Multimission Spacecraft Dataplexer

Abstract

A low power, small size, building block type of central data system has been designed for use in a number of explorer type missions. The Data Multiplexing Unit was designed to satisfy a wide range of requirements among the several spacecraft. The resulting design includes preprogrammed Read Only Memories (ROM's) to generate the telemetry format tailored to the particular mission requirements. The relatively small size and low weight and power dissipation attained was largely due to the use of PMOS technology. The addition of sub-commutators in groups adequate to meet the particular spacecraft requirements allows low data rate experiments to be time multiplexed into a single main input channel for a more efficient data collection and processing operation.