https://blog.satsearch.com/2021-06-01-payload-processors-for-satellites Log in Cancel [ ] [ ] forgot password Log in satsearch Products * products * services * suppliers * missions [ ] * Blog * About us * Submit requirements * Membership * Leads * Sign up * Log in * Blog * About us * Submit requirements * Membership * Leads * Sign up * Log in Payload processors for satellites Roundups Hywel on Jun 1, 2021 Last updated Jun 2, 2021 Hywel Curtis on Jun 1, 2021 Last updated Jun 2, 2021 Roundups A roundup of commercially-available payload processors from around the world, for CubeSats and other satellite form factors. Payload processor sytems manage the data collected by a satellite payload so that they can be stored, interpreted, and used by the on-board computer (OBC) and communications system. This enables the data to be processed by, or transferred to, other sub-systems when required in order for the satellite system to achieve its primary purpose. This article gives a brief overview of payload data handling systems and shares details of commercially-available processor products from around the world. If you are familiar with the technology and would like to skip straight to the product listings, please click here. --------------------------------------------------------------------- What is a payload system? Before explaining how payload processors work, we must first understand what is meant by a payload and a payload system. The payload is the part of the satellite that gives it its primary function or purpose. The other sub-systems onboard support the satellite's operational health, positioning, data transfer, power, and other processes that keep it running. But the payload provides the reason to keep that satellite running in the first place. For Earth Observation (EO) applications, for example, the payload is the camera that is collecting the relevant data. For remote sensing satellites the payload will be the radar or other sensing equipment used to take readings. Payload satellite communication is the transfer of data relating to the payload's operation between the satellite and the ground. To enable this, alongside the primary payload, the full set of antennas, receivers, and transmitters, both in-space and on the ground, used to transmit and store the data needed to meet mission objectives are sometimes referred to as the payload system. As mentioned, the rest of the satellite (the bus, including the physical structure, electrical power system (EPS), attitude control components etc.) supports the payload and payload system. [210121_satsearch_stm_how_to_choose_an_obc_overview_image-1024x413-1] --------------------------------------------------------------------- What is a payload processor? Payloads are an important area of innovation in the NewSpace sector. Electronic miniaturization and advances in the manufacture of other supporting sub-systems have brought new capabilities to payload developers. In addition, innovation from outside of the space sector (such as in radar sensing and camera technology) has also made new missions and services possible. Therefore satellites can now be launched, deployed, transported, and pointed with greater flexibility and accuracy than ever before. Once in position it is also possible to operate them in new, more powerful, and more responsive ways. One of the net results of these changes has been greater demands on satellites in terms of data handling and exchange. Modern EO cameras, for example, can capture more images, at a higher resolution, and in a greater number of formats every year. This requires more processing power in order to handle the data rates and volumes produced. In addition, the available downlink bandwidth to ground stations can be limited, so satellite payload operators require solutions for coordinating higher volumes of data more efficiently. The term on-board processing is often used to refer to the activities of the OBC - operational control of virtually all aspects of the satellite requiring computational control or data processing. Payload data processing instead refers specifically to the management of data from an individual payload. And it is the payload processor that manages this data, and provides a vital connection between the payload, the satellite bus, and the on-board CPU / flight computer system. