A Distributed Microcomputer Telemetry System for Spacecraft Applications

International Telemetering Conference Proceedings / November 14-16, 1978 / Hyatt House Hotel, Los Angeles, CaliforniaThree significant difficulties exist in using a set of microcomputers (or any computers) as an integral part of an on-board telemetry system. The difficulties arise in providing for: a) the precise timing required by a telemetry system, including accurate time-tagging of data samples; b) the interconnection of several (many) computers in a controlled, organized, understandable manner; c) the capability to allow computer controlled science instruments to operate relatively autonomously with minimum software interactions with other computers. The three items listed above are desirable features and are achievable with proper telemetry system architecture designs. This paper will address each of the three items and present an architecture that provides the desired features.International Foundation for TelemeteringProceedings from the International Telemetering Conference are made available by the International Foundation for Telemetering and the University of Arizona Libraries. Visit http://www.telemetry.org/index.php/contact-us if you have questions about items in this collection