Dynamic frame sizing was added to the existing AOS Packet Service FPGA implementation. This capability provides in-flight system calibration functionality, allowing the spacecraft and ground station the means to optimize a communication link by dynamically adjusting the Advanced Orbiting System (AOS) transfer frame size.
Multiplexing and demultiplexing functions were implemented per CCSDS (Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems) Blue Book 732.0.-B-2, which allows transfer frame muxing and demuxing based on GVCID (Global Virtual Channel ID), which is a combination of the spacecraft ID and virtual channel ID. The AOS Packet Service FPGA implementation was validated via simulation as well as on SCAN Testbed hardware, specifically the Ground Development Unit at Glenn Research Center.
The work described here provides supplemental functionality to the existing AOS transmit and receive implementations required for use by current and future JPL projects such as the LCRD (laser communication relay demonstration) ground station, which is designed to service multiple spacecraft links (i.e., AOS transfer frame streams) requiring multiplexing and demultiplexing services.
Specific examples of JPL instruments that would greatly benefit from a hardware AOS implementation include the Electra and Universal Space Transpond er Software Defined Radios, which both implement Sparc processors that would be significantly relieved from implementing the AOS protocol in software. In addition, combining the AOS protocol with ENCAP and DTN protocols offers a full communication protocol stack in a software defined radio.
The AOS transmit and receive circuits are applicable to any communication subsystem requiring a link layer protocol. This includes software defined radios and optical communication systems.
This work was done by Michael A. Nakashima 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).
Functional Enhancements to the FPGA Implementation of the Advanced Orbiting System Data Link Protocol
(reference NPO-49672) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The document is a Technical Support Package from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) detailing enhancements to the FPGA implementation of the Advanced Orbiting System (AOS) Data Link Protocol. It outlines the objectives and results of a multi-year project aimed at improving space communications through the integration of various protocols, specifically the CCSDS Internet Protocol Encapsulation (IPE) and AOS protocols, into Software Defined Radio (SDR) systems.
Key project objectives include the development of standardized interfaces for the IPE and AOS components, enabling the creation of "waveforms" compliant with NASA’s Space Telecommunications Radio System (STRS) SDR standard. This integration aims to facilitate high data rate communications for both flight and ground systems, enhancing the capabilities of space missions.
The document highlights the functional enhancements made to the FPGA, including the development of a software implementation of the CCSDS IPE STRS waveform, a file transfer adapter for ENCAP, and the simulation of Verilog code for multiplexing and demultiplexing Global Virtual Channel IDs (GVCIDs). Additional improvements include dynamic frame size commanding and sequence gap detection in the AOS Receive engine.
The significance of these advancements is underscored by their potential to enable high-speed communications over Ka-band and optical links, which are crucial for modern space missions. The developed protocols serve as foundational elements for a standardized SDR library, reinforcing JPL’s leadership in space SDR technology. They also support emerging high-speed ground systems, such as optical ground stations, and provide essential communication layers for Disruption Tolerant Networking (DTN) developments.
The document concludes with a summary of the results achieved in FY14, including the generation of comprehensive documentation, such as Design Description documents and Functional Requirements, which are essential for the continued development and deployment of these technologies. It emphasizes the importance of componentized, layered standard SDR technology, which allows for post-launch enhancements and improved operational capabilities in space missions.
For further inquiries, the document provides contact information for the Innovative Technology Assets Management at JPL, facilitating access to additional resources and support related to the advancements discussed.
