technology for responsive space capability inherent responsiveness: reconfigurability robert d....
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Technology for Responsive Space Capability
Inherent Responsiveness:Reconfigurability
Robert D. Pugh, PhDAssociate Chief
Scientist Space Vehicles Directorate
Air Force Research Laboratory
Two Ways to be Responsive
1. Launch on Demand– When a new/additional space capability is
needed, rapidly launch payloads with that capability
2. Use existing space systems– On-orbit “spares”—pre-positioned assets
- or -– Reconfigure existing assets to provide new
capability
Reconfigurable Systems
•Reconfigurability is a game changer for high-performance & enduring space capabilities– Flexible, robust, adaptable systems
• Tele-configuration• Multi mode, multi function operation
– Time shared hardware– Reusable hardware
•Reconfigurability blurs the Hardware/Software boundaries– Manual or Automated
• Adjustable antennas • IC architectures and processors modified on board
– Intelligent/Autonomous• Adaptable solutions to unanticipated problems• Self repair
Benefits of Reconfigurability
•Systems designed for flexibilityOn Orbit—Inherent Responsiveness
• Tele-configuration• Self Repair
In Production—Reduced Development Time• Multipurpose components• Adaptable interfaces
•Managing complexitySystems Engineering
• Flexibility to simplify integration• Configuration control• Internal diagnostics
Examples of Reconfigurable Technologies
Applicable technologies are developing rapidly
–FPGA’s: Field Programmable Gate Arrays WIDELY used
–Software defined radio: JTRS, cell phones
–Reconfigurable antennas: DARPA, Boeing, Others
–Reconfigurable computing • AF Industry partnerships for reconfigurable processors
• DARPA polymorphic computing & reconfigurable satellites
• IBM self-healing computers are “surging to market”
–Reconfigurable satellites: DARPA, Boeing
Example – Boeing satellites
w/ on-orbit adjustable antennas and processors(Wall Street Journal, 2002 and 2003)
Boeing Shifts Satellite Strategy in Effort to Regain Customers(Wall Street Journal, August 29, 2002)(AP) “Boeing, hurt by quality control problems afflicting a number of it largest satellites, has embarked on a major shift to build smaller and more flexible models in an effort to regain customers. Some versions in the new line will be the first satellites capable of being reconfigured in Space to changing customer and market demands….”
Boeing Shifts Satellite Strategy in Effort to Regain Customers(Wall Street Journal, August 29, 2002)(AP) “Boeing, hurt by quality control problems afflicting a number of it largest satellites, has embarked on a major shift to build smaller and more flexible models in an effort to regain customers. Some versions in the new line will be the first satellites capable of being reconfigured in Space to changing customer and market demands….”
The Truth* About Reconfigurability
•Techno-geek jargon hinders acceptance of the new paradigm– Terminology is neither rigorous or standard– Jargon conjures up concerns about risk– Risk is expensive and avoided in space systems
•Applicable technologies are in use and developing rapidly– Increasingly complex systems demand flexibility– High costs of space demands reconfigurablity
•Two paths to inserting reconfigurable technologies– System capability driven– Market/competition driven *The truth according to
Janet
*The truth according to Janet
Flexibility: Why it’s important
and why it’s difficult•Motivation
– Tele-alteration: Change from distance, refocus mission, extend platform utility
– Fault tolerance: Improved robustness, defect management
– Rapid development: software programmable vs. “build from scratch”
•Why it’s difficult– Presently, architectures are collections of single-
function components hard-wired together– Flexibility (reconfigurability) requires:
• Multi-/variable-function components• The ability to “edit” interconnect patterns of a system
Flexibility Drives InterconnectionsFlexibility Drives Interconnections
Vision for Reconfigurable Components and
MicrosystemsSelf-repair
- overcome effects of threats & environment
- improve reliability lifetime
- graceful degradation
Adapt to evolving threats, missions, & environments
- self-optimizing, high performance
- reconfigurable functionally
- redefinable power & data pathways
- monolithically integrated sensors
Reduce deployment time
- adaptive interfaces to facilitate spacecraft integration
- reduce parts variety
- monolithic analog/digital/RF
Reconfigurable System Enablers
The Innovative Solution Space
•Adaptive Digital Electronics – traditional (von Neumann) digital circuits combined with FPGA’s to create self-repairing, configurable electronics
•Smart Sensors –monolithically integrated, agile, self-organizing focal planes and antennas
