Trends and patterns in ASIC and FPGA use in space missions and impact in technology roadmaps of the European Space Agency

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Tutor / directorCunningham, Scott
Document typeMaster thesis (pre-Bologna period)
Date2011
Rights accessOpen Access
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Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Spain
Abstract
ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) and FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) are the two most complex and versatile integrated circuit technologies used nowadays in space missions. They are key technologies and perform the core of the avionics control and data processing of every satellite and spacecraft. Quantities used of ASIC and FPGA in space missions have been increasing significantly in the last years. Some of the fundamental differences between ASIC and FPGA are the development costs and the reprogrammability features, while in both cases there is a lengthy and costly customer design process behind. This research attempts to quantify the use of ASIC and FPGA technologies in space missions in the last years, to show the patterns and trends of use and to assess how these conclusions match the priorities established in the present technology roadmaps of the European Space Agency. The results of this study will be used as valuable inputs for future strategic and investment decisions of the European Space Agency and the European space community actors.
Keywords: ASIC, FPGA, European Space Agency, space missions, technology roadmaps.
SubjectsAvionics, Integrated circuits, Field programmable gate arrays, Application specific integrated circuits, Space vehicles, Artificial satellites, Aviònica, European Space Agency, Circuits integrats, Matriu de portes programable in situ, Circuits integrats d’aplicació específica, Vehicles espacials, Satèl·lits artificials
DegreeENGINYERIA INDUSTRIAL (Pla 1994)
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Roger Boada - Master Thesis (submission).pdf | Report | 6,355Mb | View/Open |