Abstract
The transmission of onboard data is ever increasing. Particularly in the manned space arena, requirements already exist for concurrent transmission of many different types of data with different data rates, time criticality and priority. Currently this is handled by multiple busses and LANs but could be supported by a single TTE based infrastructure.
A form of TTE is already in use by the Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV), a NASA led manned vehicle which includes a separate service model under development by ESA. In addition TTE has been selected by for use by the Ariane 6 program. Both of these developments require the transmission of mixed data types at relatively high speeds.
The present MPCV implementation is based on a proprietary approach. It is effectively a closed development by a non-European single vendor with a design that includes ITAR components. Indeed MPCV TTE implementation cannot be applied to European Launchers and in general to future European programs which could need an open standard able to be implemented by multiple suppliers. For this reason ESA has been approached by industry requesting that an ECSS standard is being produced.
The existing SAE standard may form the basis for such a standard but needs to be extended for space in the areas of physical medium, redundancy, testing and verification. Some aspects of time distribution must be more precisely documented and any patent issues resolved.
This standard would foster a faster adoption of the technology and simplify the customer/ supplier contractual relationship especially with an IP core based synchronisation client available to the Space Industry via ESA IP core portfolio.
Whether this standard would complement the existing SAE6802 by filling existing gaps , especially on the physical layer and the interoperability, or would include all necessary information from the SAE 6802 issue 1 to achieve a stand-alone document, is part of a trade-off assessment the WG will have to undertake.