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Payload processors on the global market In the section below you can find a variety of commercially-available payload processors on the global market. We have also published an overview of FPGA-based payload processors and OBCs featuring some of these systems, as well as an in-depth article on how to choose an OBC for a satellite (in collaboration with STM, a participant in the satsearch membership program.) These listings will be amended when new products are added to the global marketplace, or existing systems are upgraded, so please check back for more, or sign up for our mailing list for all the updates. Click on any of the links below to find out more about the payload processors. You can also submit a request for a quote, documentation or further information on each of the products listed, or send us a more general query to discuss your specific needs, and we will use our global networks of suppliers to find a system to meet your specifications. --------------------------------------------------------------------- satsearch memberIbeos EDGE Payload Processor DATASHEET CAD ICD [satsearch_] Radiation-tolerant EDGE payload processors provide on-board processing power ranging from 300 GFLOPS to >1 TFLOPS. Available in 1U and 3U form factors, and featuring 4 ARM cores with up to 2 GHz clock speed and 256 GPU cores with up to xyz clock speed. [rfq-icon]Request quote [info-icon]request info satsearch memberBerlin Space Technologies GmbH Command and Data Handling System (CDH) DATASHEET [satsearch_] The BST CDH system consist of 2 main parts: the OBC-100 and the ACC-100. The OBC-100 is responsible for scheduling all tasks and coordinating TMTC functions of the bus, whereas the ACC-100, which is integrated in the same housing, runs the attitude algorithm and connects to all ADCS components. [rfq-icon]Request quote [info-icon]request info satsearch memberUnibap AB SpaceCloud iX5100 Computer DATASHEET [satsearch_] The iX5100 utilizes the Qseven e2160 computing solution with an embedded, x86-compatible, AMD(r) G-series SOC product from the 1st, 2nd, and LX families. The SOC is paired with a powerful Microsemi(r) SmartFusion2(tm) FPGA, which provides IO extension and board supervisory management. [rfq-icon]Request quote [info-icon]request info satsearch memberUnibap AB e2160 Compute Module DATASHEET [satsearch_] Unibap's e2160 heterogeneous computing product for iX5 is a radiation tolerant, high-performance, compute module for onboard data processing. The product has spaceflight heritage and uses low-power, embedded, x86-compatible, AMD(r) G-series SOC products from the 1st, 2nd, and LX families. [rfq-icon]Request quote [info-icon]request info satsearch memberAlen Space TRISKEL [satsearch_] A plug-and-play processing system, with demonstrated flight heritage, that incorporates hardware and software that operates without requiring extra configuration. Designed for small satellites, it includes both telemetry and command, and monitoring systems. [rfq-icon]Request quote [info-icon]request info satsearch memberXiphos Systems Corporation Q7 Processor DATASHEET [satsearch_] A 32g (with RJ45 connector) system, with typical power of 1W, based on a hybrid environment of CPUs and reprogrammable logic. The Q7 is a flight-proven processor board based on the Xilinx Zynq-7020, including ARM dual-core Cortex-A9 MPCore processors supported by programmable logic resources. [rfq-icon]Request quote [info-icon]request info satsearch memberXiphos Systems Corporation Q7S Processor DATASHEET [satsearch_] A 24g (without RJ45 connector) system, with typical power of 1W. The Q7S consists of a Q7 card equipped with space-ready software and firmware based on a hybrid environment of CPUs and reprogrammable logic. The library of logic and software functions is augmented by onboard analog and digital I/O. [rfq-icon]Request quote [info-icon]request info satsearch memberXiphos Systems Corporation Q8 Processor DATASHEET [satsearch_] A 64g (with power barrel & RJ45) system based on a hybrid environment of multi-core CPUs and reprogrammable logic. The Q8 includes a Xilinx Zynq UltraScale+ Multi-Processor System-on-Chip (MPSoC) Processing FPGA & memory resources such as LPDDR4 RAM (with EDAC), 2x QSPI Flash (NOR), and 2x eMMC. [rfq-icon]Request quote [info-icon]request info satsearch memberXiphos Systems Corporation Q8S Processor DATASHEET [satsearch_] A 56g (without power barrel & RJ45) system with > 25 krad radiation tolerance. The Q8S consists of a Q8 card equipped with space-ready software and firmware based on a hybrid environment of CPUs and reprogrammable logic. The library of logic and software functions is augmented by onboard digital I/O. [rfq-icon]Request quote [info-icon]request info satsearch memberXiphos Systems Corporation Q8J Processor DATASHEET [satsearch_] The Q8J extends the capability of the Xiphos Q8 processor, adding support for high speed JESD204B interfaces and access to external DDR3 or DDR4 memory. Suitable for SDR