To produce a reference design of a GR740 based single board computer and implement it as elegant breadboard with basic software support

 

GR740 will be soon available as space qualified microprocessor component. The performances of the GR740 (faster clock, increased MIPS/MOPS) on one side open new application scenarios for a generic On Board Computer making possible to concentrate more functionalities in a single unit, on the other side make the implementation of a flawless On Board Computer more complex.

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With the aim to reduce the risks associated to a new development inside a specific programme, a generic reference design of a flight quality On Board Computer Processor board shall be produced, to be available to all users. The Reference design will include the peripheral components. Proper use of appropriate memories and companion ICs (Interfaces, FPGA, ?) will be analysed, specified and included in the reference design. A Qualification Test Plan for the developed items shall be established in view of a future space qualification.

Identification of a form factor and interface standards (e.g. Space-VPX or Compact-PCI-Serial) for the EM/EQM/FM will be traded off as part of the study.

A basic software support (Board Support Package, drivers, boot software) dedicated to the boardshall be developed as well. The boot software shall follow the SAVOIR-GS-002 specification, and BSP/drivers shall be created at least for RTEMS-SMP.

The software shall be supported by a product assurance process, including the documentation of the real-time impact of the use of a multi-core.

The design will be verified at functional and performance level on an Elegant breadboard. Any possible difference of the breadboard implementation from the Reference Design of the Flight model has to be highlighted and justified.

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The reference design, namely schematics, board, bill of materials (EM and FM components), test reports and the quot;basic softwarequot; shall be clearly documented. Software shall be delivered under an ESA Software Community Licence, so that any individuals or entities within ESA Member States can access to it and can provide update to the community of users.

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The activity encompasses the following tasks:

- the definition of the requirement and design of the reference design

- production and test of an elegant breadboard

- software development

- product assurance

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