Long-life cycle COTS FPGA solutions, one-stop partner for 6 projects. For 15+ years, Airbus D&S has selected TECHWAY high-performance COTS FPGA solutions for its satellite test benches, equipment that must be maintained for at least 20 years. The result: 6 different projects now use TECHWAY solutions.
Needs
Airbus D&S is looking for a high-performance FPGA solution capable of real-time, deterministic processing aligned with satellite communication cycles. Its test benches also have to be robust and cost-effective to support 24/7 operation in ground applications.
Challenge
Each new satellite requires its own test bench, which must be maintained for at least 20 years. Airbus D&S needed to reuse its own FPGA design and software development on several projects by adapting the FMC interface, with long-term support and portability. The main goal is to ensure reliable electrical connections to the satellite.
Solutions
TECHWAY supports Airbus D&S on 6 different projects:
- COTS: optical communication for storage, a real-time bundle combining both COTS, TECHWAY FMC board and FPGA PCIe board.
- Mixed-COTS and in-house: SpaceWire, Telemetry, CAN for Space and image processing systems based on several FPGA and SoC Zynq boards with Airbus D&S in-house FMC, to manage the number of I/O and secure connectivity with the satellite.
- Stand-alone Modified-COTS (M-COTS): LVDS to 10GbE boxes for high-data-rate links, with on-specification firmware.
Versatility for every new project
The VITA 57 FMC standard allows Airbus D&S to adapt the mezzanine card to each satellite’s requirements while reusing the same FPGA platform and existing FPGA designs and software across multiple test benches. TECHWAY’s COTS and Modified-COTS solutions support this approach, with long-term technical support to help maintain these systems throughout their operational life.