applications, the Q8J is delivered with a detachable PIM with standard interfaces, debug LEDs & other lab development features. [rfq-icon]Request quote [info-icon]request info satsearch memberXiphos Systems Corporation Q8JS Processor DATASHEET [satsearch_] The Q8JS extends the capability of the Xiphos Q8 card with support for high speed JESD204B interfaces and access to external DDR3 or DDR4 memory. Suitable for SDR applications, the Q8JS consists of a Q8J card equipped with space-ready software and firmware plus a library of logic functions. [rfq-icon]Request quote [info-icon]request info satsearch memberSTM MICROSATPRO Space Qualified Processor Unit DATASHEET [satsearch_] The Micro Satellite Processor Unit (MICROSATPRO) is an OBC compatible with microsatellite platforms. It is a control unit that has high fault tolerance and processing power specifications for difficult space conditions. [rfq-icon]Request quote [info-icon]request info satsearch memberSTM NANOSATPRO Space Qualified Processor Unit DATASHEET [satsearch_] The Nano-Satellite Processor Unit (NANOSATPRO) is an OBC compatible with nanosatellite platforms for advanced space missions. It has an operating system running on an FPGA (soft processor-based) and supports the most common interfaces (UART, RS485, CAN, SPI, I2C, etc.). [rfq-icon]Request quote [info-icon]request info satsearch memberNanoAvionics Payload Controller DATASHEET [satsearch_] A sub-system for interfacing between payloads and the NanoAvionics M6P CubeSat bus. Featuring a Cortex M7 core with a configurable clock speed up to 400 MHz (200 MHz typical) and multiple interfaces including CAN, RS422, buffered SPI, USART/UART and I2C. [rfq-icon]Request quote [info-icon]request info satsearch memberNanoAvionics Payload Controller 1.5 DATASHEET [satsearch_] A sub-system for interfacing between payloads and the CubeSat bus. Featuring a Cortex M7 core with a configurable clock speed up to 400 MHz (200 MHz typical) and multiple interfaces including 100BASE-TX Ethernet port, CAN, RS422 (can be interchanged with 2 x RS485), buffered SPI, USART/UART and I2C. [rfq-icon]Request quote [info-icon]request info satsearch memberHyperion Technologies B.V. CP400.85 DATASHEET [satsearch_] A processing platform with a Linux-based operating system that allows users to run various algorithms as distinct, uploadable applications. Using the optional, radiation-tolerant, storage module users can store up to 7.5 Gb of data, and can optionally store over 64 GB of bulk data on 2 SD cards. [rfq-icon]Request quote [info-icon]request info satsearch memberSpace Inventor ApS Z7000-P3 Versatile Payload and Onboard Computing Platform DATASHEET [satsearch_] The Z7000-P3 is a system-on-a-chip (SoC), FPGA-based payload computer with a dual-core ARM Cortex-A9 MPCore, and FPGA logic with 125K programmable cells. It offers a broad range of interfaces including, LVDS/SpaceWire and up to 1Gb Ethernet, a mass memory system with a capacity of up to 64 GB. [rfq-icon]Request quote [info-icon]request info Innoflight CFC-500 TFLOP Flight Computer / Payload Processor DATASHEET [satsearch_] Innoflight's Trillion FLoating-point Operations Per second (TFLOP) computer is designed for LEO operations and includes an ARM Cortex-A15 (up to 2.32 GHz) processor and a Xilinx Ultrascale+ FPGA system. It also features a scalable number of GPU hardware accelerators. [rfq-icon]Request quote [info-icon]request info Innoflight CHAMPS Flight Computer (MPSoC CFC-400) DATASHEET [satsearch_] CHAMPS is provided with CubeSat-compatible SWaP, with an 82 mm x 82 mm enclosure and dynamically configurable performance with power ranging from ~0.6 W up to ~12 W. The system features a Xilinx MPSoC device with an ARM Cortex-A53 quad-core APU at up to 1 GHz. [rfq-icon]Request quote [info-icon]request info KP Labs Leopard - Data Processing Unit for AI applications DATASHEET [satsearch_] A CubeSat standard-compliant Data Processing Unit (DPU) designed for the application of AI solutions in space. Leopard uses Deep Neural Networks to process data on-board and features FPGA to implement deep learning algorithms. The system has a throughput of up to 3 Tera Operations per second. [rfq-icon]Request quote [info-icon]request info KP Labs Antelope - On-Board Computer (OBC) with predictive maintenance DATASHEET [satsearch_] The OBC combines a Telemetry, Tracking & Command (TT&C) module & a Data Processing Unit (DPU). The TT&C unit features a TMS570 Hercules microcontroller, including a dual 300 MHz ARM Cortex-R5F with FPU in lock-step. The DPU is equipped with a Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC including FPGA for customization. [rfq-icon]Request quote [info-icon]request