SpaceWire EGSE and Device Simulator Mk2

The SpaceWire Electronic Ground Support Equipment (EGSE) Mk2 is a test and development unit used for rapid SpaceWire instrument and equipment emulation. It is configured using a simple yet powerful scripting language designed specifically for SpaceWire applications. A script is compiled on a host PC before it is loaded into the EGSE Mk2 unit. Once configured, the EGSE operates independent of software resulting in real-time performance. This can be used to very quickly develop SpaceWire equipment emulations. Compared to writing equivalent software in a real-time operating system, the EGSE Mk2 can significantly reduce development time, risk and cost.

The SpaceWire EGSE Mk2 is controlled by a host PC, connected by a high-speed USB 3.0 interface, and is powered by a 5V power brick. It has two SpaceWire ports, four external SMB triggers and two MICTOR logic analyser connectors.

NOTE: The SpaceWire EGSE Mk2 supersedes the original SpaceWire EGSE. It now supports SpaceWire link speeds up to 400 Mbit/s (previously 200 Mbit/s); the on-board memory in which packet data is stored has been increased in size to 512 MB (previously 128 MB); and a USB 3.0 interface (previously USB 2.0) is now used to connect the unit to a host PC. Compared to the original SpaceWire EGSE, these improvements mean traffic can be transmitted and received at higher link speeds; a larger quantity of pre-defined packet data can be stored in memory; and compiled scripts can be loaded into hardware faster.

Product Features

  • Emulates traffic from SpaceWire instruments and equipment in real-time.

  • Transmits sophisticated sequences of packets with varying payload content, timing and data rates.

  • Stores pre-defined packet data in memory to emulate large payloads from high data rate instruments.

  • Monitors received packet streams, reacting to pre-programmed sequences.

  • Interacts with external hardware through external triggers, which can be used to trigger different packet sequences.

  • Interacts with host software via software events and the provided API to trigger packet sequences for real-time transmission.

  • Notifies host software of state changes and events.

  • Link data-signalling rates can be changed on the fly enabling close simulation of an instrument or other SpaceWire unit.

  • Supports time-code generation and can act as a time-code master.

  • Highly configurable using the powerful and intuitive scripting language that includes: packet definitions, variables, packet generation schedules, state machines and events.

  • 19” rack mountable (see 19″ Rack Mounting Kit)

  • Contains 2 x SpaceWire ports, 1 x USB 3.0 port, 2 x 40 pin MICTOR logic analyser connectors and 4 SMB connectors (3 trigger in, 1 trigger out)

  • Software and accessories included:

    • Windows drivers (Windows 10, 8 and 7)
    • Linux drivers (5.x, 4.x and 3.x kernels)
    • Compiler and loader command line applications
    • SpaceWire EGSE application with example scripts
    • C API with example code
    • User manuals
    • USB cable
    • 1 year’s technical support and maintenance

Technical Specs

  • Part Number

    312

  • Size

    • 110 x 30 x 112 mm (excluding feet)

  • Power

    • +5V DC, power brick supplied

  • SpaceWire Ports

    • Compliant to ECSS-E50-12A, ECSS-E-ST-50-12C and ECSS-E-ST-50-12C Rev.1

    • Number of SpaceWire Ports: 2

    • Maximum Speed: 400 Mbit/s

    • Connectors: 9-pin micro-miniature D-type

  • USB Port

    • USB 3.0

    • Backwards compatible with USB 2.0 and 1.1

  • EMC

    • CE/FCC certified