Controller area network in space - Background and lessons learned from practical experience

G. Leen, M. Porciani, F. Granata, L. Di Marsico

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaperpeer-review

Abstract

In the mid 1980's Bosch and Intel joined forces to develop a new serial control network for distributed automotive applications. Controller Area Network or CAN as it has become widely known evolved from this effort and has proven to be a robust reliable protocol. Recent developments have seen CAN technology applied as the control network in spacecraft. Due to a growing difficulty and cost incurred in acquiring radiation hardened space qualified components, terrestrial technologies are being reengineered and deployed in space applications. In this paper we briefly discuss the challenges faced by electronic systems in the environment of space and illustrate the potential for use of Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) devices in space applications. The CAN control protocol is presented and reviewed. A number of instances where CAN has been deployed in spacecraft are described. CAN architectures, network redundancy, fault-tolerant configurations and CANs suitability for different reliability related categories of space applications is discussed. Finally practical experience gained and lessons learned from the implementation of CAN on the MATROSHKA experiment (which is a scientific instrument installed on the International Space Station) are also presented.

Original languageEnglish
Pages4829-4843
Number of pages15
Publication statusPublished - 2005
EventInternational Astronautical Federation - 56th International Astronautical Congress 2005 - Fukuoka, Japan
Duration: 17 Oct 200521 Oct 2005

Conference

ConferenceInternational Astronautical Federation - 56th International Astronautical Congress 2005
Country/TerritoryJapan
CityFukuoka
Period17/10/0521/10/05

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