Infrared communications for small spacecraft: from a wireless bus to cluster concepts

Suzanne C. Walts; Wolfger Schneider; Margaret A. Garrison Darrin; Bradley G. Boone; Philip J. Luers

doi:10.1117/12.438287

28 August 2001 Infrared communications for small spacecraft: from a wireless bus to cluster concepts

Suzanne C. Walts, Wolfger Schneider, Margaret A. Garrison Darrin, Bradley G. Boone, Philip J. Luers

Proceedings Volume 4395, Digital Wireless Communication III; (2001) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.438287
Event: Aerospace/Defense Sensing, Simulation, and Controls, 2001, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

Nanosatellites operating singly or in clusters are anticipated for future space science missions. To implement this new communications paradigm, we are approaching cluster communications by first developing an infrared (IR) intra- craft wireless bus capability, following initially the MIL- STD-1553B protocol. Benefits of an IR wireless bus are low mass, size, power, and cost, simplicity of implementation, ease of use, minimum EMI, and efficient and reliable data transfer. Our goals are to maximize the reliable link margin in order to afford greater flexibility in receiver placement, which will ease technology insertion. We have developed a concept demonstration using a high-speed visible-band silicon PIN photodiode and a high-efficiency visible LED operating at a data rate up to 4 Mb/sec. In designing an internal IR wireless bus, we have characterized various candidate materials, emitters, and geometries, assuming a single reflection. Thus, we have measured the bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) for five different materials characteristic of typical spacecraft structures, which range from nearly Lambertian to highly specular. We have fit our data to empirical BRDF functions and modeled the detected irradiance anywhere in the plane of incidence for a divergent emitter. We have also determined the angular limits on the link geometry to remain within the required bit error rate by determining the received signal-to-noise ratio for minimum values of irradiance received at the detector.

Citation Download Citation

Suzanne C. Walts, Wolfger Schneider, Margaret A. Garrison Darrin, Bradley G. Boone, and Philip J. Luers "Infrared communications for small spacecraft: from a wireless bus to cluster concepts", Proc. SPIE 4395, Digital Wireless Communication III, (28 August 2001); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.438287

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available