Pluggable Socketed Processor Module D (PSPM D)

PSPM D is a pluggable socketed processor module (PSPM) for use with the CubeSat-compatible Development Board (DB). By adding a PSPM D to a DB, the user creates a CubeSat-compatible Command & Data Handling (C&DH) module built around either a Microchip PIC24FJ256GA110 low-power 16-bit MCU or a Microchip dsPIC33FJ256GP710 low-power 16-bit Digital Signal Controller (DSC) with built-in DSP instructions. PSPM D accepts either processor in its 100-pin Zero Insertion Force (ZIF) socket, and enables up to 16 MIPS (PIC24) or 20 MIPS (dsPIC33) operation via its 8 MHz external crystal. PSPM D also carries an on-board, external AT25DF641 64 Mbit SPI serial Flash memory chip.

Each unit includes a fully tested PSPM D with either a Microchip PIC24FJ256GA110 or a Microchip dsPIC33FJ256GP710 installed in its ZIF socket, per the customer’s preference.

PSPM D is part of the CubeSat Kit development hardware line and plugs into a Development Board (DB); it is used to create and debug PIC24 and dsPIC33 software and/or hardware for the CubeSat Kit. Because PSPM D uses a socketed processor rather than a soldered-on processor (as on the flight PPM modules), a development mistake (e.g., accidentally shorting two digital outputs) can typically be recovered from with a simple, low-cost ($10 or less) processor replacement. PSPM D is electrically identical to PPM D1 or PPM D2, meaning software developed on PSPM D in a development environment will run identically on PPM D1 or PPM D2 in a flight environment.

Compatibility: Development Board (DB), Microchip PIC24FJ256GA110, Microchip dsPIC33FJ256GP710, Microchip ICD 3, Microchip PICkit 3.

PSPM D is included in: the CubeSat Kit /PIC24 with PIC24FJ256GA110 (PSPM D + PPM D1), the CubeSat Kit /dsPIC33 (PSPM D + PPM D2), the CubeSat Kit Upgrade to PIC24 with PIC24FJ256GA110 (PSPM D + PPM D1), and the CubeSat Kit Upgrade to dsPIC33 (PSPM D + PPM D2).

Purchasing restrictions: prospective customers must purchase an entire PIC24- or dsPIC33-based CubeSat Kit first before purchasing additional PSPM Ds a la carte; PSPM D is available only to customers who have already purchased a CubeSat Kit /PIC24 (PIC24FJ256GA110) or CubeSat Kit /dsPIC33 (dsPIC33FJ256GP710), with proof of prior purchase required, since the supplemental schematics and software needed to use PSPM D are only included with a full CubeSat Kit purchase.