Joint Architecture Standard Overview Profile

Characteristics


Domain(s)
Space
System(s)
Satellite
Profile(s)
CH, COMM, EXP, PS, RP, SMAC

The table below describes the characteristics of JAS.

Characteristic Definition
Modularity Modular, scalable design capable of accommodating a wide range of applications, complexities and performance needs
Configurable Topology Flexible, node-based, topologically configurable architecture that can be easily sized, configured and optimized to meet connectivity and robustness needs of a broad range of applications
Node Building Blocks A set of common configurable and reconfigurable FPGA-based node module (building block) designs adaptable to interface with and support virtually any sensor suite
Standard Protocols Adherence to standardized serial interconnect protocols, including SpaceWire, Ethernet, Serial RapidIO and PCI Express
Rapid Development Common nodes and standard protocols reduce development time and optimize time to delivery
Universal & Transparent Communications Common communications protocols facilitate rapid integration of JAS nodes. Transparent inter-node communications: messaging between system elements as simple as writing and reading data to and from memory
General Purpose Processors Soft-core “general purpose” processors may be employed to meet a broad range of autonomous control and onboard data processing needs
Digital Signal Processors Soft-core Digital Signal Processors (DSPs) may be employed to meet high-speed signal processing needs
Radiation Hardened Processors Dedicated radiation hardened processors for applications that require reliability advantages over soft-core processors
Custom Logic Custom FPGA-based processing logic to meet special needs that are not well-suited to soft-core processor implementation
Memory Device-independent memory interface that anticipates future generations of memory devices
Host Platform Compatibility Flexibility to meet electrical, mechanical, thermal and data interface requirements imposed by host platforms at minimal cost
Redundancy Options Multiple redundancy options for optimizing reliability within SWAP constraints
Physical Configuration Flexibility for locating hardware in common or in separate enclosures to meet payload and host platform constraints
Reconfiguration “Hardware” reconfigurability and software reprogrammability for addressing design errors, on-orbit anomalies, design upgrades and other unforeseen circumstances
Power Management Network connected nodes with Point-of-Load (POL) converters allow spare nodes to be powered down until needed, isolate and power down failed node components, and allow for the reduction in power by taking selected nodes off line; and in concert with selectable clock rates minimize power drawn by operating nodes
Universal Support Test Equipment (STE) Availability of a common, COTS-based development and test tool set. Easy to test, power-on, self-test and COTS tester interfaces
Simplified Mechanical Designs Simplified mechanical designs based on standard building blocks and the potential for automated, parameterized designs
Ionizing Radiation Mitigation Supports multiple options for radiation effects mitigation (process, geometry, TMR, etc.)
Technology Endurance Core architecture designed to be compatible with and evolve with technology advancements
Rapid System Demonstration Provisions for rapid prototyping and early system development via standard modules and pre-qualified reference designs
Size, Weight and Power Reduced SWAP through more compact and capable FPGA-based modules, M-of-N redundancy, high-speed serial interfaces and other modernization
Reduced Cost Reduced cost through leveraging of industry standards, COTS hardware and software and IP, together with economies of scale achieved across projects at laboratories, interlaboratory collaboration and design sharing, streamlined development based on COTS tool sets and design re-use within and across systems and laboratories
Legacy Design Compatibility Easily interfaced to existing system architectures via one or more high-speed serial interfaces to form hybrid architectures for near-term solutions

Characteristics of JAS