taking into account findings from the first qualification campaign and aimed to accommodate market requirements that were not previously addressed. The changes implemented in Phase-2, which required a full qualification campaign were as follows:
- Increase the life expectancy of the TT&C from five years to seven years
- Introduction of a second (redundant) data interface for cross strapping in redundant configurations
- Introduction of a hard/soft reset and restart feature for mitigation against SEEs
- Increase of the maximum RF output power capability from 2.2W to 5W, with configurable power levels in 1dB steps
- Introduction of an automated test methodology
- Upgrade of the TT&C components to meet ESA class-3 requirements
Ultimately, the main objective of the programme was to qualify the transceiver and antenna filter system for use on an ESA programme. and provide a baseline product that can be utilized on other missions requiring an S-band TT&C / downlink transceiver.
Challenges
Given that the initial design of the equipment was based on COTS components and the goal was to satisfy the requirements of an ESA science mission, the project had to overcome numerous challenges during development.
The implemented updates included a complete re-evaluation of the equipment design and identification of areas that needed to be further validated by additional testing or design modifications. Two major areas that required significant effort were the cost driven component selection and the radiation tolerance of the equipment.
The updated qualification campaign involved both TiD testing and SEE/SEU testing at sub-system level, aiming to characterize the equipment behaviour/tolerance under higher radiation levels.
Plan
The development was structured into four main areas of activity:
- System re-design of the TTC equipment
- Manufacture and assembly of the EQM unit
- Test methodology updates including the development of an automated test system
- Full flight qualification including thermal testing, TVAC, EMC/ESD, shock & vibration, SEE/TID radiation testing
The qualification schedule was aligned to the ESA CHEOPS mission requirements with an expectation that this would be expanded to further ESA missions after qualification.
Current Status
Complete
The main aims of the 2nd phase of the CETB programme were to increase the functionality of the transceiver, characterise its performance and address the need for a high quality, lower cost TT&C unit. The acceptance of the equipment by an ESA mission (CHEOPS) was a secondary aim that proved the suitability of the equipment for an ESA science mission. ESA’s input to this programme was invaluable and helped Honeywell’s technical experts complete a successful qualification campaign.
