XI - 3 Space Testing of the Advanced Instrument Controller

An extremely compact, low-power instrument controller and data processor system has been developed for space-based applications. Known as the Advanced Instrument Controller (AIC), this hybrid device contains both digital and analog components in a package less than 5 grams in weight and 2 x 3 cm in size. Based on the Intel 8031/51 microprocessor and implementing a superset of the 8051 instruction set, the AIC supports 128k of SRAM, 128k of EEPROM, four 8-bit parallel ports, six serial communications ports, 32 analog 12-bit A/D channels, and eight D/A channels. Rugged (30k g) with a wide operating temperature range (-120 to +80 C), the AIC supports a number of power saving modes, nominally consuming <50mW with 0.5mW in standby sleep mode. A space experiment was designed to exercise the controller in a harsh environment. Flying on the small STRV-1d satellite, a joint US and British program, the experiment will collect data on AIC operation during 600+ minute highlyelliptical orbits which will expose the experiment to high radiation levels and possibly significant solar flare events. Scheduled to fly in spring 2000, STRV-1d will be commissioned for one year.