End-to-End Reconfigurability of Avionic Systems for Space Missions

This paper discusses the design and development of Avionic Systems that are amenable for reconfiguration. The avionic system for any space mission is composed of interconnected subsystems that perform a specific function that is a part of the intended functionality. For instance, the telemetry system is composed of sensors, signal conditioners, digitizers, data aggregators and RF transmitter systems that constitute the end-to-end signal chain. We examine how state-of-the-art technologies like mixed-domain VLSI and Embedded systems with advanced interfaces can be utilized for realization of all these subsystems with soft programmable features so as to render the entire system reconfigurable from end-to-end. Such a system design gives enormous advantages ranging from reuse of hardware from mission to mission to on-the-fly reconfiguration to satisfy the requirements during various phases of a specific mission. This is especially important in the context of advanced space missions like Re-entry Launch Vehicles (RLV), Space Stations and Lunar and Inter-planetary missions.