ADHA INSTRUMENT CONTROLLER UNIT (ICU) - EXPRO+

Objective: To develop an ADHA-compliant Instrument Controller Unit (ICU) usable standalone or with standard ADHAhardware for Earth, exploration, science, and navigation missions.Description:The ADHA (Advanced Data Handling Architecture) is a collaboration between ESA, European satellite primesand data handling equipment suppliers. It includes the definition of an architecture for data handling unit basedon standard module functions. A standard module procurement flow has been defined -- as well as astandardized backplane connector and electrical interfaces. This allows independent development ofinteroperable modules that can be connected in ADHA units. This activity aims to develop an ADHA-compatibleICU (Instrument Control Unit), with integrated Data Processing Unit(s) (DPUs). The modules target the overall control functions of an instrument with several secondary units (FEE units, mechanism control units, cryocooler unit, etc). The modules will at least include an ICU processor module, and instrument I/O module(s). The ICU processor module shall be capable to act as the system controller of an ADHA unit, running high-levelinstrument application software and providing standard high-level interfaces for connection to the spacecraftplatform units, or other instruments and implementing all the necessary functions to control peripheral ADHAmodules in the unit, including network routing capabilities. The I/O modules willcover lower-level interface functions such as additional low-speed digital interfaces (CAN, RS422/RS485, etc), and discrete interfaces(HPCs, thermistor readout, heater control, secondary power, etc) and others typically found in an ICU unit.The ICU will be basedon state-of-the-art technologies, offering a higher level of integration and performancecompared to previous generation products, and be able to perform e.g. advanced (AI-based) FDIR methodsfor the monitoring and control of a payload.This activity encompasses the following tasks:- Use case analysis of instrument control units for instruments on institutional missions.- Modules requirements analysis (use case analysis, ADHA documents, ADHA ICU draft specification),including functional split between ICU processor module and I/O modules.- ICU architecture design and key components trade-off and selection.- Modules engineering model design, including electrical, firmware, and base software.- Modules engineering model manufacturing.- Modules engineering model functional and performance verification and validation.- Validation testing of modules using an ADHA backplane, in an ADHA unit rack.- Performancebenchmarks and end-to-end data handling demonstration.Deliverables: Engineering Model, Report