Robust On-Board Data Handling Unit (OBC)
S4 - Smart Small Satellite Systems GmbH
Ultra-low-power, dual-redundant 16-bit RISC on-board computer for CubeSats with flight heritage since 2013.
Technical specifications
- Power consumption
- < 15 mW
- Power supply
- 3.3 V
- Backup power supply
- 3.3-9 V
- Mass
- 38 g
- Dimensions
- 90 x 90 x 6.9 mm
- Program memory
- 2 x 256 KB
- S-RAM
- 2 x 16 KB
- MCU clock
- 1-24 MHz
- External data flash
- 2 x 4 MB
- SD card memory
- < 32 GB
- Flight heritage
- In continuous uninterrupted orbital operation since 2013 launch (UWE-3)
About
The OBC implements two redundant 16-bit RISC microcontrollers on a single board, consuming under 15 mW nominally. Task-optimized processing and clock frequency reduce exposure to radiation-induced single-event effects, and the design avoids bootloading and RAM code execution for enhanced robustness. A warm-backup scheme allows automatic recovery from failures without manual intervention, with data and programming cross-connection between redundant devices enabling mutual aid up to full mutual reconfiguration. The design supports fail-safe in-orbit software updates, successfully demonstrated in flight, provides independent power supply for full satellite power cycling, and includes an independent redundant power-cycling unit that monitors the core and can force a controlled power cycle on lock-up. It is compatible with the UNISEC Europe electrical interface standard, and has been in continuous, uninterrupted orbital operation since a 2013 launch aboard UWE-3.
Documentation
Need the full ICD, test reports or a specific revision? Ask the supplier directly.
