A High Data Rate Recorder/Reproducer

Abstract

A High Data Rate Recorder (HDRR) has been developed under contract with Engins Matra, France, to be used in the European Spacelab. Engins Matra is responsible for the design and testing of the Command and Data Management System (CDMS). The HDRR is part of the CDMS which performs on-board data processing, multiplexing and storage. The Spacelab is a primary payload of the U. S. Space Shuttle Orbiter. The HDRR interfaces with the Spacelab High Rate Multiplexer, which, in turn, provides the inputs to the Tracking Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) down-link system for transmission to the ground. The HDRR is capable of recording and reproducing at a maximum rate of 32 Mb/s. The total continuous record time allowed at this rate is 20 minutes. Thus a total of 3.84 x 10¹⁰ bits can be stored. The HDRR has a versatile command and data interface that allows for recording at any rate between 1 Mb/s and 32 Mb/s. Reproduction can be performed at 2 Mb/s, 4 Mb/s, and any rate between 8 and 32 Mb/s.