ECSS Compliance using Model-Based Design: A Vision-Based Navigation System on FPGAs

This paper explores the use of Model-Based Design for the FPGA implementation of a vision-based navigation system, focusing on following a process equivalent to the European Cooperation for Space Standardization. Model-Based Design offers several benefits, including establishing a digital thread for full traceability, identifying errors early in the design process, and serving as a communication vehicle between algorithm designers and embedded system experts. Using code generation and coverage from system architecture to item design are also discussed. Additionally, the paper explores how Model-Based Design accelerates verification and validation by shifting the right side of the V model to smaller Vs on the left. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of Model-Based Design for FPGA implementation of complex systems in the space industry.