Reduced precision redundancy applied to arithmetic operations in field programmable gate arrays for satellite control and sensor systems

摘要

This thesis examines two problems in on-board computing for space vehicles and develops rules for applying Reduced Precision Redundancy (RPR) as a new method of fault tolerance in Field Programmable Gate Arrays against Single Event Effects due to radiation on orbit. RPR was discovered by Snodgrass in 2006 and was first demonstrated using the single-input CORDIC algorithm. This research applies RPR to elementary multiple-input arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) and extends applications to multi-level combinations of these operations as they appear in spacecraft subsystems, specifically communication and attitude determination and control. Further modeling and simulation work explores the impact of varying levels of reduction in precision on the performance of communication and control systems using RPR. Finally, a higherfidelity dynamics model and control system are developed for the NPS Bifocal Relay Mirror Spacecraft simulator, and potential application points for selective redundancy using RPR are identified.