FPGA-Based CCSDS Compliant Miniaturized Satellite Communication Stack

Abstract This paper presents the design of an FPGA-based Communication Stack which is intended for use on nano-satellite space missions. By using it satellite designers can design the nano-satellite using an on-board hot-redundant CAN bus and using additional direct command interfaces. Further, the Communication Stack allows the satellite operator to communicate with the satellite using a CCSDS compliant RF link. As a consequence, both on-board and space-ground communications are performed using reliable and proven interfaces simplifying the integration of the nano-satellite as well as enabling the use of already existing ground station equipment. Additionally the Communication Stack is designed with low resource usages in mind, thus allowing satellite designers to divert most of the limited resources on-board a satellite towards more fruitful endeavors. The Communication Stack implementation presented herein was tested within a laboratory environment, where it was determined that it is suitable for use on a space mission.