info Infinity Avionics Pty Ltd Volkh processing platform DATASHEET [satsearch_] A reconfigurable processing platform for nanosatellites that can be used as an OBC or as a payload processor. The FPGA-based architecture enables reconfiguring of communication interfaces and GPIOs based on system requirements, and avoids hardware obsolescence due to changing engineering demands. [rfq-icon]Request quote [info-icon]request info Infinity Avionics Pty Ltd Perun Processing Platform DATASHEET CAD ICD [satsearch_] A reconfigurable processing platform for nanosatellites that can be used as an OBC or as a payload processor. The system features a integrated Cortex M3 processor that can be programmed similar to a conventional microprocessor and custom FPGA configuration is available. [rfq-icon]Request quote [info-icon]request info AAC Clyde Space Sirius TCM LEON3FT DATASHEET [satsearch_] A 130g OBC with 10 kRAD radiation tolerance and RTEMS real-time operating system that runs on a 50 MHz LEON3FT fault-tolerant soft processor, compliant to IEEE 1754 SPARC v8. The system has a power rating of 1.3 W & fault tolerance secured via triple-modular redundancy on FPGA and memory scrubbing. [rfq-icon]Request quote [info-icon]request info Magellan Aerospace FPGA-Based Reconfigurable Processing Platform [satsearch_] Developed with the support of the Canadian Space Agency, the Magellan FPGA-RPP is designed for highly elliptical and geostationary orbits, Lagrange points, and deep space interplanetary missions. Its architecture allows for the correction of radiation-induced single event upsets (SEU). [rfq-icon]Request quote [info-icon]request info Planetek Italia spacePDP - Space Payload Data Processing System DATASHEET [satsearch_] A structured framework designed to facilitate data processing, automatic data selection, and autonomous tasking in space. The system is composed of independent hardware and software modules along with a specifically designed IDE (Integrated Development Environment), including a user GUI (Graphical User Interface). [rfq-icon]Request quote [info-icon]request info SITAEL S.p.A. Integrated Payload Processing Module (IPPM) DATASHEET [satsearch_] Designed to offer a flexible, programmable and modular system that can operate as a single-board compact computer, suitable for a range of mission scenarios. The IPPM board has been designed for missions where several payloads share a common DPU (Data Processing Unit) and has a number of communications ports, combined with a LEON2 processor. [rfq-icon]Request quote [info-icon]request info DSI Aerospace Technology Payload Data Handling Unit (PDHU) [satsearch_] The Payload Data Handling Unit (PDHU) covers the complete processing chain of the data, from the payload instrument to the transmitter, and is well suitable for use in systems high data rates (up to several Gbps). The PDHU features high-density and high storage memory devices, in both SDRAM and Flash formats, and the system is suitable for storage and retrieval of payload data obtained by high-resolution instruments (e.g. SAR, Hyperspectral Cameras, etc.). [rfq-icon]Request quote [info-icon]request info AMERGINT Technologies Payload Processor/Recorder DATASHEET [satsearch_] A payload processor/recorder system that can process satellite payload data streams at a rate of up to 10 Gbps. It includes the capability to receive, process, store, playback, and transfer data, in image or alternative formats. [rfq-icon]Request quote [info-icon]request info Seakr Engineering Athena-3 Single Board Computer [satsearch_] A processing system, designed for both space payload and communication processing applications, that utilizes both commercial and radiation hardened components. The system has a PowerPC(r) e500 core and uses the VxWorks RTOS operating system, with the Linux RTOS also available as an option. It processes at 2450 DMIPS @ 1.066 GHz, and has 1 GB DDR2 of SDRAM memory and 1 GB of flash (upgrade to 4 GB optional). [rfq-icon]Request quote [info-icon]request info Seakr Engineering C&DH-Gen-2 [satsearch_] Seakr's 2nd generation Command & Data Handling system has a warm space redundancy configuration. It collects data from several spacecraft sensors and controls numerous attitude effectors, ustilizing a fully-compliant CCSDS Processor and Command Operation Procedures (COP). [rfq-icon]Request quote [info-icon]request info Seakr Engineering C&DH-Gen-3 [satsearch_] The 3rd Command & Data Handling system is a three slot 6U Box with a Power Supply Board (PSB), Input/Output Board (IOB), and a LEON Processor Card (LPC). It can process at 25 MIPS and has a power consumption of 14 W. [rfq-icon]Request quote [info-icon]request info Seakr