Aerospace Networks and Communications

Southwest Research Institute® (SwRI®) has over 15 years of experience in the research, design and development of networks and network-based systems. With this extensive background in networks, coupled with real-time systems focus, SwRI is a pioneer in bringing networking technology to airborne and space platforms. SwRI is also conducting research and development in reconfigurable communications architectures for space applications.

Aircraft Vehicle Networks and Flight Test Systems

SwRI is applying networking technology to aircraft and aviation flight test systems using innovative combinations of open standards. Some features and capabilities of systems developed by SwRI include:

• Real-time data acquisition, recording and telemetry
• IEEE-1588 precision network-based time synchronization
• 10/100/1000 copper/fiber Ethernet
• Multicast UDP/IP data transport
• Total sensor data rates exceeding 500 Mbps
• Automated and centralized network management systems
• Integrated health and status monitoring
• Flight-ruggedized equipment

Precision Network-Based Time Synchronization

Variable transport latencies and inadequate time synchronization have hindered the deployment of network-based solutions in applications that require real-time response. The very high precision time synchronization capabilities provided by emerging standards such as IEEE-1588 have made the advantages of network-centric designs available to real-time and high data throughput applications. Advantages to network-based time synchronization include:

• Requires only one additional Ethernet cable and switch port to add the time source to the network
• Does not require a separate legacy time synchronization bus (e.g., IRIG-B) connection to each device
• Provides for sub-microsecond network-wide time synchronization

Example of network-based time synchronization.

Space Internetworking

SwRI is well positioned to provide space-based networking solutions, based on extensive experience and core competencies in:

• Network-centric systems and network security
• Flight software development
• Radiation-hardened space avionics design and fabrication

An area of growing importance in space communications is the use of standard networking software to support integration of spacecraft systems with external networks. SwRI is developing integration protocols for SpaceWire, a new standard for onboard switched networks. SwRI has developed the SpaceWire Link Interface Module (SLIM), a rugged cPCI module suitable for harsh space environments. SpaceWire has many potential applications including:

• An enabling technology for Responsive Space (e.g., support for rapid integration of components)
• Vehicle network for manned spacecraft such as NASA’s Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV)
• Networking infrastructure for lunar surface research habitation modules

Sample spacecraft switched local area network.

Software Defined Radio (SDR) for Reconfigurable Communications

During the last decade, programmable digital radio systems have been replacing fixed analog radio systems as programmable hardware components have become more capable, inexpensive and available, and wireless communications applications have demanded reusable, reconfigurable and flexible radios. Consequently, an evolving technology known as Software Defined Radio (SDR) has emerged.

• Traditional digital radio systems used application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and digital signal processors (DSPs).
• An SDR system implements many internal(baseband) operations with software or firmware.
• As hardware components evolve, future SDR systems may also allow programmable radio frequency (RF) bands within the RF section.
• SDR technologies allow fewer devices to support communications requirements,reducing size, weight and power.
• SwRI has developed SDR platforms,waveforms, transceivers, and SDR satellite communication terminals.

SwRI is a leader in researching flexible SDR communication designs for space applications.

This flyer was published in August 2006. For more information about Aerospace Networks and Communications, contact Myron Moodie, Principal Engineer, Phone (210) 522-5557, Fax (210) 522-5499, or Robert Klar, Principal Engineer, Phone (210) 522-5052, Fax (210) 522-5499, or Michael Moore, Principal Engineer, Phone (210) 522-5944, Fax (210) 522-5499, Automation & Data Systems Division, Southwest Research Institute, P.O. Drawer 28510, San Antonio, Texas 78228-0510.

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