2015.B.3.1. Design and Implementation of Triple Modular Redundant System on Linux-Based On-Board Computer for CubeSat

Author(s)

Emir Husni (1)
Angga Putra (1)
Nazmi Febrian (1)

Bandung Institute of Technology, Indonesia

Session

B.3

Keywords

Fault Tolerant System, CubeSat, Satellite, Triple Modular Redundant System, On-Board Computer

Abstract

One of the most important elements in the design of CubeSat embedded system is hardware fault tolerance. The system must be able to maintain its performance in carrying out its mission despite the presence of radiation on the space environment, such as single event upset, single event latch-up, single event burnout, etc. These radiation can bring damage on electronic devices ranging from soft to hard failure, therefore redundant system must be implemented. On redundant system, when one of the duplicated components fails, the other redundant components designed to replace the failed components.

By using redundant system, the reliability of data storage and data transmission from the CubeSat to ground station (GS) will be increased. Triple modular redundant system is implemented on Linux-based single board computer using bash shell script. On this developed system, all on-board computer operate simultaneously and communicate with each other to perform the division of tasks. Intel Galileo generation 1 chosen as on-board computer development platform. By using this Linux-based single board computer, internet based communication technology can be implemented on the CubeSat communication system.

Triple modular redundant system testing is done by simulating data transmission between on-board computer and between on-board computer and GS using dummy data. Each module communicates with each other through passive switch. Various scenarios that simulate the failure of on-board computer on triple modular redundant system has been tested. The test results show that on-board computer can continue to transmitting data to the ground station despite failure that can cause one or two on-board computer become dysfunctional.