•Agile Analog Electronics – reconfigurable analog and mixed signal arrays for adaptive systems-on-chip to alter responses and sensor/actuator interfaces
•Reconfigurable Wires – reconfigure signal & power pathways using adaptive MEMS-based manifolds (“smart wiring harnesses” under software control)
•Flexible Microwave Electronics – reprogrammable RF circuits, transmission lines, antennas, adaptive anti-jam circuits
• Intelligent Power Control Electronics – adapt to changes in voltage supply and load while maintaining efficiency; distributed power management and energy storage and flexible power distribution
TraditionalComputers
Digital systems
Analog systems
FPGAs
Pro
gra
mm
ab
leA
nalo
g a
rrays
Pro
gra
mm
ab
lem
icro
wave
configurable power
Programmable wiring
Programmable matter
configurable mechanisms
Reconfigurable System Enablers
The Innovative Solution Space
Reconfigurability Enabling Technologies Developed by
the AFRL Space Vehicles
Directorate
Micro-ElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS)
Virtually every macro-device has a micro-counterpart– Micro-gyros, micro-accelerometers– Micro-mirrors & micro-optical systems– Micro-relays– Micro-thrusters– Micro-chemical sensors
Micro-relays
•Machines-on-a-chip– Integrated circuit
chips with moving parts
Goal –Reprogrammable wiring
harnesses
Technology Challenges–Quality switches–Developing effective resource
grid & switch population scheme
Approach–MEMS micro-latching relays –FPGA routing algorithms
Accomplishments–Developed simple prototype of
harness routing tool–First pass design of primitive
(80 switch) harness
Flexibility: MEMS Adaptive Manifold
28VDC
5VDC
-15VDC
ProgramVDC
Analog_2
Diagnostic
COMM_1
COMM_2
+15VDC
Analog_1
Conceptual “tree-of-meshes” harness for future space avionics (requires MEMS
latching switches and extra wires)
Game-changing applications of MEMS devices for more flexible spacecraft
Game-changing applications of MEMS devices for more flexible spacecraft
Reconfigurable Interconnect:
Chalcogenide WiresChalcogenide, the Workhorse of Reconfigurable Electronics
Chalcogenide molecular structure determineselectrical properties
Current pulse induces ultra-fast phase transition
Resistivity changes up to six orders of magnitude
•Materials with externally controllable electrical conductivity
– Numerous components exploit this controllable conductivity•Programmable resistors for analog functions•Reconfigurable interconnections •Multi-state (analog) non-volatile memory technology•Microwave transmission lines, antenna elements
I
time
( > 104)
FCASENSOR
ADAPTIONSEGMENT
MIRROR SEGMENT
for Fast-steering
mirror
FPASENSOR
ADAPTIONSEGMENT
CONFIGURATIONMANAGEMENTPROCESSOR
FPA
CRYOCOOLER
MIRRORS
SOFTWAREDEFINED
HARDWARE
1 G
BA
UD
!
Reconfigurable Systems Malleable Signal Processor
(MSP)S
EN
SO
R
MSP
“JUKEBOX”
Multi-chip module
MSP core
Multi-chip module
MSP core
Morphable hardware miniaturized and running in
real-time
Morphable hardware miniaturized and running in
real-time
• Hardware that can adapt to new sensor types & mission scenarios – Reconfigurable logic
becomes real-time, embedded interface•Digitally configured
front-end
– Multiple interfaces, each for a specific sensor•FPA, ladar, steering mirrors
Sensor and Fusion Engine (SAFE)
Embedded, reconfigurable supercomputer– 17 multi-chip modules
incorporating 15,000 contacts– 12 GFLOPs, 32 Gbit/sec BW– Real-time sensors & mirrors
at 100 frames/sec
Multiple sensor input
First demonstration of embedded processing system scalable to 1TFLOP/cubic foot
First demonstration of embedded processing system scalable to 1TFLOP/cubic foot
2 MSPs + 100 processors
Inherent Responsivenessfor System Development
“It is a special combination of hardware and software ideas, combined with… modular gadgets that enable the rapid integration to happen.”
“When you do not have to rip apart and re-do cabling, or modify and re-qualify hundreds of thousands of lines of code, then you have something that can truly be ‘rapid.’ ”
“It is the only way I can envision doing truly FAST prototyping.”
Jim LykeSpace Electronics BranchAir Force Research Laboratory
Responsive Space Technology
•Reconfigurability Inherently ResponsiveOn Orbit
– Tele-configuration– Self Repair
In Production– Multipurpose components– Adaptable interfaces--Reduced development time!
•Technologies are in use and developing rapidly Technology is driven by increasingly complex systems
•Technology is ready for insertion Insertion driven by
– System performance requirements– Market competition
AFRL/VS embraces reconfigurability as the approach to assure our Nation’s continued asymmetric advantage in space
AFRL/VS embraces reconfigurability as the approach to assure our Nation’s continued asymmetric advantage in space