Description:
The CubeSatTOF mass spectrometer was selected to analyze the chemical composition of Earth’s upper atmosphere on board the student-driven Constellation of High-performance Exosphere Science Satellites (CHESS,
https://doi.org/10.1109/AERO53065.2022.9843791) mission. The CHESS mission is part of EPFL’s initiative to engage students in applied space projects. We designed it to solve a 40-year-old puzzle in atmospheric science using a mass spectrometer and a GNSS instrument. The mass spectrometer requires novel concepts for the data processing unit to allow for miniaturization, enabling this CubeSat-type mission.
The data processing unit of the CubeSatTOF instrument is currently in an early prototype stage. The aim of this project is to establish a fully functional data processing unit from scratch, making use of the existing boards within this multi-organization, ESA-supported project. The work will include designing concepts for operations and their implementation into the application software, the VHDL code, and the Electrical Ground Support Model (EGSE).
The design of the data processing unit is driven by the high-speed data acquisition electronics containing a high-speed ADC (1.6 GHz) interfacing the FPGA (JESD204c). To overcome the bandwidth limitations regarding data output, real-time signal processing is embedded into the FPGA, preferably including compression. Additionally, the design implements control of an ultra-fast high-voltage pulsar (200 V in 1 – 2ns). Additional work could include studying the application of AI/ML in the data acquisition process, if desired by the candidate.
Tasks: - Implement the concepts for the data processing unit in VHDL code and application software (python and/or C++).
- Conceptualize, develop, adapt, evaluate, and improve concepts for controlling of the periphery of the instrument and its electrical ground support equipment.
- Develop and archive the according documentation.
- Partner with software and electrical engineers, project management, and systems engineering on instrument / mission level to define the requirements of them.
Background and skills:
- Experience in the design of VHDL code is necessary, ideally with Xilinx (Vivado tools).
- The candidate has good programming skills in either python, C++ or both.
- Experience with RESTful APIs is considered as a bonus.
There is some flexibility to tailor the project goals to the expectations of the candidate. The work includes about 70% development of application of firmware and software and about 30% conceptualizing and end-to-end testing.
The work will be carried out at the University of Bern, leading the development of CubeSatTOF, with close interaction with the EPFL given the highly integrated mission design. You will be part of a dynamic, cross-functional team whose mindset enables the realization of state-of-the-art space instrumentation on major ESA and NASA missions. We provide insights into the complex world of developing space instrumentation and introduce you to strategies to master such challenges.