Software has been developed that provides an integrated and automated test environment for the Space Telecommunications Radio System (STRS). This software package is Linux based and provides interactive and scripted control to test the JPL Software Defined Radio (SDR) implementing STRS hardware and software functionality. It also provides error checking and data logging capabilities for system diagnosis. This is a C programming language-based software that uses the host’s serial interfaces, a Ballard Technology, Inc. 1553 bus interface, and Star-Dundee SpaceWire-USB interface to communicate with the JPL SDR to issue test commands, receive telemetry, and transfer files.
This work was done by James P. Lux, Minh Lang, Kenneth J. Peters, and Harry Balian of Caltech for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
This software is available for commercial licensing. Please contact Dan Broderick at
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Integrated and Automated Software Test Environment for JPL Software Defined Radio
(reference NPO48016) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The document outlines NASA's advancements in Software Defined Radio (SDR) technology, particularly through the Space Telecommunications Radio System (STRS) architecture standard. This standard has been developed to address the unique needs of NASA's space missions, focusing on creating a lightweight, evolvable, and open standard architecture that facilitates the development, qualification, operation, and maintenance of complex reconfigurable radio systems.
The STRS architecture is designed to support limited platform capabilities while prioritizing immediate operational needs. It encompasses five primary goals: establishing a common framework for SDR development, creating a standard library of hardware and software components (such as the TDRSS modem), providing design reference implementations and specifications, developing tools and testbeds for SDR systems, and conducting flight tests and demonstrations, exemplified by the CoNNeCT project.
The document also details the hardware components of the JPL-SDR (Jet Propulsion Laboratory Software Defined Radio), which includes a baseband processor, power converters, and various RF interfaces. The baseband processor features a SPARC architecture, 4 Gb of flash memory, and a 3Mgate FPGA, enabling it to interface with host spacecraft and manage data transmission effectively.
Additionally, the SDR system architecture is discussed, highlighting the integration of hardware platforms, software infrastructure, and waveform applications. The STRS Operating Environment (OE) is emphasized as a critical component that supports the SDR's functionality, allowing for efficient communication and data handling.
The document outlines the development approach taken by JPL, which includes the use of testbeds, configuration management, and a build tool-chain to streamline the SDR development process. Future plans for the CoNNeCT experiments are also mentioned, indicating ongoing efforts to enhance SDR capabilities in space.
Lastly, the document serves as a technical support package under NASA's Commercial Technology Program, aiming to disseminate aerospace-related developments with broader technological, scientific, or commercial applications. It provides contact information for further inquiries and emphasizes the collaborative nature of NASA's research and technology initiatives. Overall, the document highlights the significant strides made in SDR technology, showcasing its potential impact on future space missions.
