PAGE CONTENTS
Objectives
In the current generation of platforms, the complete avionics for the satellite are provided via two separate units, the PFDIU (PlatForm Distribution Interface Unit) and PLDIU (PayLoad Distribution Interface Unit). The position of these units within the overall satellite architecture is shown in the following figure:
The principal objectives of the ARTES 3-4 Activities can be summarised as follows:
- Detailed design and analysis of several modules being part of the PFDIU and PLDIU
- Manufacturing and test of these modules as part of the FUMO
- Manufacturing of a single EQM containing all the SDIU modules (two per type)
- Test of this EQM, leading to the qualification of both units.
All of these activities have led to a cost reduction of 30% for the complete avionics subsystem.
Challenges
The main challenge for the programme is achieving the significant cost reduction targets. In order to reach the cost reduction target, a proprietary digital programmable controller (DPC) is introduced. The DPC is a generic device, which associated with a dedicated firmware, allows execution of various different management, command and control functions required in the PxDIU’s. The integration of this DPC and associated firmware represents one of the main technical challenges on the programme.
System Architecture
Refer to Product features.
Plan
The global Project plan is as follows:
- ARTES 3-4 study (baseline architecture definition – status: completed)
- ARTES 5.2 project (risk reduction phase concerning the implementation of digital power control and the introduction of a CAN communications bus, manufacturing and test of a FUMO – status: completed)
- ARTES 3-4 project (development model, subject to a full qualification campaign to demonstrate that the proposed design is compatible with a 18 year mission in geostationary orbit – subject of the present web page). Status: completed.
Current Status
The project is completed.
