iSAFT-PVS: Recording, simulation & traffic generation at full network load

Over the past years several test tools have been developed for verification and validation activities for on-board components and networks. Up until now there is no tool that can be used for all on-board networks and EGSE providers have to combine from different COTS providers and custom developments for the fulfillment of the testing requirements. TELETEL under ESA's and ASTRIUM Toulouse's consultancy developed the iSAFT-PVS which is an integrated powerful HW/SW environment for the simulation, validation & monitoring of satellite/spacecraft on-board data networks supporting simultaneously a wide range of protocols (RMAP, CPTP, TM/TC, CANopen, etc.) and network interfaces (SpaceWire, ECSS-1553, ECSS-CAN) offering the reliability features required for space test benches and IRIG throughout all interfaces for common and accurate time-stamping. The paper presents the SpaceWire instances of PVS, Recording and Simulation, its reliability features and performances. The paper presents an overview of the iSAFT system, the iSAFT Recorder which provides the user with the capability to record traffic on multiple networks/links, set triggers and filters etc., and the iSAFT Simulator, with Traffic Generation capabilities, which allows triggered transmission and programmable link saturation under local or CCS remote control. The performances of the two instances, which are presented herein, have been taken during long-run stress tests (full link traffic over several SpaceWire links) and reveal that iSAFT can be used at full link utilization for either Recording or Simulation. From the measurements it is evident that iSAFT can not only be used for Recording and Simulation of C&C flaws which present infrequent data bursts, but also for payload flaws with rates which are significantly higher and also for scenarios in which time-accurate transmissions are required in order to accurately simulate the instruments' behaviours.