CubeSat On-Board Computer

The IMT CubeSat on-board computer (OBC) is based on the latest COTS technologies available on the market. The processor is a high performance 32-bit, Microchip PIC32MZ M14K based on the MIPSTM core, with a maximum operating frequency of 200MHz. Three memory banks are provided with independent anti latch-up circuits.

The RAM banks use a standard Cellular RAMTM PSRAM chip of 16MB. The flash NOR memory bank uses the high-speed SQI while the flash NAND memory bank is controlled through the standard ONFI. Both the NAND and NOR flash memories are in Triple Redundancy configuration with Majority Voting.
The OBC provides 32 analog channel inputs with hot redundancy on each channel: 16 inputs are available to users, the other 16 are devoted to internal computer telemetry data. Two oscillators with one more backup crystal contribute to mission reliability.

Another contribution to mission reliability is provided by the internal dual flash and RAM panels that allows live firmware update in critical missions. Standard interfaces like SPI, CAN bus, I2C and UART are provided with two channels for each type. USB 2.0 and enhanced JTAG interface are available for the EGSE (Electrical Ground Support Equipment). Two Real-Time Clocks and Calendars powered by solid-state lithium battery allow time keeping up to 5 days without external power. Dual watch-dog system and Dead-Man Timer are provided for critical missions reliability. Four PWM bidirectional outputs are available (i.e. to perform ACS functions).