Engineering Medusa Single Board Computer [satsearch_] The Medusa Single Board Computer (SBC) is SEAKR's fourth iteration of the PowerQUICC(r)-III high performance PowerPC Single Board Computer (SBC) product line. It features a PowerPC(r) e500 core delivering 2450 DMIPS @ 1.066 GHz, and is suitable for a variety of mission applications. [rfq-icon]Request quote [info-icon]request info Seakr Engineering Wolverine RF Processor [satsearch_] The Wolverine processor is a reconfigurable GEO Sat RF processor that uses 20nm UltraScale Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) and Analog-to-Digital/Digital-to-Analog (ADC/DAC) devices. It features 3 Xilinx(tm) UltraScale FPGA processors/modules, 4 RF inputs/outputs per module, and is scalable to 6 RFP modules. [rfq-icon]Request quote [info-icon]request info Seakr Engineering ReConfigurable Computer 5 [satsearch_] The fifth generation of SEAKR's ReConfigurable Computer (RCC(r)). Designed for space payload processing applications, it features 3x Virtex-5 FX-130T FPGAs, high speed SERDES I/O, and power consumption that is a function of the FPGA code utilization. [rfq-icon]Request quote [info-icon]request info Seakr Engineering ReConfigurable Computer 5 - CPB [satsearch_] A derivative of SEAKR's 5th generation ReConfigurable Computer (RCC(r)). Designed for space payload processing applications, it has an extended 6U cPCI module with PCI, GPIO, and SERDES interconnects. It also features 3x Virtex-5 FX-130T FPGAs, 3 GB DDR-II SDRAM, and is conduction-cooled. [rfq-icon]Request quote [info-icon]request info Seakr Engineering Application Independent Processor(tm) [satsearch_] The Application Independent Processor (AIP(tm)) is a flexible, modular processing platform that can be adapted to a variety of mission applications. It features an extended 6U CompactPCI and an RCC(r) FPGA Processor with Personality Mezzanine. The system has a 22 - 36 Vdc power supply (which is MIL-STD-461C compliant) and a spare 6U PCI slot. [rfq-icon]Request quote [info-icon]request info Seakr Engineering Hopping Dehopping Processor (HDP) [satsearch_] The Hopping Dehopping Processor (HDP) is single-point failure immune, and contains two power supply modules (PSM), each with a ~400 W per supply. It is suitable for beamforiming, specialized communications, RF signal processing, and other applications. [rfq-icon]Request quote [info-icon]request info --------------------------------------------------------------------- Thanks for reading! If you would like further help identifying a payload processor for your specific mission or service please click here to send us a query and we'll use our extended global networks of suppliers to find the information you need. Have you noticed that your company isn't included in this article? Simply send us an email today, and we'd be happy to work with you to showcase your products to the satsearch community! obc payload processors supply chain tech About the author Hywel Curtis Hywel is the Head of Marketing at satsearch, responsible for driving user growth, sharing insights into our work, helping satsearch members showcase what they do, and telling stories of interest for the global community we serve. Based in the UK, Hywel has a master's degree in physics from the University of Exeter and more than 10 years' experience in technical communications, strategy, and marketing for companies and projects in cutting-edge fields. related articles Blog home Mathieu Bailly 24, February 2021 Cybersecurity for smallsats - 5 key concepts explained Read more Hywel Curtis 16, February 2021 Smallsat and CubeSat GPS antennas and GNSS systems Read more Hywel Curtis 28, January 2021 A closer look at the Indian space industry Read more Listen to The Space Industry Podcast Subscribe to get an in-depth look at how companies across the world are shaping our path to the stars. [spotify-ic][apple-podc][google-pod][amazon-mus] subscribe to the community newsletter Subscribe to get updates about the state of the space industry delivered directly to your inbox. [ ] [Subscribe] I agree to receiving marketing content (read more)[ ] [ ] subscribe to the community newsletter Subscribe to get updates about the state of the space industry delivered directly to your inbox. [ ] [Subscribe] I agree to receiving marketing content (read more)[ ] [ ] join our community Find us in Slack where we talk about all things space. [slack-bn] satsearch Company BlogAbout usPrivacy policyTerms & Conditions For buyers Submit requirements For suppliers MembershipLeads Find us on (c) satsearch B.V., 2015 - 2021. All Rights Reserved. Privacy policyTerms & Conditions (c) satsearch B.V., 2015 - 2021. All Rights Reserved.