Modular distributed system
The PicoSkyFT processor is a key enabling technology for a distributed system. It provides new frontiers of miniaturization capabilities that enable modularity on the system level. picoRTU system can be utilized either as a standalone base unit or, using a stacked modular approach, as a collection of interconnected (add-on) units. In a stacked solutionthe latter case the internal power management bus and RTI are shared over internal extension connector, but only the base-board in stack provide external RTI. From mechanical point of view, picoRTUs units are utilized as equal structural building blocks in order to enable modular and seamless assembly, by combining different unit types into the stack and furthermore into the network.
Intelligent Features
The picoRTU system is based on a distributed intelligence that enables higher level of subsystem autonomy. Possible use cases that can be performed by incorporating picoRTU units providing higher level of autonomy for New Space on-board platforms are:
• Thermal Control System
• Motor Control System
• Redundancy Management
• Optimized Housekeeping Telemetry
Standardised user interfaces
The picoRTU system provides discrete user interfaces that are compliant with ECSS-E-ST-50-14C specifications. In addition, picoRTU units also provide a variety of other interfaces which can be also tailored to customer specific requirements, as for an example digital or analog power control like control of BLDC or stepper motors.