Netlander telecommunication payload

The SMART-UHF transponder has been designed in cooperation with CNES in the framework of future missions to Mars. This compact low-cost transponder is perfectly suited to small size platforms used during long-range space missions or planet exploration missions (Lander, Rover). This equipment is also compatible with the « Proximity Link » CCSDS standards.
The transponder is comprised of the following:

• A receiver / demodulator module (435-439 MHz / L dual-phase),
• A transmitter module with dual-phase modulation (400-404 MHz / 5 W),
• A duplexer module.

The Mars Data Relay

The Mars Data Relay (MBR) is a UHF radio-frequency equipment used to collect information from the landers on Mars ground. It has been designed by ELTA according to the specification of CNES, and has been involved in MARS OBSERVER (USA), MARS 96 (Russia) and MARS GLOBAL SURVEYOR (USA) missions. This equipment has successfully relayed the data transmitted by the « Spirit » and « Opportunity » American robots that explored the Mars planet.
The relay is comprised of the following:

• A DC/DC power module,
• A digital processing module,
• A receiver / demodulator module (401 and 405 MHz / L dual-phase),
• A transmitter module (437 MHz / 1W), A synchronizer module including a VITERBI decoder.

The software is responsible for the management of the protocol, the scientific data and the internal telemetry measurements.

CCSDS TMTC digital module for the CNES micro-satellites

The TM/TC module has been designed for the range of the CNES micro-satellites. This module is integrated in the onboard computer and is used to packetize or depacketize the telemetry and telecommand operations of the satellite at the CCSDS standard.
The TM/TC module provides the following functions:

• The TM/TC function at the CCSDS standard is integrated in a FPGA (0,6 µ technology) that is synchronized by a redundant OXSO. The Reed-Solomon encoding is performed using a dedicated external component (CMOS - SOS technology),
• The « onboard data » and « distance measurement » functions (CNES patent) are implemented on the FPGA.

The module is comprised of the following elements:

• A 2-Mbytes non volatile RAM memory (CMOS technology),
• An automatic management processor is integrated in a FPGA (radiation and SEU resistant),
• A management and latch-up protection for the 5V and 3.3V supplied by the satellite,
• An interface with a PIC micro-controller for the monitoring condition onboard.

Radiation measurement equipment (ERME)

This equipment has been designed for the XMM satellite of ESA. The purpose of this equipment is to assess a radiation level and to stop a camera operation beyond a specified threshold of particles.
ELTA was given responsibility for developing two modules of this equipment:

• A power supply module
• An EVALCOMP module dedicated for the measurement of resisted events on components of « dynamic memory ».

The EVALCOMP module provides the following functions:

• The 16 Mbits DRAM memory
• The automatic processor integrated in 3 FPGA (2µ technology)
• A "RAD-Hard" interface for redundant electronic system.