SpaceWire Router Mk2S

The SpaceWire Router Mk2S is a routing device that provides the essential capabilities now demanded of SpaceWire test and development equipment. The SpaceWire Router Mk2S provides eight SpaceWire interfaces, the ability to act as a time-code master, support for high speed data transfer, the capability to inject various types of errors on demand, and comes complete with highly optimised host software support for low latency transmission of SpaceWire packets directly to and from the host PC.

The SpaceWire Router Mk2S hardware is supported by STAR-Dundee’s software stack, STAR-System, providing a consistent programming interface for accessing all STAR-Dundee’s most recent, and future, router and interface devices, including the STAR-Dundee PCI Mk2, cPCI Mk2, PCIe and Brick Mk2 devices. STAR-System provides GUI application software and, as well as being easy to use, these programs have many advanced features to offer the user flexibility and control over the device. For further operations a technical API is also provided with the SpaceWire Router Mk2S, which includes example code for test programs to help users get started. For more information on the included software and drivers, check the Document Details tab below for datasheets.

The SpaceWire Router Mk2S is functionally equivalent to the STAR-Dundee Router IP and the ESA radiation tolerant SpaceWire Router ASIC (AT7910E), available from Atmel, providing an excellent path to flight. The SpW-10X development kit is available here. The unit can be used as a stand-alone router and can also be fitted into a 19” Rack Mounting Kit available here, or with a 6U front panel available here.

Expanding on the 10 years of knowledge and experience gained with the original SpaceWire Router Mk2, the SpaceWire Router Mk2S has new features to enhance its capability and has been migrated to support STAR-Dundee’s powerful software stack; STAR-System.

NOTE: The SpaceWire Router Mk2S supersedes the SpaceWire Router Mk2. The software API is not compatible with the original SpaceWire Router Mk2 but adapting existing software should not be too difficult. If you are an existing user of the SpaceWire Router Mk2 and do require more of these devices for backwards compatibility, please contact STAR-Dundee.

Product Features

  • Improved interface mode

  • Independent data and configuration channels

  • On demand error injection

  • Link speed and state change event signalling

  • Support for STAR-System software stack

  • Provides a host PC with eight SpaceWire ports

  • Simple connection to PC via USB 2.0 interface, can also act as stand-alone unit

  • Contains 8 x SpaceWire ports, 1 x USB 2.0 port, 2 x external parallel ports, 1 x external time-code interface, 1 x internal configuration port

  • Non-blocking crossbar switch connects any two ports

  • High performance driver maintains high data rates from SpaceWire links directly into main memory of host PC

  • Set ports to operate at any rate (2Mbps – 200Mbps) within 0.1Mbps accuracy in Precision Transmit Mode

  • Occupies half a standard 19’’ rack (1U height)

  • 6U Front panels available

  • Software and accessories included:

    • Windows drivers (Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP)
    • Linux drivers (4.x, 3.x and 2.6 kernels)
    • User manuals (including hardware, software, and API)
    • USB cable (Type A to Type B)
    • Mains power brick with appropriate power plug
    • 1 year’s technical support and maintenance

Technical Specs

  • Part Number

    133

  • Size

    • 220 x 115 x 30 mm (approx.)

  • Power

    • +5V DC, mains power brick supplied

  • SpaceWire Ports

    • Compliant to SpaceWire Standard ECSS-E-ST-50-12C (formerly ECSS-E50-12A) and provides support for RMAP (ECSS-E-ST-50-52C)

    • Number of SpaceWire Ports: 8

    • Maximum Speed: 200 Mbits/s

    • Data-Strobe skew tolerance: tested on all units to ±3 ns at data rate of 200 Mbits/s

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

    • LVDS signalling: Using Xilinx LVDS

  • USB Port

    • USB 2.0 (480 Mbits/s)

  • EMC

    • CE/FCC Certified